Windows 10: Windows 11 Upgrade vs Clean Install: Here’s the Difference

You must have heard people talking about a Windows 11 upgrade and clean installation. If you don't know the difference, this article is for you before you install Windows. We will explain the difference between an upgrade and a clean installation so you can choose right.

Upgrade vs Clean Install


An upgrade is switching from an old operating system to the latest one. During an upgrade, all files, programs, and settings are retained. On the other hand, a clean install wipes the drive clean and installs Windows 11 from scratch.

Why Choose an Upgrade?


An upgrade is simple because of the Windows 11 installation assistant. You do not lose any files and do not need to format your hard drive as well. You can even revert to the previous OS version if something goes wrong with the upgrade. The only disadvantage of an upgrade is Windows 11 tries and retains all files. This means useless and unused files are also left behind. This results in clutter and the new OS does not run as smoothly.



Why Choose a Clean Install?


A clean install allows you to install everything from scratch. You even get a clean registry. It eliminates all incompatible programs and helps resolve any issues or errors. The only disadvantage is you need to back up your files before installing Windows 11.

Which One Should You Choose?


Now that you know the difference between an upgrade and a clean install, you can make the right choice. Decide where your priorities lie and what's more important to you and choose accordingly.

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Clean Install Workaround for Vista

You may remember this news story on techPowerUp! a couple of days ago relating to the lack of clean installs when using the Upgrade Editions of Vista, which required an old OS to be installed. However, Paul Thurrott has managed to find a workaround for this issue, which ironically lets users do a clean install Vista without any previous version of Windows, albeit a little tedious. Here are the steps:

• Boot from the Windows Vista Upgrade DVD as normal
• When prompted for a product code, leave this blank
• Select the version of Vista you have purchased and let Vista install
• When you boot to your desktop for the first time, run the Vista setup from Windows
• This time enter your product key
• When asked whether you want to do an Upgrade of Custom install, select custom and choose a clean install
• Windows will now install for a second time and you should be able to activate it

Remember, these steps are only advised for use in order to achieve a clean install of Vista, it is only legal to use the upgrade editions if you have previously purchased the appropriate version of Windows.

Source: DailyTech

 

No More Clean-Installs for Vista Upgrades

When users were upgrading to Windows XP, the procedure was that users could simply insert their old Windows 98 or Windows 2000 CD at the appropriate time during a clean install without the need for the old OS to be installed at the time. However, Microsoft has decided to change this for Vista, and now requires a fully installed and activated version of your old OS already on the machine. This comes as an attempt to prevent illegal use of upgrade CDs, but could be inconvenient and time consuming when the time comes to reinstall. The new procedure for a reinstall is as follows:

• Install your old copy of Windows XP
• Activate it either online or over the phone
• Install Vista

Source: DailyTech

 

Windows Vista Clean Installation

To do a clean install on a fresh hard drive with Vista on an upgrade disc, you have to follow certain steps. Buying a full install CD would've been easier, but using the upgrade disc only adds more time, so it's not that big of a deal.

Follow the instructions here to do a clean install with an upgrade disc: Perform a Clean Install with a Vista Upgrade Disc - Windows Vista Tips / Tricks /Tutorials | Vista Rewired