---
title: "How to Install Windows 10 or 11 from Scratch (Clean Install)"
description: "Follow the steps below to perform a clean install using official Microsoft tools."
url: https://help.thesoftwarekings.com/en/articles/20-how-to-install-windows-10-or-11-from-scratch-clean-install
collection: "Windows Installation Guides"
updated: 2026-06-09
language: en
---

# How to Install Windows 10 or 11 from Scratch (Clean Install)

Follow the steps below to perform a clean install using official Microsoft tools.

A clean installation of Windows 10 or 11 is ideal for:

-   Replacing an outdated system (like Windows 7 or 8)
    
-   Fixing performance issues or malware
    
-   Starting fresh on a new or formatted PC
    

Follow the steps below to perform a clean install using official Microsoft tools.

* * *

### 🛠 What You’ll Need:

-   A clean USB flash drive (minimum 8 GB)
    
-   A working PC to create the installer
    
-   Your Windows license key (from your email or account)
    

* * *

### ✅ Step-by-Step Guide

#### 🪟 **Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool**

Go to the official Microsoft website and download the Media Creation tool.  
  
Windows 10: [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10)  
Windows 11: [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11)  
  
Run the tool and accept the license terms.

* * *

#### 💾 **Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive**

Choose **“Create installation media (USB flash drive)”**, then follow the prompts.

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/Vowz4Wby2F2oT9PKlDJOSzIdYjKITq9CBGoPLHnQ5jsOvRd631S0tBEO8Y4GOTqSr08tUyL15zP.png)

-   Select the correct edition (Windows 10 or 11)
    
-   Choose your language and architecture (64-bit is recommended)
    
-   Insert your USB drive and let the tool create the installer
    

* * *

#### 🔄 **Step 3: Boot From the USB Drive**

Once created:

1.  Insert the USB drive into the PC you want to install Windows on
    
2.  Restart the PC and enter the BIOS/boot menu (usually F12, DEL, or ESC during startup)
    
3.  Select the USB drive to boot from it
    

During setup:

-   Choose **“Custom Installation”**
    
-   Format the primary partition (if needed)
    
-   Proceed with installation
    

* * *

### 🔐 Activation Tip:

You can enter your Windows product key during setup, or skip and activate later under:  
`Settings > System > Activation > Change product key`

![](https://staticfiles.gleap.io/ghelparticle/VRWkBnNXgsHLoAiSNJtiqmpxpXNFBz0qdqSOwIYiCpS7HwWA5SB9Q1RXnnwWJW4CqtWj7iFHoeD.png)