When you're planning a fresh Windows 11 install, a little preparation can save you time and effort later. From backing up important files to downloading drivers, having everything ready will make the process go much more smoothly.
5. Back up important data
Backing up your data is the most important part of a clean install. When you format your computer, everything on your primary storage drive is permanently erased. That’s the whole idea – starting from scratch. But of course you still need your important data.
Files to prioritize
Start by identifying what needs to be backed up. Most of us accumulate gigabytes of unnecessary files over time, and there’s no point in transferring these junk files to your new Windows installation.
First, let's focus on these important items:
Select backup method
Now that you know what you need to save, it's time to choose the right backup method. Each of the methods below has its own considerations regarding speed, cost, convenience, and security. Choose the method that best suits your needs; for maximum protection, it's okay to use both methods.
Windows Backup : Windows 11's built-in Backup app is the easiest way to back up your files, folders, and settings. To open the app, press the Win key , type Windows Backup , and then open the app from the search results.
Third-party backup software : Dedicated backup applications like Macrium Reflect , Acronis True Image , or EaseUS Todo Backup offer comprehensive solutions. These applications can create complete system images, allowing you to restore your entire PC to a previous state if needed. They also support incremental backups, encryption, and cloud storage integration.
Manually transfer files : Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. Connect an external hard drive or a large USB drive with enough free space, then manually copy the important folders to create a backup. This method gives you complete control over what gets backed up and makes it easy to access your files on a fresh Windows installation.
Cloud storage services : OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and similar cloud storage services are also great backup options. If you already use a cloud storage service, make sure all your important files are fully synced before proceeding with the fresh install.
4. Record the key information
Once you've backed up, make a note of all your product licenses, application information, and account credentials.
Drive encryption recovery key
Windows 11 includes two types of drive encryption: Device encryption (available on Windows Home) and BitLocker (on Pro and above). If you previously performed a clean install using a Microsoft account, encryption may have been turned on automatically.
To check if Device encryption is enabled on Windows 11 Home, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Device encryption . On Pro, check Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption .
Product key and software license
While Windows 11 automatically reactivates on the same hardware, other software may require manual reactivation. If you have unregistered software that requires a product key, collect it before doing a complete reinstall. Common product keys include:
Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is a free application that can retrieve product keys, which you may find useful.
Record installed applications
You can easily generate this list using a free third-party tool. Download UninstallView from NirSoft to see all the applications installed on your PC. Once opened, go to View > HTML Report - All Items to export the complete list. Save this file to a USB drive or cloud storage account.
You can then use the list to quickly reinstall Windows apps with the Winget command, or visit Ninite to create custom installers for popular software.
3. Prepare for installation
Once a full backup is made and important information is recorded, it's time to prepare the installation media and download the necessary files.
Create installation media
Your installation media is a bootable USB containing Windows 11, which allows you to install the operating system from scratch. You will need this media to perform a clean installation, as you are wiping your current Windows installation.
There are two main methods you can use to create a Windows 11 bootable USB. The easiest is Microsoft's Media Creation Tool , which will automatically download the latest version of Windows 11. If you want to get more advanced, try Rufus , which offers more options and control over the installation process.
Download essential drivers
Although Windows 11 includes basic drivers, downloading the latest versions beforehand will prevent connection issues after installation. Windows often installs generic drivers that work but may not provide the best performance.
Downloading the latest graphics card drivers is especially important here. The latest drivers can significantly improve gaming performance and display quality compared to the generic drivers that Windows automatically installs. Download these important drivers from your computer manufacturer's website:
Prepare the installation files
Create a folder after installation on the USB drive containing:
This preparation significantly speeds up the setup process after installing Windows.
2. Before starting a clean install
These final steps help prevent common installation problems and ensure a smooth transition to the new Windows 11 system.
Sign out of all accounts
To avoid activation and sync issues, sign out of all apps and online accounts. Some services limit the number of devices you can use at once, so signing out properly will ensure you don't hit this limit with a fresh install. Specifically, consider:
Verify Internet access
Make sure you have a stable Internet connection. Windows 11 requires Internet access during installation to:
Always carry your phone
Two-factor authentication has become standard for many services. During a clean install, you may need to:
1. Final Checklist
Before starting the installation:
After a clean installation is complete, save your new BitLocker recovery key immediately. The clean installation process will generate new encryption keys, rendering your old recovery key useless.
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Error code 0xc0000098 in Windows causes a blue screen error on startup. The ACPI.sys driver is often to blame, especially on unsupported versions of Windows 11 like 23H2 or 22H2 or Windows 10.
In some cases, sometimes you start your computer in Safe Mode and the computer freezes. So how to fix the error in this case, please refer to the article below of WebTech360.
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If the results seem slower than expected, don't be too quick to blame your ISP - mistakes when performing the test can skew your numbers.
In the article below, we will introduce and guide you to learn about the concept of QoS - Quality of Service on router devices.
Windows has a built-in Credential Manager, but it's not what you think it is—and certainly not a replacement for a password manager.
Microsoft charges for its official codecs and doesn't include them in Windows 10. However, you can get them for free without pulling out your credit card and spending $0.99.
While having trouble accessing files and folders can be frustrating, don't panic—with a few simple tweaks, you can regain access to your system.
After creating a USB boot to install Windows, users should check the USB boot's performance to see if it was created successfully or not.
Although Windows Storage Sense efficiently deletes temporary files, some types of data are permanent and continue to accumulate.
You can turn off Windows 11 background apps to optimize performance, save battery and reduce RAM consumption.
When a computer, mobile device, or printer tries to connect to a Microsoft Windows computer over a network, for example, the error message network path was not found — Error 0x80070035 may appear.
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