Windows 10 Format And Clean Install From CD/DVD [Tutorial]

Windows 10 ISO Files:

Note: This method follows a path that requires a genuine product key. This is NOT an upgrade path by selecting the Custom (aka Clean) option. If an upgrade is desired, at 2:33 in the video select the top option of "Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files, settings, and applications"

Doing a clean install is quite simple, as long as you make sure you have a valid license. Here’s what you need to do:

Back up all your data first! Doing a clean install erases everything on your hard drive—apps, documents, everything. So, we do not recommend continuing until you have backed up any and all of your data.

If you bought a copy of Windows 10, you will have a license key in the box or in your email. Grab this license key and have it on hand.

If you were previously a Windows 7 or 8 user, you are eligible for a free upgrade. However, according to Microsoft, you have to upgrade an existing computer to do so. So, even if you want to do a clean install, wait for the Windows 10 update to hit your computer, then install the upgrade first. It feels like a waste of time, but it’s the only way to ensure you you get your free license. Once you’ve done so, you won’t need a key—Windows will just “know” your computer from then on, even if you erase the drive. Just skip any prompts for license keys, and after installing Windows 10 it should activate itself automatically.

Update, November 2015: Microsoft has finally fixed this convoluted process, and you no longer need to upgrade a computer to Windows 10. before doing a clean install. If you’re installing the latest build of Windows 10, you can skip this step and follow the below instructions to do a clean install. When prompted for a key, enter your Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key to activate Windows 10.

Once you’ve acquired your license key or installed the free Windows 10 upgrade, head to this page and download Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. Launch it when it finishes downloading.

Select the “Create installation media for another PC” option and click Next (even if you’re using the computer on which you’re installing Windows 10).

Choose your language and edition of Windows. If you bought Windows 10, it’ll say which edition you have on the box or in your email. If you upgraded from Windows 7 or 8, you can check which version you have under Control Panel, System and Security, System.

Choose what kind of media you want to create. We recommend using a USB flash drive.

The Media Creation Tool will download and burn the installation files for you. When it’s done, restart your computer, keeping your flash drive plugged in.

Boot from your flash drive. You can usually do this by pressing F12 (or a similar key) at startup, then choosing your flash drive from the list that appears. If that doesn’t work, watch this tutorial for more options.

You should be greeted with the Windows 10 installer. Follow the initial prompts and, when given the option, choose “Custom: Install Windows Only”.

Select the hard drive you want to install Windows 10 on. If you aren’t sure which drive or partition it is, look for the largest one, or the one that says “Primary” in the right column—that’s probably it (but make extra sure before continuing, because you will erase that hard drive!)

Click the “Format” button. (If the Format button is grayed out, click “Delete”, then click “New”.) Press Next to install Windows on that drive.

Allow the installation wizard to guide you through the rest of the process.

There may be other methods that work (we’re still investigating), but this method worked well for me. Once you’ve installed Windows 10, just grab all your favorite apps and enjoy setting up your fresh machine!

This tutorial will apply for computers, laptops, desktops, and tablets running the Windows 10 operating system (Home, Professional, Enterprise, Education) from all supported hardware manufactures, like Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba, Lenovo, and Samsung).

[brandonespino]

My computer had a blue screen on it for more than a week. This helped me get it off. Thanks soo much!

[matiasthusberg]

Just build my first pc and installed Win 10. Thanks alot for the video, it was very helpful!

[rathdarasath]

I wonder if I set windows on partition that got an old ones, would does my old ones still have or not?

[maghfor]

hey why you blur the keys we need them

[dalefetalvero]

i just failed totaly at doing this at my subgect. thank god im redoing it. thanks bro. your saving my grades.

[keytesofessex]

Thanks so much.. the only video that actually helped

[supercritic]

Hi i'm really hoping you see this message. I'm trying to boot from the Windows CD as well but i always get stuck at 1:45 where its just a blue screen and nothing else. The cursor appears after a while but thats it. Any idea what might be causing this?

[Beast_]

Hey my pc turned off while installation and not its not turning on.

[deniseherud]

I have to do this tomorrow, so ty for the demo. I hope it installs all the drivers too....

[brianj]

Firstly thanks. Secondly thanks for speaking English. Question... i have windows 7 that upgraded to 10. I want to format 10 clean from disk. I bought windows 10. Where do i get the code and should i reinstall 7 and upgrade to 10??? Help

[rupert]

How do you span the install .iso over multiple CD-RWs in the first place?

[refikmehmeti]

can i use the same key from windows 10 and will my internet and sound drivers delete after this

[carlbarron]

This is a good tutorial fast and easy yet DON'T use express settings as MS Bogs your PC down with every app going.Must say never had so much trouble with any OS than this one. That's because they appear to corrupt the operating system with their seemingly untested so-called updates and so-called up-grades.

[Scaboobly]

Great video, ive just had the bad luck of apparently not having curl on my mac.

[Birticus]

when i do this, the windows logo appears but there is just a white, flashing horizontal line in the top left and nothing happens

[Napalmburns]

Thanks alot for the video! Just one question (i'm a complete dummy btw) If i choose format at the start. Does it format the ssd the before installing win 10? I'd like a fresh ssd with everything gone.

[chopztk]

Please help me. You didn't mention about the bios setting . I have change the boot setting from UEFI to Legacy ad UEFI would not Start installing the windows. Again even Legacy I am facing problem installing in disk the partition. It says it can't Install as it is GPT. Reply soon.

[Uhhhhhhhh.....]

Bro will this work if we don't have any operating system?

[RC-ffnx]

It won’t load the CD but it does have a reaction to it, takes longer to load up no hard disk found screen... any ideas?

[saprofite]

does it work with any computers that has a different operation system from Windows? I have a computer with Endless operation system and i want to switch it up to Windows