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How to Create a Bootable USB to Clean Install Windows 10 or Windows 11 (2025 Guide)

If you’re experiencing persistent Windows issues—even after trying all recommended troubleshooting steps—a clean installation of Windows 10 or Windows 11 might be your best solution.

This guide walks you through creating a bootable USB installation media and performing a clean install of Windows.

Part 1: Create a Windows 10/11 Bootable USB Drive

What You’ll Need

  • A blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space
    ⚠️ All data on the USB will be erased
  • A stable internet connection
  • A Windows PC with administrator access

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Plug in the USB flash drive
    Make sure it’s empty or back up any important data first.
  2. Go to the official Microsoft download page:
  3. Click “Download tool now” under the version you need. Run the downloaded tool.
  4. When the tool launches, accept the license terms.
  5. On the “What do you want to do?” screen, select
    Create installation media for another PC, then click Next.
  6. Choose your language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit).
    Uncheck “Use the recommended options for this PC” if you want to customize.
  7. Select USB flash drive as the media type, then click Next.
  8. Choose your USB drive from the list and click Next.
  9. The tool will download and create the bootable USB.
    💡 Make sure your PC stays powered on and online until it’s done.
  10. Once finished, click Finish and safely eject the USB.

Part 2: Clean Install Windows from the Bootable USB

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the PC you want to reinstall Windows on.
  2. Restart the PC and access the boot menu:
    • You may need to press F2, F10, F12, ESC, or DEL right after turning it on.
    • Choose the USB drive from the boot options.
      🔒 Secure Boot Warning: If your PC doesn’t boot from USB, you may need to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS or UEFI settings. Check your manufacturer’s site for instructions.
  3. Once the PC boots from USB, the Windows Setup screen will appear.
  4. Choose your language, time, and keyboard layout, then click Next.
  5. Click Install now.
  6. Accept the license terms and click Next.
  7. On the next screen, choose:
    Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced)
  8. Select the Primary Partition, then click Next.
    • Alternatively, delete all partitions (be careful!) until you only see “Unallocated Space,” then click Next.
    • ⚠️ Unplug any external drives before deleting partitions to avoid mistakes.
  9. Click OK if prompted with a warning about existing files (they’ll be moved to Windows.old).
  10. Windows will begin installing.
    🔌 Unplug the USB drive right after the first restart.
  11. After installation, complete the initial setup (language, region, user account, etc.).

Final Steps: Post-Installation Setup

  1. Once you’re on the desktop, go to:
    Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates
  2. Install all available Windows updates and drivers.
  3. Optionally, visit your PC manufacturer’s website to download any missing or recommended drivers (e.g., graphics, audio, chipset).

Important Notes

  • Back up your files before starting a clean install.
  • A clean install will remove all apps and files on the system drive.
  • For recovery, your files from the previous installation may be stored in a folder called Windows.old.

Learn how to create a Windows 10 or 11 bootable USB drive and perform a clean install. Step-by-step guide updated for 2025 with links, BIOS tips, and post-install steps.

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