How to prepare device for clean install of Windows 10
If you're planning to install a clean copy of Windows 10, it's recommended to perform a few tasks before the process to minimize the chances of problems and prevent data loss.
Backing up files
The clean installation process erases everything on the main drive, as such before proceeding is advised to create a backup of your files as well as a temporary full backup of the entire system (whenever possible).
Upload files to OneDrive
You can create a backup of documents, pictures, and other files in many ways. However, the easiest way is to move your data to the OneDrive folder or cloud storage service that you use.
Alternatively, you can use the backup option in OneDrive to automatically upload your profile folders, including Documents, Pictures, and Desktop using these steps:
Click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.
Click the More menu.
Click the Settings option.
OneDrive settings taskbar
Source: Windows Central
Click the Backup tab.
Click the Manage backup button.
OneDrive backup settings
Source: Windows Central
Select the folders that you want to backup in the cloud.
Click the Start backup button.
OneDrive backup folders
Source: Windows Central
Once you complete the steps, the files in those locations will upload to your account online.
Copy files to external drive
If you have a large amount of data, perhaps your best option would be making a copy of the files to an external hard drive.
To create a file backup manually, connect an external drive, and then use these steps:
Open File Explorer.
Type the following path in the address bar and press Enter:
%HOMEPATH%
User folder
Source: Windows Central
Click the Select All button from the "Home" tab.
Explorer select all option
Source: Windows Central
Click the Copy to button from the "Home" tab.
Select the Choose location option.
Select the destination location.
Copy destination
Source: Windows Central
Click the Copy button.
After you complete the steps, you may need to repeat the instructions to backup the files for the remaining accounts (if applicable).
Along with making a copy of your files, it's a good idea to make a list of your install apps and their product keys (if applicable) to know the apps you need to reinstall after the installation.
If you're not already saving your passwords and bookmarks with an online service, it's now a good time to export your browser credentials and links.
In the case that you don't have an external hard drive without enough space to backup your files, we recommend the Western Digital My Book Desktop because of its portability, capacity, and price.
Reliable storage
Western Digital My Book Desktop
Bulk storage
If you're in the market for an external drive to store file backups, then look no further than the Western Digital My Book Desktop. Get up to 10TB of storage, protect your files with 256-bit AES encryption, and connect with USB-A 3.0 for fast file transfers. $195 at Amazon.
From $195 at Amazon
Backing up entire device
While you want to start with a fresh copy of Windows 10, it's also recommended to create a full backup of your current installation, in case something happens, and you need to rollback or to recover files that weren't backed up with the previous steps.
You can choose from a number of solutions, but the easiest way to create a full backup is to use the System Image Backup tool available on Windows 10 as well as on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7.
Downloading device drivers
Although Windows 10 does a pretty good job detecting and installing most device drivers automatically, you always want to download at least the essential drivers ahead of time, such as for the network adapter and graphics card, in case the setup fails to add these drivers correctly.
If you need assistance, you can use our guide on how to install device drivers on Windows 10.
Below you'll find a list of websites from the most popular computer manufacturers to download the l
