Windows 10: Windows 10 Fresh Install Freezing at Different points

I posted a BSOD thread yesterday where essentially after installing some MS and drivers and a Windows update, my computer literally became unusable. Eventually, I decided to just revert back to the default state so that at least the computer will be useable for work that I have to do. So I booted a USB with Windows 10 Creation Tool, went through all the steps of a fresh install, and got to the part where you need to setup your information.

Now normally in the previous times I’ve done this, the computer will just outright freeze at various parts of the process. Sometimes it’ll be after I select the keyboard layout, sometimes while it’s loading the information after selecting the network, sometimes when entering MS account details etc. Usually after ample amounts of restarts the installation eventually goes through and finishes up.

This time however, there’s been no sign of any progress being made to the installation. It keeps freezing at random points no matter how many times I restart it. It might be a BIOS issue but I don’t know where. BIOS is updated to the latest version (2606) maybe it’s a setting in BIOS I need to change? Idk I’m getting really annoyed with these errors and Windows 10 in general has just been wasting my time. I’d really appreciate any help on this.

:)

 

Is it time for Windows 10 already?

Here's a good step by step guide on doing a fresh install.

How to clean install Windows 10 from a USB drive - Software - Feature - HEXUS.net

 

Windows Vista Wont Install Freezes?

had the same problem, freezes and long installation including each step loading, in my case a bios update helped.

 

Does doing a fresh install make a difference

I've gone both routes...main PC fresh install.. main laptop upgrade. Kid PC1 upgrade, Kid PC2 fresh install. All are stable.

The upgrade creates a Windows.old directory it is supposed to remove after 30-days which is supposed to allow you to rollback, which seems to work best post-1511 in my experience.

I will say this, if you have better drivers and software installed that isn't supported natively in 10, you're better-off doing an upgrade to keep those features and drivers more intact. That I have found for some older hardware where the driver support stops at Windows 7 or 8.

In the days of yore, a fresh install was always preferred...but Microsoft has done a pretty good job of allowing in-place upgrades to actually be carried out with much greater success to the point on 10 I could really recommend going either way. If you like how your system is right now and want to give 10 a go, here's what I recommend.

• Download Macrium Reflect Free.
• Create a full disk image on a USB hard drive or spare hard drive. Create bootable media as well.
• Upgrade to Windows 10.
• Enjoy = Profit.
• Issues = Rollback, restore from image or fresh OS install. Now you have options and all of them lead to you not losing anything! *Big Grin

EDIT: I should add I've seen some experiences like @rtwjunkie states, so here's some more tips.

• Open CMD in Windows, run as administrator.
• Run CHKDSK against C:, if errors, perform repair, if not repairable, replace drive. If pass or drive replaced continue.
• Run SFC /Scannow, if issues not found or issues repaired, continue. If not, report back and I can assist with further commands to get your Windows 8 system back up to snuff.
• Verify drivers, system, programs stable. Perform disk cleanup, defrag/trim, etc. Remove unwanted junk.
• BACKUP your data before performing any major process like upgrading. This should be common sense, but many choose to ignore this and then greatly regret it.
• If OC'd, verify your system is stable or remove OC prior to upgrade process...this will reduce the chances of data corruption and upgrade failure, either of which could lead to a failed upgrade and no longer bootable OS.
• Run MBAM, Defender, whatever you have for AV to ensure your system isn't obviously infected prior to upgrading, see Sol's TPU AV guide if you need assistance.
• Once your system is clean, stable and smooth...go back to the list above this one and let us know how it goes!

*Toast :toast: