Windows 10: Looking at doing a fresh install of Windows 10, don't have a disk

I updated my Windows 7 to Windows 10 back in 2015/2016. I am looking at installing some new hardware in my PC and it is recommended to do a fresh install of Windows 10. How do I do that if I never bought a disk or download from Microsoft?

:)

 

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

 

Fresh USB Windows 10 Install - Failing

I am trying to install a fresh copy (reformatted the hard disk) of windows 10 using a USB

• Created an installation media on a USB flash drive (Win 10 pro) from this page Download Windows 10
• Changed the boot order on the other PC so that it boots using USB
• Selected custom install
• Installing Windows goes through the following steps successfully: Copying Windows Files, Getting Files ready for installation, Installing features, Installing updates and before the last step (Finishing up), it restarts
• Then it goes back to the start of the installation steps

I am stuck and have read numerous posts but don't know what to do to install a fresh copy of Win 10.

 

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: