How to install Windows 11 cleanly? 1. First back up the data to an external drive or cloud service to ensure the security of important files; 2. Create a bootable installation media using a USB drive of at least 8GB; 3. Enter the BIOS to adjust the boot sequence to boot from USB; 4. Select "Custom Install" and select the target drive to start the installation. Follow these steps to complete the installation process.
Starting fresh with a clean install of Windows 11 can give your system a performance boost, remove clutter, and help resolve persistent issues. Whether you're upgrading from an older version or setting up a new drive, the process is straightforward if you follow the right steps.

Back Up Your Data First
Before doing anything, make sure your important files are safely backed up. A clean install wipes everything on the drive, so there's no room for error here.

- Use an external drive or cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive.
- Focus on personal files: documents, photos, downloads, and any app-specific data.
- Don't rely on just one backup method — use two if possible (like a local copy and a cloud copy).
This step might seem obvious, but it's easy to forget how much we store directly on the system drive. Take an extra hour to double-check what's being saved.
Create a Bootable USB Installer
To perform a clean install, you'll need a bootable USB drive with Windows 11 installed on it. Microsoft provides a tool called the Windows 11 Installation Media Tool that makes this simple.

- Download the tool from the official Microsoft website.
- Use a USB drive with at least 8GB of space (16GB is safer).
- Run the tool and choose “Create installation media for another PC.”
- Select your preferred language, edition, and architecture (usually 64-bit).
Once done, the USB will be ready to boot into the Windows installer. Make sure to label it clearly so you don't accidentally format it later.
Prepare Your System and BIOS
Some systems require small tweaks in the BIOS before they'll boot from a USB drive.
- Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, F10, F12, or Delete during startup).
- Look for a “Boot” tab and change the boot order so the USB drive is first.
- If you're installing on a newer machine, check if Secure Boot and TPM are enabled — some require these for Windows 11 compatibility.
Also, if you're replacing a drive or installing on a blank SSD, make sure it's properly connected and recognized in the BIOS.
Install Windows 11 Step-by-Step
Now that everything is set up, it's time to start the actual installation.
- Insert the USB drive and restart your PC.
- It should boot into the Windows 11 installer. If not, double-check the BIOS settings.
- Choose your language and click “Install Now.”
- When asked for a product key, you can skip this step unless you have one handy.
- Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
- Select the correct drive — be careful here! Double-check which drive you're formatting.
- Click “Next” and let the installer do its thing. This may take 15–30 minutes depending on your hardware.
After the install finishes, Windows will reboot a few times automatically. Once you reach the desktop, you can begin reinstalling drivers and your favorite apps.
That's basically all there is to it. It's not complicated, but it does require attention to detail — especially when choosing which drive to install on. As long as your data is backed up and your hardware is compatible, a clean install of Windows 11 should go smoothly.
The above is the detailed content of How to perform a clean install of Windows 11?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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