How to Reinstall Windows 10: 3 Easy Step-by-Step Methods

Download Article

Learn how to completely reset your Windows PC and start fresh

Co-authored by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: December 9, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Reinstalling from Settings
|
• Reinstalling from WinRE
|
• Reinstalling from USB or DVD
|
• FAQ
|
• Video

|Show more |Show less

If your Windows 10 PC is ready for a fresh start, or you're selling or giving it away, reinstalling the operating system is quite easy. You can reinstall Windows 10 from the Settings menu or in the Windows Recovery environment, both of which give you the option of keeping your data, apps, and settings if you'd like. If your PC is experiencing problems, you can reinstall Windows from a USB drive or DVD that you can easily create on any PC. Read on to learn the easiest ways to reinstall Windows 10.

Options for Reinstalling Windows 10

• The easiest way to reinstall Windows 10 is to do so in Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Get started. You can even keep your personal files if you'd like.
• If you can't access Windows, you can reinstall from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
• Alternatively, reinstall by creating an installation drive or disc and booting from it. You can make the installation media on any PC.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Reinstalling from Windows Settings

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Open your Windows Settings

   

   . To do this, press the Windows key on your keyboard (or click the Start menu), then select Settings. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + i.

   • This method will help you do a complete clean reinstall of Windows 10, which is helpful if you plan to give away or sell your PC.
   • You can also use this method to reinstall Windows 10 without losing any of your personal data. During reinstallation, you'll be prompted to choose whether to keep your files.
   • This is the easiest way to reinstall Windows 10.
   • If you can't access Windows, use the Reinstalling from WinRE method instead.
2. 
   2
   Click Update & Security. It's the two curved arrows on the Settings menu.
   Advertisement
3. 
   3
   Click Recovery. You will find this in the left panel.
4. 
   4
   Click Get started under "Reset this PC." A blue pop-up window will appear.
5. 
   5
   Choose whether to keep your data.

   • If you plan to get rid of your PC, are worried you have a virus, or want to make sure your computer is restored to its original factory settings, choose Remove everything to do a clean reinstall.
   • If you're reinstalling Windows 10 because it's not working well and you just want a fresh start, or if you want to make sure any preinstalled apps from the PC manufacturer are reinstalled automatically, you can select Keep my files to reinstall the operating system files without losing your files, apps, and settings.
6. 
   6
   Choose whether to do a cloud reinstall. In most cases, you'll want to choose Local reinstall. However, if you are worried you have a virus, or want to make sure you're getting the latest updates automatically, you can select Cloud download to download a fresh version of the operating system.
7. 
   7
   Choose additional options. On the "Additional settings" window, you'll see Change settings below the "Current settings" section. Click Change settings to view additional options.

   • If you choose to keep your files, select Restore preinstalled apps if you want to make sure all manufacturer-specific apps (like those installed by Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) are reinstalled automatically.
   • If you're deleting everything, you'll see the option to Clean data. Selecting this option will also reformat the drive so your files are truly deleted–this is the most secure option, but it can take much longer to do. If you plan to keep the computer, you can leave this turned off.
   • Click Confirm to save your changes.
8. 
   8
   Click Next. Windows will prepare to reinstall.
9. 
   9
   Click Reset to start reinstalling Windows. Windows will now begin reinstalling on your computer.

   • If you choose the Clean data option and have a large hard drive, the formatting process can take a long time–potentially hours.
   • If you're keeping your data or choose not to clean data on a clean reinstall, the reinstallation could still take a while, but likely just a few minutes.
   • During this time, your PC will restart one or more times.
   • Once Windows is reinstalled, you'll be prompted to select your region.
10. 
    10
    Set up Windows like new. Now that Windows is reinstalled, you will be asked to choose your region and keyboard layout, connect to the internet, and set up your PC.
Advertisement

Section 2 of 4:

Reinstalling from WinRE

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). This is a special mode you can use when you're having trouble accessing Windows. Here's how to get there:

   • Turn on your PC and wait for the Windows logo (or the manufacturer's logo) to appear on the screen.
   • As soon as the logo appears, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off.
   • Turn the computer back on.
   • Again, when the logo appears, press and hold the power button until the computer turns off.
   • Turn the computer on a third time. This time, don't turn it off–after a few moments, a blue screen that says "Automatic repair" will appear.
2. 
   2
   Click Advanced options. This takes you to the "Choose an option" screen.
3. 
   3
   Click Troubleshoot. It's the icon with a few different tools on it.
4. 
   4
   Click Reset This PC. The "Reset This PC" screen will appear.

   • On some Windows PCs, you will see a Factory Image Restore option here as well. If you select this option, you'll be reinstalling Windows from the original factory image, which means it will be restored to the way the manufacturer originally installed it. Keep in mind that if your PC originally came with an older operating system (like Windows 8.1), that's the version that will be reinstalled.
5. 
   5
   Choose whether to keep your files. If you want to completely reinstall Windows and remove all of your personal data, which is the best option if you're getting rid of your PC or worried you have a virus, select Remove everything. If you want to start with a fresh installation of Windows 10 but keep your personal files and software you've installed, select Keep my files.
6. 
   6
   Click Local reinstall. This ensures that Windows 10 can reinstall without downloading a fresh copy from the internet. You'll be able to update Windows once reinstalled to get any updates that have been released since the image was created.

   • Alternatively, you can select Cloud download if you want to download the latest version of Windows 10 with updates.
7. 
   7
   Choose additional options. If you choose the option to remove everything, you'll be asked if you want to Just remove my files or Fully clean the drive.

   • If you are planning to get rid of the computer–either by selling, giving it away, or disposing of it–it's best to choose Fully clean the drive to ensure your data is safely destroyed. This is the most secure option, though it can sometimes take a very long time, even hours, if you have a large drive.
   • If you are reinstalling Windows 10 for your own use, selecting Just remove my files is fine.
8. 
   8
   Click Reset. This reinstalls Windows on your PC. During this time, your computer will restart one or more times. When the process is complete, you can set up Windows as if it were new.
Advertisement

Section 3 of 4:

Reinstalling from Windows Installation Media

Download Article

1. 
   1
   Make sure you can activate the reinstalled version of Windows 10. This method will help you clean install Windows 10–deleting everything and reinstalling Windows from scratch. To do this, you can create an install disc or drive on any PC–even if you can't access Windows on the one you want to reinstall. First, if you can't access Windows, make sure you have your product key–it'll be in the packaging or on your receipt for your Windows 10 purchase. If you don't have a product key and can access Windows, follow these steps:

   • If you have a digital license, you should connect it to your Microsoft account before you reinstall Windows to avoid activation problems. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security, then click Activation.
   • If you see "Windows is activated with a digital license and linked to your Microsoft account," you are ready to reinstall Windows 10.
   • If you see "Windows is activated with a digital license" but nothing about a Microsoft account, link your Microsoft account now:
     • Go to Start > Settings > Accounts > Your Info, and make sure your account is logged in as an administrator.
     • If you see an email address above "Administrator," this is a Microsoft account, and you can activate it by going back to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, clicking Add an account, and signing in with your Microsoft account.
     • If not, you can create a Microsoft account if needed, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, and click Add an account to link it.
   • If you see "Windows is activated," use these steps to find your product key:
     • Press the Windows key and type cmd.
     • Right-click "Command Prompt" and select Run as Administrator > Yes.
     • Type or paste this command: wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
     • Press ↵ Enter, then write down your 25-digit product key.
2. 
   2
   Download the installation media creator from Microsoft. To create installation media, you will need a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space, or a blank DVD and a DVD burner. When you're ready, go to the Windows 10 download page and click Download Now to save the installer to your computer.

   • If you can't access Windows on the computer you want to reinstall, you can use any Windows PC to create the installation media.
3. 
   3
   Run the installation media creator. Once downloaded, you will find a file called "MediaCreationTool," followed by a number, in your Downloads folder. Double-click the file, then click Yes or Run to start the installation media process.

   • If you haven't already, insert your blank USB flash drive or blank DVD now.
4. 
   4
   Create the installation media. To create the drive or disc you'll be using to install Windows 10 again, accept the license terms when prompted, then follow these steps:

   • Select Create installation media for another PC and then Next.
   • Select the Windows 10 version you have and want to reinstall.
     • If you're not sure (and you have access to the PC you want to reinstall), you can find out by typing msinfo32 into the search bar and pressing Enter, then checking the "OS Name" field.
   • Choose whether you're creating a USB flash drive or ISO image (if making a DVD).
     • If you're creating a DVD, select Open DVD burner when prompted.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to create the installation drive or ISO image.
5. 
   5
   Enter the BIOS/UEFI. Because you will need to boot your PC using the installation media, you'll need to make a quick change in the BIOS/UEFI to make your USB drive or optical drive the first in the boot order. Here's how:

   • If you can access Windows on the PC, follow these steps:
     • Click the Start menu and select Settings.
     • Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
     • Click Restart Now under "Advanced start-up."
     • Your computer will reboot. When a blue screen appears, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings.
     • Click Restart.
   • Another option is to enter the BIOS by pressing the Setup key as soon as your computer reboots. The setup key varies by model–to find your setup key, see How to Enter the BIOS Using the Setup Key.
6. 
   6
   Make the USB flash drive or optical drive first in the boot order. Once you're in the BIOS, you can browse it using the arrow keys on the keyboard (and use the Enter key to make selections), or using the mouse on some versions. The steps to change the boot order will vary by model, but you'll usually need to find a section called Boot, Boot Sequence, or Boot Order (which may be buried in a section called Startup), then reorder the options so that the one you need is at the top.

   • If you're using a USB flash drive, the boot drive that needs to come first will usually be called something like Removable Drives, USB, USB hard drive, or similar.
   • If you created an installation DVD, the option is typically called CD/DVD, CD-ROM drive, or Optical drive.
7. 
   7
   Save your changes and reboot the PC. You'll typically be able to save your changes by pressing the F10 key, by selecting a Save and Exit option, or by pressing Esc and choosing the option to save your changes. Once you exit the BIOS, your PC will reboot, this time booting from your installation media instead of into Windows 10.
8. 
   8
   Select the option to Install Windows. You will see this option once your PC boots from the installation media.
9. 
   9
   Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows. Follow the prompts in the installation wizard to select your language and version of Windows. When prompted, log in with your Microsoft account to automatically activate Windows using your digital license. Alternatively, if you have your product key, enter it when prompted to start activation.

   • Once reinstalled, you can re-enter the BIOS and change the boot order back so that Windows will boot from your hard drive rather than recovery media.
Advertisement

Section 4 of 4:

FAQ

Download Article

1. 1
   How do you reinstall Windows 10 without data loss? When reinstalling Windows from Settings or WinRE, you can choose the Keep my files option to make sure none of your personal files, settings, or installed apps are deleted.
2. 2
   Will I lose everything if I reinstall Windows 10? Only if you reinstall using installation media or choose the Remove everything option when reinstalling. To avoid losing your data, reinstall Windows 10 from Settings or WinRE and select Keep my files when prompted.
3. 3
   How do you factory reset Windows 10 from BIOS? You can't reset Windows from the BIOS. If you can't access Windows, you can create a Windows installation drive or disc on a different PC, then boot from it on the problem PC to reinstall. For this to work, you'll need to enter the BIOS and change the boot order so that the USB drive or DVD drive is first in the boot order.
4. 4
   Why am I being asked to reinstall Windows 10 after using installation media? If you used an installation disc or drive to reinstall, you changed the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI to make the USB drive or DVD drive first in the boot order. If you keep the DVD or installation flash drive in the PC, it will continue to boot from it until you return to the BIOS and change the boot order to boot from the main drive first.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!