Windows 10 is an excellent operating system for personal and professional use. However, your system may begin to slow down after extensive use, or you may encounter errors and crashes that are challenging to fix. In such instances, it is recommended to format and reinstall the operating system to fix the issues. The process of reinstalling the OS may seem daunting, but by following some straightforward steps, you can do it with ease. Formatting and reinstalling Windows 10 using USB has become increasingly popular due to its convenience. In this article, we will guide you on how to format and reinstall Windows 10 from USB.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed:
Before starting, make sure that you have the following items:
1. Windows 10 USB/DVD media creation tool
2. USB drive with at least 8GB storage
3. Temporary storage for your data and files
4. Your computer or laptop
5. Product key for Windows 10
What Requires Your Focus?
Before proceeding with formatting and reinstalling Windows 10, you must back up all your essential data and files. This step is crucial as all the data on your computer’s hard drive will be erased during the process. Hence, it is crucial to keep backups for all your important documents, photos, and files. Next, ensure that you have a reliable internet connection as some updates might require an internet connection. Lastly, follow the steps provided in this article precisely and avoid taking any shortcuts.
Different Methods to Format and Reinstall Windows 10 from USB:
Method 1: Using Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website and launch the setup file on your computer.
Step 2: On the tool’s main interface, select "Create installation media for another PC" and click on the "Next" button.
Step 3: Choose the language, edition, and architecture(32-bit or 64-bit) of Windows 10 you wish to download and click on the "Next" button.
Step 4: Select the ISO file option and click on the "Next" button.
Step 5: Connect the USB drive to your computer and select the USB flash drive option to create a bootable USB drive. Click on the "Next" button.
Step 6: Wait for the Media Creation tool to download and write Windows 10 to the USB flash drive. Once the process completes, click on the "Finish" button.
Step 7: Reboot your computer with the created USB drive.
Step 8: Follow the prompts on your computer to reinstall Windows 10 from USB.
Pros:
1. The process is relatively easy and straightforward.
2. You can install Windows 10 on multiple devices.
3. You can create the installation media on any Windows or Mac device.
Cons:
1. The installation process is time-consuming.
2. The Media Creation tool requires an internet connection to download Windows 10.
Method 2: Using Rufus to create a bootable USB flash drive.
Step 1: Download Rufus from its official website and launch it on your computer.
Step 2: Connect the USB flash drive to your computer and launch Rufus.
Step 3: Under the "Device" option, select your USB drive from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Click on the "Select" button and navigate to the Windows 10 ISO file on your computer.
Step 5: In the "Partition scheme" option, select "MBR" for BIOS or "GPT" for UEFI mode.
Step 6: In the "File system" option, select "NTFS."
Step 7: In the Cluster size option, select "Default."
Step 8: Finally, click on the "Start" button to start the process.
Step 9: Once the process completes, shutdown your computer, connect bootable USB and start PC with USB drive
Step 10: Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows 10.
Pros:
1. Rufus is a reliable and robust tool to create bootable USB drives.
2. You can use any Windows or Mac device to create a bootable USB drive.
3. You can customize the bootable media.
Cons:
1. Rufus may show compatibility issues with some computers.
2. The installation process is time-consuming.
Method 3: Using Command Prompt to Create a Bootable USB.
Step 1: Connect the USB flash drive to your computer and launch the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 2 Type "diskpart" in the Command Prompt and press enter.
Step 3: Type "list disk" and press enter to view the list of connected storage devices.
Step 4: Select the USB flash drive by entering the "select disk (USB drive number)" command. Eg: Select Disk 2
Step 5: Type "clean" and press enter to initiate the USB drive’s cleaning process.
Step 6: Type "create partition primary" and press enter to create a new primary partition.
Step 7: Type "select partition 1" and press enter to select the new partition.
Step 8: Type "format fs=NTFS quick" and press enter to format the partition with the NTFS file system.
Step 9: Type "active" and press enter to mark the partition as active.
Step 10: Type "exit" and press enter to exit the diskpart utility.
Step 11: Type "cd X:WindowsSystem32" where X is your Windows drive.
Step 12: Type "xcopy X:*.* Y: /E /H /F", where X is your Windows drive and Y is your USB drive, and press enter. Wait for the process to complete.
Step 13: Shutdown your computer. Connect bootable USB and start the PC with USB drive. Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows 10.
Pros:
1. Command Prompt is a built-in utility that comes with the Windows operating system.
2. You don’t need any third-party software to create a bootable USB drive.
Cons:
1. It requires a thorough knowledge of command-line interfaces and disk partitioning.
2. A single mistake can lead to partition and data loss.
Why Can’t I Format and Reinstall from CD/DVD drives?
1. Most modern laptops and ultrabooks do not come with an optical drive. Hence, it’s not possible to install from a CD or DVD.
2. CD and DVD drives have become outdated and slow. Hence, USB drives are becoming increasingly popular.
3. Some laptops and ultrabooks do not support booting from CD/DVD drives.
Fixes:
1. Consider purchasing an external CD/DVD drive for installing the OS.
2. Convert the installation media to USB format using the methods described above.
3. Update your laptop’s BIOS settings to support booting from CD/DVD drives.
Implications and Recommendations:
The process of formatting and reinstalling Windows 10 can be time-consuming and data-intensive. Hence, it is crucial to back up all your essential data and files before proceeding. Additionally, ensure that you have reliable internet connectivity and power backup to avoid any interruptions during the process. Lastly, read the prompts carefully and follow the instructions precisely to avoid any errors.
5 FAQs about Formatting and Reinstalling Windows 10 from USB:
Q1. Can I upgrade my Windows 7 or 8 OS to Windows 10 using the methods described in this article?
A: No, the methods described in this article are for a clean install or a format and reinstall Windows 10 only. If you want to upgrade from your existing OS to Windows 10, you can use the Windows 10 upgrade assistant.
Q2. Do I need to enter the product key for Windows 10 during the installation process?
A: It depends on your situation. If your computer or laptop came with Windows 10 pre-installed, you do not need to enter the product key during the installation process. However, if you have purchased a retail version of Windows 10, you need to enter the product key during installation.
Q3. Can I use a 4GB USB drive to create a bootable Windows 10 installation drive?
A: No, a 4GB USB drive may not have enough space to store Windows 10 installation files. Therefore, it is recommended to use an 8GB or higher capacity USB drive.
Q4. Can I use these methods to format and reinstall Windows 10 on a Mac computer?
A: No, the methods described in this article are for installing Windows 10 on a PC running Windows OS. If you want to install Windows 10 on a Mac computer, you need to use a different set of methods.
Q5. Do I need to install drivers after reinstalling Windows 10 from USB?
A: Yes, after reinstalling Windows, you need to install drivers for your hardware components. You can download the drivers for your device from the manufacturer’s website.
In Conclusion:
Formatting and reinstalling Windows 10 can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can do it. In this article, we have described three different methods for formatting and reinstalling Windows 10 from USB. Additionally, we have provided recommendations and answers to frequently asked questions to help you with the process. Remember, it is vital to keep backups of all your essential data and files before proceeding with formatting and reinstalling Windows 10. Follow the instructions carefully, and you will have a fresh and clean installation of Windows 10!{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":null}
