The new ability is separate from the existing “Refresh my PC” and “Reset my PC” options. It is designed to let you start again from scratch, erasing everything and installing a new copy of Windows 10, as if you had just done so yourself from traditional media.
The tool installs a clean copy of the most recent version of Windows and removes any apps on your PC, whether they came with the device or you installed them yourself. Once you’ve started the program, it will reboot into Windows setup and proceed to reinstall Windows 10.
Microsoft warns that all your personal files and applications will be removed, as with a standard clean install from a DVD or USB stick. You’ll need to make a backup to recover your data from later on. A clean install leaves your PC in a completely fresh state, wiping everything off your main hard drive to reinstall Windows.
The app is launched from within the recovery section of the Settings app. Currently, it is only available to Windows Insiders running the latest Windows 10 preview build. General consumers will be able to access the tool later this year.
Microsoft said it has been built as a response to requests from users. Many people have difficulty performing a clean installation of Windows as knowing where to start can be tricky. You need to burn your own DVD or create a USB stick containing the installer and then set your computer to boot from it, a procedure that can be difficult to follow for people who aren’t familiar with installing operating systems.
The tool will make it much simpler, letting you get started from within Windows. The automated process will be more accessible to people who just want to start over with their PC, get rid of malware or spam or speed up a struggling computer. It will leave you with the same fresh experience as installing from external media without all the associated hassle.
“We’ve heard from many of you that are attempting to perform a clean installation of Windows that it can sometimes be hard to get started,” said Microsoft. “To help, we are providing a new tool that enables an easy and simple way to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows. This tool is now available from the Settings app for Windows Insiders using the latest builds that installs a clean copy of the most recent version of Windows 10 and removes apps that were installed on your PC.”
Many people perform a clean install of Windows immediately after buying a new PC to clear out the bloatware provided by manufacturers. The tool will make it much easier to do this as Windows 10’s existing “reset” function restores from your PC’s recovery partition, including preinstalled programs.
The Windows Clean Install utility debuted as part of Windows 10 Insider Preview build 14367. The update also includes improvements to handwriting recognition, changes to the Feedback Hub and a long list of bug fixes for both desktop and mobile. It will be released to consumers in this summer’s Anniversary Update.
