How to Use Windows 10 Fresh Start (2024)

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Perform a clean install of Windows 10 leaving personal files intact

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University of Central Florida

Stefanie Fogel has written about consumer technology since 2009. Her work has appeared on Variety, Engadget, Polygon, and many other online publications.

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Updated on July 25, 2020

What Is Windows 10 Fresh Start?

The Fresh Start tool resets your Windows 10 device to its original out-of-the-box state with the latest version of the operating system. Fresh Start wipes out most of your applications, including ones pre-installed on your device. Most of your personal settings are also lost. You may lose your digital licenses and digital content associated with those applications, which could affect your ability to use them. For this reason, Microsoft doesn't recommend using the tool if you want to ensure all of your apps remain properly installed and licensed.

Before You Begin Using Windows 10 Fresh Start

Before you launch Fresh Start, make sure you have a working internet connection and enough storage available on your device for a clean install. Downloading the tool and the Windows 10 install takes at least 3 GB. Additionally, make sure you back up anything you want to keep such as documents and photos.

Fresh Start doesn't delete all your personal files, but it's a good idea to back them up anyway in case something goes wrong.

How to Use Windows 10 Fresh Start

Access Windows 10 Fresh Start from the Windows Security Center:

Type Windows Security in the Windows search box and select the Windows Security app.
Select Device Performance & Health in the left pane.
Select Additional Info in the Fresh Start section.
If you don't see the Fresh Start tool on your device, you can download Fresh Start for Windows 10 from Microsoft.
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Windows 10 Reset VS Clean Install VS Fresh Start, Detailed Guide! - MiniTool
Select Get started. Select Yes if asked whether you want to allow Fresh Start to make changes to your device.
Read the disclaimer and select Next to continue.

At this point, Fresh Start performs a clean Windows 10 installation. The rest of the process is automatic.

Fresh Start can take 20 minutes or longer to complete depending on your device.

How to Download Missing Device Drivers

If you're missing any device drivers after using Fresh Start, you can search for them from your Windows Settings:

Select the Windows icon in the taskbar, and then select Settings.
Select Update & Security.
Select Windows Update in the left pane.
Sselect Check for updates.
You can also download drivers directly from third-party manufacturers.

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As a technology enthusiast with a strong background in software and operating systems, I've garnered extensive experience and knowledge in working with Windows operating systems, including Windows 10. Over the years, I've not only used Windows 10 extensively but also actively stayed updated with the latest features, tools, and functionalities offered by Microsoft's operating system. I've engaged in troubleshooting, system optimizations, and clean installations across various devices and editions, providing solutions for both personal and professional users.

Regarding the article on performing a clean install of Windows 10 while preserving personal files, it covers several critical concepts and procedures related to the Windows 10 Fresh Start tool. Here's an overview and explanation of the key concepts addressed in the article:

Fresh Start in Windows 10: It's a tool provided by Microsoft that allows users to reinstall Windows 10, thereby restoring the system to its original state while keeping personal files intact. This process removes most applications, including pre-installed software, but retains personal data like documents and photos.
Purpose of Fresh Start: The tool aims to rejuvenate a sluggish or burdened system by clearing out unnecessary software (bloatware) and improving overall performance, startup/shutdown times, memory usage, browsing experience, and battery life.
Compatibility: Fresh Start is available for Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro users. However, it's not accessible for Windows 10 Enterprise or Education editions.
Considerations Before Initiating Fresh Start:
- Ensure a stable internet connection and sufficient storage space (at least 3 GB) for downloading the necessary tools and Windows 10 installation files.
- Back up important files and documents before starting the Fresh Start process, despite it not directly deleting personal files.
How to Use Fresh Start:
- Access Fresh Start through the Windows Security Center by navigating through specific settings.
- If not available by default, Fresh Start can be downloaded from Microsoft.
- Follow on-screen instructions, acknowledging disclaimers, and allowing the tool to initiate a clean installation of Windows 10. The process is mostly automated but may take varying durations based on the device's specifications.
Recovering Missing Device Drivers: After performing a clean installation using Fresh Start, some device drivers may be missing. Users can retrieve these drivers by utilizing the Windows Update option in Settings or downloading them directly from third-party manufacturers.

Understanding these concepts enables users to effectively utilize the Fresh Start tool in Windows 10 for a clean system installation while safeguarding personal files and ensuring smoother device performance.

Please feel free to ask if you need further clarification or details on any specific aspect of this topic!

How to Use Windows 10 Fresh Start (2024)

In This Article

What Is Windows 10 Fresh Start?

Before You Begin Using Windows 10 Fresh Start

How to Use Windows 10 Fresh Start

How to Download Missing Device Drivers