Windows 10: Do you reformat ssd prior to clean isntall of 10

Sorry if this is basic...but just trying to avoid any unnecessary issues. I am using Brinks "Clean Install" tutorial via a usb stick for Win 10. Have everything prepared. Question is...Will the iso file on the usb reformat my current SSD with licensed Win 7 Pro 64bit system installed ? Or do I need to reformat the SSD prior to using the USB to clean install Win 10 Pro 64bit ?

I have multiple images of my Win 7 Pro and will probably set up a dual boot down the road...but want to be sure I don't goof here in step 1.

Will the Win 10 Pro 64bit iso file from Brinks tutorial auto format the existing SSD with Win 7 on it now when I launch it from the usb drive...or should I manually reformat the SSD first ?

Thanks...TiminAz

:)

 

Installed Window 10 Pro on a ASUS U56E that had Windows 10 Home

I tried to do a clean install of Win 10 Home w/o reformatting the SSD but I kept getting to an install page for Win 10 Pro.

That is why I thought I might have to reformat the SSD.

So do I need to reformat the SSD first or is there some other way to install Win 10 Home?

Thanks!

 

Migrating to a SSD - clone or fresh install?

I bought a PC with Windows 7 pre-installed on a HDD. A few months ago I upgraded to Windows with no problems.

Now I would like to replace my HDD with a SSD. I would prefer to do a clean install, but I'm worried about activation. Can I use my current code/product key for a clean Windows 10 install on the SSD? Or should I clone the HDD image instead?

If I can do a clean install, where can i find the Win 10 iso to do the isntallation with?

 

This is what one of our members recommends....see if this helps you.
If you want a completely clean install, boot from the Window 10 USB, select the custom install option, delete all the partitions on the SSD and just install to the unallocated space.

If you have not had Windows 10 on that computer before, don't forget to have a method available to activate Windows 10 after installing. I prefer to run gatherosstate.exe and save the genuineticket.xml as a backup just in case entering a Windows 7/8/8.1 product key fails to activate.

 

I do what OldMike65 listed in his first response. I delete all partitions except my Data partition. I keep my user folders such as documents, pictures, etc on a separate drive or partition. Windows will create any and all the system partitions it needs automatically in the unallocated space. No compromises have to be made and no left overs. It's as good as it gets.

 

Hi there

best way to "Reformat" an SSD is to use CMD PROMPT as administrator

1) DISKPART
2) LIST DISK
3) SELECT DISK xxx where xxx is the Disk nr of the SSD
4) CLEAN
5) CREATE PARTITION PRIMARY
6) ACTIVE
7) FORMAT FS=NTFS QUICK

now exit and your SSD is ready for installing Windows
(If you want UEFI partition -- GPT) then do 8) CONVERT GPT

Cheers
jimbo

 

I disagree. Select Custom Install - delete any partitions listed on the drive you want a clean install to, select the unallocated space and let Windows 10 create the partitions.

 

Either way will work fine. If you are old fashioned, like me, I like the diskpart. But have done it both ways and either will work just as well.

 

Listen to NavyLCDR this man knows!! *Thumbs

 

OK...thanks all...upgrade/clean install underway...one other question...in the first screen or so...it asked to check for updates...I said yes but the updates window seems to keep running and running...is this normal and how long should I wait for the checking for updates to finish ?

TiminAz

 

That part can seem to take forever. Just let it be. If you try to kill it, you'll likely have more problems than you expect.

 

Hate to be slightly contrary, but to maintain the SSD performance, use the manufacturers software to do a secure erase. This cleans out all the NAND's and restores the SSD to "like new" performance. You can then use the Windows utilities to create partitions etc.


A secure erase is very different than a format or repartitioning.

 

I do a complete data wipe, format and repartition of the drive. Clean install needs a completely clean drive. IMO.

 

Clean Install Windows 10 Directly without having to Upgrade First - Page 18 - Windows 10 Forums

Solved Help, Windows 10 Pro not able to create install partition. - Page 4 - Windows 10 Forums

 

Hi there

sorry to labour the point -- I think if you do it this way then if the SSD is an MBR disk then you won't get the UEFI boot of W10.

With Diskpart you can convert the MBR HDD / SSD to GPT before starting any Windows install.

Up to you --these days on modern computers and laptops I prefer having all my HDD's and SSD's as GPT drives.

Note -UEFI is not the same as secure boot which is something else entirely.

Cheers
jimbo