Formatting and Installing a fresh Windows 10 to a computer or laptop can significantly enhance system speed, particularly for devices that have been in use for a long time without a reformat.
This is a task you can perform independently, using a bootable USB device. In this post, we’ll guide you through all the steps to format your computer.
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Requirements to Install Windows 10 on a Computer
To format a Windows 10 PC, you will need a bootable USB. If you don’t already have one, we’ll show you two methods to create it using Rufus and PowerISO. First, you’ll need a 4GB and Above Usb drive, then download the Windows 10 image file and one of the software tools: Rufus or PowerISO.
Downloading Rufus/ Power Iso
Here are the download links for the two ISO burning software tools we’ll use to create a bootable USB. (Download One for your operating system, preferably Rufus)
Download PowerISO v8.8 (64-bit)
Download PowerISO v8.8 (32-bit)
Once downloaded, download the windows Image File
Downloading Windows 10 Image File
A Windows image file is the operating system installer, compiled and saved in ISO format. You can download it using this link. The file size is 3.3 GB, please wait until the download is over.
How To Create A Bootable USB Drive Using Rufus
Once downloaded the windows image file and Rufus, Plug your USB drive to the PC And Open Rufus
Select the device you want to make bootable. Choose the ISO file you downloaded, and select a partition scheme (MBR is preferred for the target system BIOS or UEFI-CSM). You can label your volume as desired. When ready, click “Start.” You will be prompted to confirm formatting the disk, which you need to accept to create the bootable device.
Don’t worry, after formatting your PC, you can reformat the disk for regular use.
Once the disk writing is complete, safely eject the USB drive and proceed to reboot your PC into boot mode.
You can skip the next section since you already have a bootable USB.
How To Create A Bootable USB Drive Using PowerISO
Insert your USB Disk Once you have downloaded the Windows image file and PowerISO. Install and open PowerISO. Select “Tools” and then “Create Bootable USB Drive.” This action will cause the application to restart and open the “Create Bootable USB Drive” menu, as shown below.
Once there, select the appropriate settings for your system and grant permission to format and write to your USB drive. Burning the ISO to the USB can take up to ten minutes, or sometimes longer depending on your PC’s speed, so be patient. Once the process is complete, safely eject your USB drive.
The Process of Installing Windows 10 on a PC / Formatting a PC
Backing Up Important Data And Files
Before formatting a PC, it’s advisable to copy any important files and data to an external storage device, such as a hard disk or a USB drive, if you have access to them.
Restarting to Boot Mode
Restarting a PC to boot mode marks the initial step in the process of formatting a computer. This typically involves shutting down the system and then pressing specific keys to access the boot mode. The boot menu allows you to specify the source from which the computer should start, such as a USB drive, a hard disk, or a compact disk. In our case, we’ll utilize the USB drive.
Here are different methods to initiate boot mode on various computer brands:
- For HP: Press Esc and F9 immediately after powering on the PC to enter boot mode.
- For Acer: Hold down F12 immediately after pressing the power button to access boot mode on an Acer PC.
- For Lenovo: Press F12 or Fn+F12 repeatedly at the Lenovo logo to access the boot menu on a Lenovo PC.
Once you’re at the boot menu, choose the USB option and press Enter. If prompted with “Press any key to start from USB,” confirm by pressing any key. This action will initiate loading Windows from the USB. You will then be prompted to select whether it’s a new installation or if you want to upgrade the existing Windows. Since we’re opting for a fresh installation, select “New Installation” at this point.
Setting Up
For a fresh installation, you need to remove the previous installation and files. You can achieve this by formatting the displayed disks, especially if the computer disk is partitioned. If it’s not partitioned, format the single disk and proceed by clicking “Continue” to install Windows on the selected disk. Afterward, the installation process will commence, followed by a few restarts. Be patient as your computer installs Windows.
Restart The PC and Basic Startup Settings
Once the PC completes the Windows installation, it will automatically restart. Remove the USB drive and configure the necessary settings. After this setup, you’ll have a fresh system ready for use. You can proceed to download apps, restore your files and data, add accounts, install drivers, and generally utilize the PC as needed.
Conclusion
If you’ve followed all the steps, your PC should now be successfully formatted your PC and installed a new version of Windows 10. If you encounter any errors, feel free to comment below, and we’ll assist you in resolving them. If you’ve found the post helpful and your issue is resolved, please like it. Until next time, I’m Martin Mbucho.
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