How to Perform Windows Clean Install

Thinking about giving your computer a fresh start? A clean install of Windows on an SSD (Solid State Drive) is one of the best ways to boost your system's performance and reliability. But what exactly is a clean install, and why should you do it on an SSD?

A clean install means wiping your hard drive clean and installing a fresh copy of Windows. This process removes all existing data, software, and settings, ensuring no remnants of old files or bloatware interfere with your new system. Doing this on an SSD, which is faster and more efficient than a traditional hard drive, can significantly improve your computer's speed and responsiveness.

Preparing for the Clean Install Windows

Before diving into the installation process, some crucial preparation steps will ensure everything goes smoothly.

Backing Up Your Data

First things first, back up your data. A clean install will erase everything on your drive, so save important files, photos, and documents to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Use tools like Windows Backup, OneDrive, or third-party software to ensure nothing important is lost.

Gathering Necessary Tools

Next, gather the tools you'll need. These include:

• A USB flash drive (at least 8GB)
• A reliable internet connection
• Your Windows product key

Downloading Windows Installation Media

Head to the Microsoft website and download the Windows Media Creation Tool. This tool will help you create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation files. Follow the instructions to get your USB ready.

Choosing the Right SSD for Windows Clean Install

Not all SSDs are created equal. Picking the right one can make a big difference in performance.

SSD Types Explained

There are two main types of SSDs: SATA SSDs and NVMe SSDs. SATA SSDs are more affordable and offer a significant speed boost over traditional hard drives. NVMe SSDs are faster but can be more expensive.

Factors to Consider

When choosing an SSD, consider the following:

• Capacity: How much storage do you need?
• Speed: NVMe drives are faster but more expensive.
• Price: Find a balance between performance and cost.

Setting Up BIOS/UEFI

Before you can install Windows, you'll need to configure your BIOS or UEFI settings.

Accessing BIOS/UEFI

Restart your computer and press the key (usually F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) displayed during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup.

Configuring Boot Order

In the BIOS/UEFI settings, change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive over the internal drive.

Enabling AHCI Mode

Ensure AHCI mode is enabled for better SSD performance. This setting is usually found under the "Advanced" or "Storage" section.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

Creating a bootable USB drive is essential for installing Windows on your SSD.

Tools You Need

You'll need a USB flash drive and the Windows Media Creation Tool, which you should have downloaded earlier.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Insert your USB drive.
2. Open the Windows Media Creation Tool.
3. Select "Create installation media for another PC."
4. Choose your language, edition, and architecture.
5. Select "USB flash drive" as your media type.
6. Follow the prompts to create your bootable USB drive.

Starting the Clean Install Process

Now that you have your bootable USB drive ready, it's time to start the installation process.

Connecting the Bootable USB

Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer.

Booting from USB Drive

Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. You might need to press a key (like F12) to bring up the boot menu.

Installing Windows on SSD

With your computer booted from the USB drive, you can start the Windows installation.

Partitioning the SSD

During the installation process, you'll reach a point where you need to choose where to install Windows. Delete any existing partitions on the SSD to start fresh, then create a new partition for the installation.

Choosing the Installation Type

Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" to perform a clean install.

Completing the Installation

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Your computer will restart several times during this process.

Alternative to Install Windows on SSD without losing data

It is advisable to employ reputable OS migration software for assistance, rather than the manual technique, which is risky, when updating your entire computer drive or migrating Windows 10 OS to the new SSD. This is the most suitable option for those who are unfamiliar with PCs. In addition, what if you simply wish to install Windows 10 on an SSD from the current hard drive, rather than reinstalling everything from the beginning?

Alternatively, you may not possess the appropriate USB flash drive or CD for the installation of Windows 10. The most straightforward method of migrating your current Windows 10 operating system from an HDD to an SSD is to employ third-party software to transfer the OS from your old drive to the new SSD. This eliminates the necessity of reinstalling the operating system, which alleviates a significant amount of stress.

Here, we recommend AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional that supports migrating Windows 10 between MBR disk and GPT disk within clicks. More than this, this software is also able to clone hard drives, clone partitions, and wipe disk.

Warning:
If you migrate OS from MBR to GPT or GPT to MBR, you must change the boot mode (either from Legacy BIOS to UEFI or from UEFI to Legacy BIOS) to let the OS boot normally. 

Step 1. Connect your new SSD to your PC.

Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional; click "Clone" > “Migrate OS” in the toolbar.

Step 2. Choose target space.

Select a piece of unallocated space on your target SSD. Then, hit “Next”.

Step 3. Adjust partition size.

Here, you’re able to customize the size of the partition on the destination disk. After it’s done, hit “Next”.

Step 4. Apply your operation.

After returning to the main interface, click on “Apply” on the upper left and hit “Proceed” to start the migration.

Step 5. Reboot your computer.

After it’s completed, you should boot your computer from the destination SSD.

If you want to transfer all data (not only the operating system partition but also other data partitions) from the old drive to the new SSD, please consider trying the feature of disk clone.

Post-Installation Steps of OS install

Once Windows is installed, there are a few more steps to get everything set up.

Installing Drivers

Install the necessary drivers for your hardware. You can usually find these on the manufacturer's website or use Windows Update.

Updating Windows

Run Windows Update to ensure your system has the latest security patches and features.

Restoring Data

Restore your backed-up data from your external drive or cloud storage.

Optimizing SSD Performance after Windows Clean Install

To get the most out of your SSD, perform these optimizations.

Disabling Indexing

Indexing can slow down SSDs. Disable it by right-clicking the drive, selecting "Properties," and unchecking "Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed."

Enabling TRIM

TRIM helps maintain SSD performance. It’s usually enabled by default, but you can check it by running the command "fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify" in Command Prompt. If it returns "0," TRIM is enabled.

Moving User Folders

Move your user folders (Documents, Downloads, etc.) to a secondary drive if you have one to save space on your SSD.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are common issues and how to fix them.

SSD Not Detected

If your SSD isn't detected, ensure it's properly connected and the BIOS/UEFI settings are correct.

Installation Errors

If you encounter errors during installation, try using a different USB port or creating the installation media again.

Maintaining Your SSD

Regular maintenance can extend the life of your SSD.

Regular Backups

Continue to back up your data regularly to prevent data loss.

Monitoring SSD Health

Use tools like CrystalDiskInfo to monitor your SSD’s health and performance.

Conclusion

Performing a clean install of Windows on an SSD can breathe new life into your computer, providing faster boot times, quicker application launches, and overall improved performance. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth installation process and get the most out of your SSD.

FAQs about Windows clean install

What is the difference between a clean install and an upgrade? A clean install removes all existing data and installs a fresh copy of Windows, while an upgrade retains your files, settings, and applications.

How often should I perform a clean install on my SSD? A clean install isn't necessary on a regular basis. Consider doing it if your system is sluggish, infected with malware, or experiencing significant issues.

Can I use the same product key for a clean install? Yes, you can use the same product key for a clean install, provided it’s the same version of Windows.

What should I do if my SSD isn't recognized during installation? Ensure the SSD is properly connected, the BIOS/UEFI settings are correct, and the drive is initialized.

How can I ensure my SSD lasts longer? Regularly back up your data, avoid filling the SSD to capacity, and enable TRIM.