I currently have a custom built desktop that is running Windows 8.1 Pro (activated). I have three hard drives, an SSD for Windows and programs, a 1TB hard drive for games, documents and other files and a 3TB hard drive for backups. I have backed up the more important files on the 3TB and do not want to wipe it.
I would like to upgrade to Windows 10 and start again, wipe everything that is on my SSD and on my 1TB hard drive since it is full of stuff that I don't need and would take way to long to manually sort it out. Since I don't want to wait for the Windows 10 update to come through automatically, I created a Windows 10 USB. Running the setup.exe file on the USB gives the option of doing a clean install. I was wondering what this actually deletes. Does it wipe just the drive it is being installed on or does it wipe all drives on the system?. Sorry if this question has been asked before, couldn't find anything specific for what I am wanting to do
It just wipes the drive it's being installed on. You can manually format the 1TB drive with disk management. BTW, I still haven't got the update and I'm afraid to install from a USB drive since I've heard you lose the licence if you clean install it over Windows 8.1.
You must do an upgrade first, that's how MS determines if you are running a qualifying OS. Once you have activated Win 10 upgrade, then you can do a clean install.
It will delete everything from your boot (C: ) drive, nothing else.
I read about that just after I posted this thread. I am now not too sure what to do. I might just upgrade to Windows 10 and keep everything and then once Windows 10 is installed, factory reset set it
Factory reset will put you back to Windows 7. Why would you want to do that?
Also, if the upgrade goes okay and Win 10 activates why not just use it. You can always clean install at a later time if necessary.
The reset button in Settings will do what he was saying.
Sorry didn't mean factory reset. Meant to say resetting it and selecting 'Remove Everything' via Recovery after Windows 8.1 is updated to Windows 10 and activatedFactory reset will put you back to Windows 7. Why would you want to do that?
Also, if the upgrade goes okay and Win 10 activates why not just use it. You can always clean install at a later time if necessary.
Recovery == factory resetStill don't understand I guess. As far as I can see that will put you back to Windows 8.1.Meant to say resetting it and selecting 'Remove Everything' via Recovery
What do you mean by resetting it? How will you do this?
via Recovery
What does that mean? Not trying to be obstinate or dens here, I just don't understand.
Might not work, just an idea. In Windows 10 (on my laptop atleast), if you go into Windows Update, down the left hand side it should say recovery (below Backup for me), clicking on that gives you 2 options, Reset this PC or Advanced Startup. Below Reset this PC, there is a button which says Get Started, clicking on that brings up a pop up Window with 2 options, one to Keep my files and the other to remove everything. I am hoping atleast (haven't tested this), clicking on Remove everything, according to the description will remove all files,apps and settings and not wipe Windows, basically (I think) wipe Windows 10 and make it like it was a fresh install (reset it /factory reset it to what a new computer would be like) . Hope this helps
Ah! Thanks for the explanation. Try it, nothing to lose. If it doesn't work you can always do a clean install.
Let us know how you make out.
