Reinstalling or resetting Windows: Step by step

In short: When Windows is slow or faulty, resetting or a clean reinstall often helps; beforehand important are a backup, licence and access data and an installation medium.

In more detail: After years, programs, leftovers and errors accumulate. A fresh start solves many problems. Plan one to two hours and back up everything important beforehand.

In Depth

Before starting

1. Back up documents, photos, browser bookmarks, game saves, email archives, licences (software keys), Wi-Fi passwords to an external disk or cloud.
2. Note accounts and licences: Microsoft account, Office, Adobe, game platforms; for Windows the licence is usually linked to the device/account.
3. Drivers and software list (Wi-Fi/LAN drivers from the manufacturer on a USB stick).
4. Charge/connect battery and power supply (laptops).
5. Know the BitLocker recovery key.

Option 1: Reset (simple)

Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC (Windows 11; on Windows 10: Update and Security → Recovery). Options: Keep my files (apps are removed) or Remove everything. The cloud download setting downloads a fresh Windows version. Advantage: no USB stick needed. Disadvantage: manufacturer software (bloatware) can return; with Remove everything additionally choose “Clean the drive” if the device is being passed on.

Option 2: Clean reinstall

1. Create an installation medium (Microsoft Media Creation Tool, USB stick from 8 GB).
2. Boot from the USB stick (boot menu: F12/F2/Esc/Del depending on manufacturer).
3. Choose language, “Custom: Install Windows only”, select partition and delete/format (careful: data loss!).
4. Wait for the installation, set up account (Microsoft or local), set privacy settings deliberately.
5. Run Windows Update, install drivers (manufacturer, chipset, graphics), keep Defender active.
6. Restore programs and data, set up backup. Windows often activates automatically if the licence is tied to the device/account.

Follow-up and tips

• Install only necessary programs, keep autostart lean.
• Updates, Defender, encryption (BitLocker), create a restore point.
• Check privacy settings (telemetry, advertising ID).
• With problems after reinstall: update drivers/BIOS, check hardware (SSD health).
• Alternative: Linux (for example Linux Mint) on old devices. Note on Windows 10: regular support ended in October 2025; for continued safe use switch to Windows 11 (if supported), check extended security updates or move to Linux.

See also: Windows 11, Creating a bootable USB stick, System restore and safe mode, Backup strategy