Went back to Win 7. If I reinstall Win 10. will it be a fresh install?

My Win 10 install seemed to get corrupted, lost the link to the new browser from the task bar and start menu and couldn't load an important program (Schwab street smart edge). So, I went back to Win 7 as the 30 trial period was almost over.

I am now invited to upgrade to Win 10 again using the exact same screen and language as the first time. It says nothing about whether it will give me a completely fresh install or revert back to the corrupt one. Does any one know what I will get? Also, will I get a fresh 30 days to revert to Win 7 again?

By the way, Win 10 is working fine on two other computers that I have upgraded.

You can upgrade again or you can do a Clean Install (what you called fresh) using the Media Creation Tool.

Windows 10 - Upgrade Installation

Windows 10 - Clean Install

Not sure if you'll get another 30 days to revert to previous system. But you can grab the free system goback. There's no limit in time. Just need to make an image before upgrade.

You can upgrade again or you can do a Clean Install (what you called fresh) using the Media Creation Tool.

Thanks for your quick reply.

To be clear, the upgrade path will reinstall my corrupted version of 10? If I try that first, can I then do a clean install to replace the corrupted one?

I am guessing that going back to my saved version of 7 won't be an option any longer. Correct?

Molly: so loading a system image of my 7 will accomplish the same thing?

Restoring from an image backup is definitely the best way to go. If you have that you can return to Windows 7 any time you want.

Restoring from an image backup is definitely the best way to go. If you have that you can return to Windows 7 any time you want.

Thanks. I make backup images regularly. I'll do an image backup of my current Win 7, the reinstall (clean) Win 10 and see how it goes.

Microsoft should be upfront that people can go beyond the 30 day limit to revert to win 7 by making an image backup. It was the warning that we have 30 days that freaked me out.

The warning applies to using the C:Windows.old folder and files to "Roll back" to the previous Operating System, nothing more.

Follow up:

I made a bootable Win 10 USB but then tried installing Win 10 through windows update. I wanted to see whether that would reinstall my corrupted version or do a clean install. That did indeed download Win 10 and did a clean install. I have none of the glitches that I had before. I will now make a system image to use in case I cause problems again as add software, modify settings, etc.

Again, thanks for the help and encouragement.