Windows 10 reformat help needed (ASAP if possible)

[Nexxus]

Sorry for the ASAP its 11:30pm and im nearly finished the last thing I need to do before I start this.

What is the best, but also the easiest way to reformat Windows 10/fresh Install it and wipe all traces of the previous install without using a new CD key?

I usually use the internal "restore" functionality but always find myself questioning if anything from the previous installation is lingering in there.
 

[Droidbot]

no joke

 

once the key is activated for the first time, it is linked to your MS acc

 

just fresh install, then log back in and the shit activates. but before you do, make sure you have this come up in 'activation': 'Windows is activated with a digital licence linked to your MS account' 

[xGGAx]

Use windows refresh. All settings, programs and files will be removed safely and I doubt someone will bother making a deep scan to recover them
https://www.onmsft.com/news/windows-10-reset-refresh-windows-10-installation-better-performance

 

 

[Nexxus]

Just now, Droidbot said:

no joke

 

once the key is activated for the first time, it is linked to your MS acc

 

just fresh install, then log back in and the shit activates. but before you do, make sure you have this come up in 'activation': 'Windows is activated with a digital licence linked to your MS account' 

I know that, I just dont want people to mention that.

What I wanna know what is the best way to get the "freshest" install of windows. I want 0 traces of the old windows on here.

And would like it to be the least pain in the ass way possible for obvious reasons 

[Enderman]

You're installing on the same PC right, not a different PC?

Then you don't need to worry about your key because it will activate automatically.

 

Here are all the steps to clean install windows: https://www.howtogeek.com/224342/how-to-clean-install-windows-10/

This is better than doing a refresh/reset because it actually remakes all the partitions 100% fresh. When you get to this step you click delete on everything until only "unallocated space" is left, then you click next.

 

Remember to only have your OS drive plugged in while clean installing.

[Cyracus]

Well, actually destroying data so that nothing can be recovered isn't something that windows installation will do for you, since it's designed to get you from start of install to using the system with a preference toward fast as possible™ if you want to ensure no data is recoverable you'll need something like dban that is designed to accomplish such a task

[Nexxus]

Just now, Cyracus said:

Well, actually destroying data so that nothing can be recovered isn't something that windows installation will do for you, since it's designed to get you from start of install to using the system with a preference toward fast as possible™ if you want to ensure no data is recoverable you'll need something like dban that is designed to accomplish such a task

I don't need that far. I want to be assured my current install has no "influence" on the new install is the best way to put it. 

[NumLock21]

Lauch win10 setup disc or usb during POST. Install windows, accept EULA, Format partition and click Next

[Cyracus]

1 minute ago, Nexxus said:

I don't need that far. I want to be assured my current install has no "influence" on the new install is the best way to put it. 

ok, just thought I should throw it out there if that was your goal. What the other people said is what you need then

[Changis]

38 minutes ago, Nexxus said:

I don't need that far. I want to be assured my current install has no "influence" on the new install is the best way to put it. 

correct me if i'm wrong, but a full refresh with file removal should basically just be a fresh windows 10 install sans some drivers and maybe updates, over a year since i last did it on a customers machine so i'm not 100% sure, but it's the least pain in the ass step before installing on a fresh format

[Nexxus]

2 minutes ago, Changis said:

correct me if i'm wrong, but a full refresh with file removal should basically just be a fresh windows 10 install sans some drivers and maybe updates, over a year since i last did it on a customers machine so i'm not 100% sure, but it's the least pain in the ass step before installing on a fresh format

Yeah, I'm under that impression too, I just always had that thing in the back of my head saying "are you SURE this is purging everything?" 

I just want a method where I wont have that nagging feeling after doing it is all. 

[Changis]

well, it's kinda like having a lock on your door. can someone break in easily? sure, if they really want to, but is it likely someone will?
same goes for recovering data from a bought used computer