How to Reinstall Windows on the Same PC

Need to wipe your PC and start fresh? Reinstalling Windows on the same device is easy — and as long as you’ve already activated your license on that machine, it will usually reactivate automatically after reinstall.

Here’s how to do it safely and correctly.

When to Reinstall Windows

• Your PC is running slow or unstable

• You want to remove viruses, bloatware, or unnecessary apps

• You’ve upgraded your hardware (except motherboard)

• You're fixing corrupted system files or registry issues

What You’ll Need:

• A Clean USB flash drive (8GB+)

• The official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft

• Your Windows license key (optional if already linked)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool

Visit Microsoft’s website:

Windows 10:
https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

Windows 11:
https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

Download and run the Media Creation Tool.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB

Select “Create installation media for another PC”

Choose your language, edition, and architecture (64-bit is most common)
Insert your USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to create installation media.

Step 3: Boot From the USB Drive

1. Plug the USB into your computer

2. Restart and enter the boot menu (usually F12, ESC, or DEL during startup)

3. Select your USB drive to boot from

Step 4: Choose “Custom Install”

• Select the main Windows partition

• Click Format ( this will erase your data — back up anything important)

• Continue with the installation

Will I Need to Enter My Product Key Again?

• If Windows was previously activated and linked to your device:
  It will automatically reactivate after the reinstall.

• If not linked, or using a retail key:
  You may need to re-enter your product key:
  Settings > System > Activation > Change product key
  

  

After Reinstalling

• Install Windows updates

• Reinstall your programs

• Restore your files from backup