Clean Install Windows 10 Version 22H2 from USB (Updated 2026)

If your PC has serious problems (crashes, malware, performance issues) and regular troubleshooting hasn’t helped, a clean installation of Windows 10 is often the best solution. A clean install removes everything from your Windows drive (usually C:) and installs a fresh copy of Windows 10 version 22H2. This can fix slow startup and shutdown times, remove viruses and other malware, resolve random errors and app crashes, and more. In this article, you’ll learn how to clean install Windows 10 from a USB drive.

Check Windows 10 System Requirements

Before you start, make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 10:

• Processor (CPU): 1 GHz or faster
• Memory (RAM): 2 GB for 64‑bit, 1 GB for 32‑bit
• Storage: 20 GB free for 64‑bit, 16 GB free for 32‑bit
  (For a smoother experience, having at least 50 GB free is recommended.)
• Graphics: Microsoft DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
• Display: 800 x 600 resolution or higher

Supported processors include:

• Intel Core i3, i5, i7, i9 and newer
• AMD 7th‑generation and newer processors
• AMD Athlon 2xx, AMD Ryzen 3/5/7 2xxx and newer

If your hardware is older, Windows 10 might still install, but performance may not be ideal.

Important: Back Up Your Data

A clean install erases everything on the Windows installation drive (typically C:). Before you continue:

1. Back up your personal files
   • Documents, Desktop, Downloads
   • Pictures, Videos, Music
   • Browser bookmarks, email archives (if stored locally)
   • Any project or work folders
   Use an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage.
2. Back up software licenses and product keys
   • Windows and Microsoft Office product keys (if applicable)
   • License keys for any paid software you use
3. Disconnect other drives (recommended)
   • Temporarily disconnect all internal drives except the one where you’ll install Windows.
   • With the power off, unplug all external USB drives except the bootable USB you’ll use.

This helps prevent accidental formatting of the wrong drive or partition during installation.

What You Need for the Installation

To clean install Windows 10 from a USB, you’ll need:

• A Windows 10 installation media (bootable USB flash drive)
• A PC or laptop that can boot from USB

If you don’t already have a bootable USB, create one with the Windows Media Creation Tool:

1. On a working Windows PC, go to Microsoft’s official Windows 10 download page.
2. Download the Media Creation Tool.
3. Run it and choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
4. Select language, edition (Windows 10), and architecture (64‑bit for most users).
5. Choose USB flash drive and let the tool create a bootable Windows 10 USB.

When it’s done, safely remove the USB drive.

Set Your PC to Boot from USB

Now you need to tell your computer to boot from the USB drive instead of the internal hard drive.

1. Insert the bootable Windows 10 USB into your PC or laptop.
2. Restart the computer.
3. Immediately press the BIOS/UEFI key repeatedly (varies by manufacturer): Common keys: F2, F12, Del, Esc
4. In the BIOS/UEFI setup, open the Boot or Boot Order menu.
5. Set the USB drive (or “Removable Device”) as the first boot device.
6. Save changes and exit (usually F10 to save and restart).

After restart, you should see a message like:

Press any key to boot from USB…

Press any key on your keyboard to start the Windows 10 installer.

Start the Windows 10 Installation

After booting from the USB, you’ll see the Windows Setup screen.

• Choose language, time, and keyboard
  • Language to install
  • Time and currency format
  • Keyboard or input method
  Click Next.

• Click Install now.
• Enter your product key
  • If prompted, type your valid Windows 10 product key and click Next.If you don’t have it handy, click I don’t have a product key. You can enter it later after installation.

• In some cases (especially from older systems), a valid Windows 7 or 8.1 key may still activate Windows 10. This doesn’t always work, but it’s worth trying if you have one.
• Select the Windows 10 edition
  • For most home users: Windows 10 Home
  • Choose the edition that matches your license (Home, Pro, Education, etc.)
  Click Next.

• Accept the license terms
  • Tick I accept the license terms and click Next.

Choose Installation Type: Upgrade vs Custom

You’ll now see two options:

• Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files, settings, and applications
• Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)

For a clean install, you must choose:

Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)

This will not keep your existing installed apps or system settings.

Delete or Create Partitions and Select Install Drive

Now you’ll be asked where to install Windows.

• You will see a list of your drives and partitions.
• If you want a completely clean install on the Windows drive:
  • Select each partition that belongs to the current Windows installation (usually on Drive 0) and click Delete.Confirm the warning. Repeat until you only see Unallocated space for that drive.
  Warning: Deleting partitions removes all data stored on them. Make sure you’ve back up everything important first.
• If you prefer to create partitions manually:
  • Select the unallocated space.
  • Click New and choose the size (in MB) for your Windows partition.
  • Create additional partitions if needed.
• Select the partition where you want to install Windows 10 and click Next.

If you see an error like “We couldn’t create a new partition or locate an existing one”, double‑check:

• Only the target drive and the USB installer are connected.
• The drive is properly detected in BIOS/UEFI.

Once the partition is selected, setup will begin copying files.

Let Windows 10 Install

Windows Setup will now:

• Copy Windows files
• Install features and updates
• Prepare the system for first use

Your PC will restart several times. Don’t remove the USB drive until you reach the setup screens, and if you see “Press any key to boot from USB…”, don’t press anything at this stage—let it boot from the hard drive.

Initial Configuration (Out-of-Box Experience)

After the core installation completes, you’ll go through the first‑time setup screens.

1. Region and keyboard
   • Choose your region.
   • Select your keyboard layout and add a second layout if needed.
2. Network connection
   • Connect to Wi‑Fi or Ethernet if possible. This helps with activation and updates.
3. Sign in with Microsoft or create local account
   • Sign in with a Microsoft account (recommended for syncing settings, OneDrive, Microsoft Store, etc.), or
   • Choose Offline account / Local account to create a local user that’s not linked to Microsoft.
   For most users, using a Microsoft account is convenient. If you prefer privacy and local control, choose a local account.
4. Create a PIN
   • Windows will ask if you want to set up a PIN for faster sign‑in.
   • You can create one now or skip and set it later.
5. OneDrive and backup options
   • Windows may ask if you want to back up your files to OneDrive.
   • Choose Yes if you use OneDrive, or select Only store files on this device if you prefer local storage.
6. Cortana (if offered)
   • Windows might ask to enable Cortana, the digital assistant.
   • You can enable or decline based on your preference.
7. Privacy settings
   • You’ll see several privacy options (location, diagnostics, tailored experiences, etc.).
   • Turn each on or off according to your preference.
   • Click Accept or Next when done.

Windows will then finalize settings and prepare your desktop. This can take a few minutes.

After Installation: Essential Steps

Once you reach the Windows 10 desktop:

1. Install drivers and Windows Updates
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
   • Click Check for updates and install everything important.
   • Optional: Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest chipset, graphics, audio, network drivers, and install.
2. Activate Windows
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
   • If Windows isn’t activated, enter your product key.
3. Install your applications
   • Web browser, Office suite, media players, security software, etc.
4. Restore your files from backup
   • Copy your documents, pictures, and other files back to the appropriate folders.

Conclusion

You’ve now successfully performed a clean installation of Windows 10 version 22H2 from a USB drive.

A fresh install often makes a slow or infected PC feel like new again. With your system cleaned up, drivers updated, and your files restored from backup, you should have a more stable and responsive Windows 10 experience on your desktop or laptop.

Frequently Asked Questions