A Windows clean installation can erase all files, settings, and applications on a computer. This is an ideal option if you plan to sell your computer or pass it on to someone else. In this article, MiniTool Software provides a visual guide on how to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 21H1 on your machine.

How to Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 10 21H1?

Before selling your computer or handing it over to a friend, it's advisable to perform a clean installation of the operating system. This action removes all data, settings, and applications to safeguard your privacy. The new user can then utilize the device as if it were brand new.

So, how do you carry out a clean installation of Windows 10 21H1?

The Media Creation Tool for Windows 10 21H1 is a tool that can assist you in performing a clean installation or upgrading to Windows 10. You can also use this method to install the latest Windows 10 21H1 update on your device.

Here is a visual guide.

Illustrated Guide to Windows 10 21H1 Clean Installation

Step 1: Download the Windows 10 21H1 Media Creation Tool

First, download the Windows 10 21H1 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s Windows download website. It is a free tool that creates a Windows 10 21H1 ISO file.

1. Visit http://www.miracleart.cn/link/1bdb197430d132e1c98805deb596caf2.
2. Click the Download tool now button under Create Windows 10 installation media. The exe file will be downloaded onto your computer.

Step 2: Create a Windows 10 21H1 Installation Medium

Now, use the Windows 10 21H1 Media Creation Tool to create an installation medium. For this step, you need to prepare a USB drive with at least 8GB of space and connect it to your computer.

1. Double-click the tool to open it. When the User Account Control interface appears, click Yes to proceed.

2. When you see the following interface, click the Accept button to continue.

3. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.

4. Click Next.

5. On the next page, the language, edition, and architecture are selected by default. If you wish to change them based on your needs, you must uncheck Use the recommended options for this PC.

6. Click Next.

7. Select USB flash drive.

8. Click Next.

Tip: Alternatively, you can select ISO file to create a Windows 10 21H1 ISO file and save it on your computer. However, you would need an additional step to burn the Windows 10 21H1 ISO file onto a DVD for Windows 10 installation.

9. The connected USB flash drive will appear. Ensure it is selected. If it is not visible, verify the connection and click Refresh drive list to detect it.

10. Click Next.

11. The Windows 10 21H1 Media Creation Tool will begin downloading Windows 10 and then creating the installation media. Be patient until the process completes.

12. Once the process finishes, you will see the following interface. Click Finish to close the window.

Step 3: Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 10 21H1 from USB

Now, you can perform a clean installation of Windows 10 21H1 from the USB installation medium. Here is a comprehensive guide.

Note: A clean installation will erase all files, settings, and applications on your computer. If necessary, ensure you back up your data before proceeding.

1. Shut down your computer.

2. Boot your computer into BIOS.

3. Set your device to start with the Windows 10 USB medium.

4. When you see the Windows Setup interface, click the Next button to continue. However, if the default settings are not suitable, adjust them according to your requirements before clicking Next.

5. Click Install now.

6. If this is your first time installing Windows 10, enter the product key and click Next to continue. Otherwise, click I don’t have a product key to proceed.

7. You can find Windows 10 Home x64/x86 (all versions), Windows 10 Education

8. Click Next.

9. Select I accept the license terms to continue.

10. Click Next.

11. Since you want to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 21H1, select Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced) to continue.

12. Select the partition where the system is currently installed (usually, it is Drive 0) and ensure the partition has enough space (at least 10337MB).

13. Click the Delete button to proceed.

14. A small window will pop up, warning about the risks of deleting this partition. Click OK to confirm the deletion.

15. Select Drive 0 Unallocated Space.

16. Click Next.

17. After these steps, Windows Setup will begin installing a fresh copy of Windows 10 21H1 on your device.

If you no longer intend to use your computer and plan to sell it or give it away, you can stop here. The new owner can complete the Windows 21

The above is the detailed content of [Illustrated Guide] How to Clean Install Windows 10 21H1 on PC?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!