To clean install Windows 10 from a USB drive, follow these steps:
1. Backup your data: Before performing a clean installation, make sure to back up all your important files and data to an external storage device or cloud storage.
2. Create a Windows 10 installation USB: Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website. Run the tool and select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.” Choose the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) that matches your system. Select “USB flash drive” as the media to use, and follow the on-screen instructions to create the installation USB.
3. Insert the USB drive: Insert the USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 10.
4. Boot from the USB drive: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, or Del) during startup. In the BIOS/UEFI settings, locate the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section and set the USB drive as the first boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
5. Install Windows 10: Your computer will now boot from the USB drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. When prompted, choose “Custom installation” and select the drive where you want to install Windows 10. Be careful not to overwrite any important data on other drives.
6. Activate Windows 10: After the installation is complete, connect to the internet and Windows will automatically activate if you have a valid license. If not, you can enter your product key during the installation process or later in the Settings menu.
7. Install drivers and software: Once Windows 10 is installed, you may need to install drivers for your hardware components, such as graphics card, sound card, and network adapter. You can download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website. Additionally, install any necessary software and applications.
Remember to reinstall any necessary programs and restore your backed-up data to complete the clean installation process.