How to reinstall Windows 10

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Knowing how to reinstall Windows 10 tin exist extremely useful for a variety of reasons. Perhaps your Windows device isn't functioning correctly and you need to return information technology to its original state, or maybe yous're selling or giving abroad your device and desire a clean installation before departing with it.

Thankfully, Microsoft has made the chore of reinstalling Windows x extremely straightforward past building the feature into the operating system itself. That said, the reinstallation process can be fairly lengthy, so brand sure you've set aside plenty of time and don't need immediate access to your device.

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While the process outlined below won't remove your personal files, we withal strongly recommend creating a backup beforehand. Either use a USB storage device or a cloud-based fill-in such as OneDrive. The reinstallation process should continue your personal files on your Windows ten device intact, but it's worthwhile having a backup simply in case something goes wrong.

With your backup created, there's null left to do other than begin the reinstallation process. Follow the walkthrough below to learn how to reinstall Windows ten.

How to reinstall Windows 10

1. Open the Windows Security app. The easiest way to access the Windows Security app is to search for it in the search bar on the bottom left corner of your screen.

2. Once y'all've opened the Windows Security app, select Device performance & health from the left-manus list. If you lot have trouble locating it, it should be second from the lesser.

three. Underneath the "Fresh starting time" heading there should be a push button labeled "Get started." Press the "Become started" button to begin the Windows x reinstallation process.

how to reinstall Windows 10 — menu — (Image credit: Microsoft)

4. Next, y'all'll meet a series of warnings that explain the reinstallation procedure to yous and will ask yous to confirm y'all are happy to go along. Select "Next" on these popups.

v. Windows will at present warn you which apps and programs volition be removed during the installation procedure. Confirm yous're happy for these apps to be removed. If yous still want them on your device later, brand sure you have a backup beforehand.

six. Allow the latest version of Windows 10 to be downloaded. In one case yous've clicked through all the warning popups, your device volition begin to download the latest version of Windows 10. This tin take a while if you have a slower internet connection.

7. Once the download is complete you will get a notification that Windows is ready to exist reinstalled. Follow the instructions on screen to brainstorm the reinstallation process. Go out your device to complete the procedure; information technology may restart two or iii times.

8. Once the reinstallation is complete, your device will revert back to the land information technology was in upon initial startup. Follow the prompts on the login screen and you'll be taken to a fresh desktop.

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Rory is a staff author at Tom's Guide based in the UK. He covers a broad range of topics including tech news, deals, gaming, streaming and more. When he's not writing hot takes on the latest gaming hardware and streaming shows, he tin can exist found watching a deadline unhealthy corporeality of movies and being thoroughly disappointed past his terrible football team.