Whatever the reason, Microsoft offers several ways to perform a clean install of Windows 10, including using a USB flash drive to set up the installation on an SSD (Solid-State Drive). Or you can use this option to delete all preloaded bloatware from the manufacturer image on a new computer. If you have had the same installation for a long time, this process can also help fix performance issues, problems shutting down and starting up, memory, and apps. Also, a clean installation is the process of choice to upgrade from an older version like Windows 7 or 8.1. The reason is that this method allows you to erase the hard drive and start with a fresh copy of Windows 10 without custom settings, drivers, apps, or files that may interfere with the upgrade process.

Also, you can do a clean installation of Windows 10 with the Media Creation Tool, Reset this PC feature, Advanced startup, or ISO file.Ī clean install of Windows 10 is recommended for upgrading to the latest operating system version.

To clean install Windows 10, boot PC with a USB bootable flash drive, continue with on-screen directions, skip activation, and select the “Custom” option. Then select the installation drive, click “Next,” and finish the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE).

Note that this is true even though PC cleaning apps fix “registry errors” while the Disk Cleanup app doesn’t, which shows just how unnecessary registry cleaners are. It will also delete temporary files for other programs - CCleaner alone does much more than these PC cleaning apps do.Ī test performed in 2011 by Windows Secrets found that the Disk Cleanup tool included with Windows was just as good as paid PC cleaning apps. If you must, use the free CCleaner, which has the best-tested registry cleaner out there. This isn’t necessary if you use a solid-state drive. Run the Disk Defragmenter included with Windows.Clear your browser history or - even better - set your browser to automatically clear its history when you close it if you don’t want to store a history.

You can even schedule a Disk Cleanup to clean your computer automatically. Just tap the Windows key, type Disk Cleanup, and press Enter to launch it. It’s focused on freeing up space on your hard drive, but it will also delete old temporary files and other useless things. Run the Disk Cleanup tool included with Windows.

Let’s say you want to clean your PC just like a PC cleaner would.

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