If you have slow or inconsistent Internet, you should go to some place that has a strong connection and follow the instructions for creating a USB install disk you can use at home. To create installation media, go to the software download website, where you'll find step-by-step instructions. Though you can walk away for large portions of the process, you can expect all the downloading and file copying to take at least 60 minutes and, in our case, closer to two hours on a fast Internet connection. Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7 You can use installation media (a USB flash drive or DVD) to install a new copy of Windows, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows. Show the full folder path in File Explorer on Windows 10įinally, make sure you have 1 to 2 hours free to run the install.If you don't have a system restore disk already, it's a good idea to make a full system backup using disk imaging software such as Macrium Reflect, which makes a bit-by-bit copy of your hard drive. Windows 10 Pro offers more advanced security and business networking features, including: BitLocker Drive Encryption.

Before you begin the process, make sure you have all of your data files backed up, preferably to a cloud service such as Microsoft's own One Drive (opens in new tab), where you can download them again if your computer crashes. Windows 10 should install without a hitch, but driver problems are a possibility and, during any system update, there's always a chance something will go wrong.

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