Formatting a PC and installing a new Windows operating system can be a daunting task for some users. However, with the right instructions and tools, it can be a straightforward process. This article will guide you through the steps to format your PC and install a new copy of Windows.
Note: Formatting your PC will delete all your data on the hard drive. Make sure to backup all your important files before proceeding with these steps.
To format a PC and install a new Windows operating system, follow these steps:
Create a Windows installation media:
You will need a USB drive or DVD with the Windows installation media. You can download the installation media from the Microsoft website and create a bootable USB drive or DVD using the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.
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Boot from the Windows installation media:
Insert the USB drive or DVD into your computer and restart it. Press the key to enter your computer’s BIOS settings and set your computer to boot from the USB drive or DVD.
Install Windows:
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows. Choose your preferred language and keyboard layout, and select “Custom Install” when prompted. This will allow you to format your hard drive and install a new copy of Windows.
Format the hard drive:
When prompted to choose where to install Windows, select the partition that contains your current Windows installation and click “Delete.” This will delete all the data on the selected partition. Then, select the unallocated space and click “New” to create a new partition to install Windows on.
Complete the installation:
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. You will need to enter your product key and set up your user account.
Install drivers and software:
After Windows is installed, you will need to install drivers for your hardware components, such as your graphics card, sound card, and network adapter. You can download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website. You will also need to install software and applications that you use regularly.
Restore your backed-up files:
After you have installed all your necessary software and applications, you can restore your backed-up files from the backup drive or location.
Congratulations, you have successfully formatted your PC and installed a new copy of Windows!