To do list before reinstalling Windows

[Stahlmann]

So i want to wipe my boot drive because i currently run Windows 11, which was upgraded from Windows 10. I run into software issues every now and then and my guess is that a clean Windows 11 install will fix them. It's not the first time i've done a Windows reinstall, but every single time i forgot to do a few things that lead to trouble afterwards like loss of documents, not deactivating paid software only useable on one device, etc.

 

Here's what i wrote down or did so far:

 

- Deactivate Windows so i can reuse my license

- Move all documents, pictures, music, etc. to cloud storage

- Move all game libraries to my bulk storage drive

- Go through app list and write down essential apps that i need to reinstall after the wipe (VLC, 7zip, Revo, etc.)

- Check for digital certificates and licenses

- Use Ninite to reinstall commonly used apps

- Pre-download audio, LAN, WIFI, DAC, GPU and chipset drivers

- Pre-download RGB and peripheral software

- Create WIndows install USB and add an extra folder with all the drivers

 

Do you have any other recommendations before the wipe?

[jauxan]

9 minutes ago, Stahlmann said:

Do you have any other recommendations before the wipe?

Check if you have any digital certificates installed.

Also export or sync browser bookmarks / passwords.

[Spazthe magician]

Go to the install/remove programs window and screenshot everything you have installed. This allows you to a check list for installing.

 

I use revo uninstaller to view that window

[Naijin]

17 minutes ago, Stahlmann said:

So i want to wipe my boot drive because i currently run Windows 11, which was upgraded from Windows 10. I run into software issues every now and then and my guess is that a clean Windows 11 install will fix them. It's not the first time i've done a Windows reinstall, but every single time i forgot to do a few things that lead to trouble afterwards like loss of documents, not deactivating paid software only useable on one device, etc.

 

Here's what i wrote down or did so far:

 

- Deactivate Windows so i can reuse my license

- Move all documents, pictures, music, etc. to cloud storage

- Move all game libraries to my bulk storage drive

- Go through app list and write down essential apps that i need to reinstall after the wipe (VLC, 7zip, etc.)

 

Do you have any other recommendations before the wipe?

I like to use Ninite to reinstall some apps (Chrome/7zip/VLC/Steam/Adobe Reader/Discord/Notepad++/qBittorrent are my default)

Also check the Windows settings > apps list and write down every one you need.

Go to the motherboard website (if custom built pc) or the OEM website and download some drivers (audio/LAN/wireless).

Download Nvidia/AMD/other graphics drivers and in case of AMD the chipset drivers

If you need a backup of data (documents/pictures/...) don't forget to make one

Have RGB? Consider already downloading those apps for easy access.

Export your bookmarks and/or use a browser sync so you can keep saved passwords/bookmarks.

 

I create a USB with Rufus to install Windows and make an extra folder on that USB drive containing all those drivers, so if it is reinstalled, I can easily just copy the folder to the desktop and run everything from there.

[Stahlmann]

14 minutes ago, jauxan said:

Check if you have any digital certificates installed.

3 minutes ago, Naijin said:

I like to use Ninite to reinstall some apps (Chrome/7zip/VLC/Steam/Adobe Reader/Discord/Notepad++/qBittorrent are my default)

Go to the motherboard website (if custom built pc) or the OEM website and download some drivers (audio/LAN/wireless).

Download Nvidia/AMD/other graphics drivers and in case of AMD the chipset drivers

Have RGB? Consider already downloading those apps for easy access.

 

I create a USB with Rufus to install Windows and make an extra folder on that USB drive containing all those drivers, so if it is reinstalled, I can easily just copy the folder to the desktop and run everything from there.

Added these to my list, thanks!

 

10 minutes ago, Spazthe magician said:

I use revo uninstaller to view that window

Is there any reason to use revo instead of the standard view in the Windows control panel?

[Spazthe magician]

3 hours ago, Stahlmann said:

Is there any reason to use revo instead of the standard view in the Windows control panel?

The control panel way doesn't actually fully uninstall anything.

 

Revo actually gets rid of everything that doesn't uninstall through normal control panel, registries entires, hidden folders, items installed on the start menu, left over files, short cuts it literally removes everything from the associated install and i do mean everything. That's the free version There is a paid version that I'm not really sure what additional elements are added.

[Stahlmann]

2 minutes ago, Spazthe magician said:

Absolutely, because unlike the standard way, revo gets rid of everything that doesn't uninstall through normal control panel, revo fully scans registries, hidden folders, gets rid of items installed on the start menu, left over files everything. That's the free version There is a paid version that I'm not really sure what additional elements are added.

So it's useful for uninstalling? Basically not that useful right now if i want to wipe the drive either way. But i'll keep that one in mind for the future, thanks!

[Spazthe magician]

3 hours ago, Stahlmann said:

So it's useful for uninstalling? Basically not that useful right now if i want to wipe the drive either way. But i'll keep that one in mind for the future, thanks!

OH no it's way more use than just uninstalling things it will literally open the registry to where it's installed. I've used this to create my own registry edit for something it's good when you cannot find something installed I've had to do this because I couldn't find it through windows 11

 

I won't use anything else to uninstall something. Someone turned me onto it a long time ago and I haven't used anything else since then

[Stahlmann]

6 minutes ago, Spazthe magician said:

OH no it's way more use than just uninstalling things it will literally open the registry to where it's installed. I've used this to create my own registry edit for something it's good when you cannot find something installed I've had to do this because I couldn't find it through windows 11

 

I won't use anything else to uninstall something. Someone turned me onto it a long time ago and I haven't used anything else since then

Okay i'll give it a shot. I added it to my install list.

[Spazthe magician]

I'm sure there are other uses for it but for me it does what i want it to and does it very well.

 

At some point I want to try and use itself to uninstall itself it does show up on the list of add remove programs.

[SorryBella]

13 minutes ago, Stahlmann said:

So it's useful for uninstalling? Basically not that useful right now if i want to wipe the drive either way. But i'll keep that one in mind for the future, thanks!

If you want something more open, Bulk Crap Uninstaller exists and doesnt come with its own bloat preattached. It does the same procedure post running uninstall executables as Revo too (deleting temporary file leftover, registry, etc)

[Stahlmann]

34 minutes ago, TechlessBro said:

Test the cloud backup you make,

My cloud storage is not a backup. My important documents etc. are just stored in google drive, not on my local computer.

 

34 minutes ago, TechlessBro said:

backup the NTUser.dat from your profile before uninstalling anything, you can mount file with regedit in new install case you lose a software key or settings.

What information is stored in that file?

[GoodBytes]

4 hours ago, Stahlmann said:

- Deactivate Windows so i can reuse my license

Not required. Activating Windows on a new PC or the same PC will automatically transfer the license.

 

4 hours ago, Stahlmann said:

- Go through app list and write down essential apps that i need to reinstall after the wipe (VLC, 7zip, Revo, etc.)

If you want to be a bit fancier (and want to learn something), you can use Winget command line:

winget export -o c:\myApps.txt

All apps that can be acquired through Winget will be saved in that myApp.txt file.

All apps that cannot be installed through winget, will show as a note on the terminal window, which you can just select/copy and paste into another file.

Just keep in mind that Winget doesn't include anything acquired through Epic/Steam stores and such third-party stores.

And lastly, all the "Microsoft Visual C++ ...... Redistributable" can be skipped, the apps that needs should install them (they should not be included in the Winget list of installed apps)

Both lists together, will give you all apps installed on your system, minus your Steam/Epic games and apps installed through there.

 

You can reinstall all apps that are available through Winget via this command:

winget import –import-file c:/myApps.txt --ignore-unavailable

 

 

4 hours ago, Stahlmann said:

- Pre-download audio, LAN, WIFI, DAC, GPU and chipset drivers

- Pre-download RGB and peripheral software

- Create WIndows install USB and add an extra folder with all the drivers

 

Do you have any other recommendations before the wipe?

I think you have everything. All I want to say, is that when you get the OOBE stage of Windows 11 setup (the set of screens to setup keyboard, language, connect on the network, etc.). Do Ctrl + Shift + F3. This will make Windows go in Audit mode. Meaning the system will restart with a temporary generated desktop, for you to specifically to update Windows, and install drivers. Once done. Hit "OK" on the System Preparation Tool message box that will show in the middle of your screen, and it will wipe the temporary desktop (no trace), and get you back to the OOBE stage, to setup your system and create your first account.

 

Notes:

• In the Audit Mode desktop, you can restart your system, you'll be back to where you left off.
• If you shut down the system and turn it back, you won't be able to login. That is fine, just restart, and you'll be back to it. 
• If you close the System Preparation Tool message box, you can either restart and it will re-open it or do Win+R > type: sysprep > OK. It will open the folder where System Preparation Tool is located, just double click on sysprep.exe
• The option selected by default on the System Preparation Tool panel are correct. Do not touch them.

 

Unlike what many YouTubers suggests, this is actually the proper way to setup any version of Windows, since Windows NT 3. This is how Dell, HP, and so on, setup system.

This will also solve the problem of Windows wanting to go online, but you can't be due to missing drivers (if Windows doesn't have the drivers)

 

 

To learn more on Winget:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/package-manager/winget/

 

To learn more on using Audit Mode:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/boot-windows-to-audit-mode-or-oobe?view=windows-11

 

To get started with a local account with Windows 11 (Pro edition only) -- proper way:

(Expand: "Reveal hidden contents" for step-by-step guide)

 

 

Congrats! Now you are the few people who know how to properly setup Windows  

 

[Stahlmann]

1 hour ago, GoodBytes said:

Not required. Activating Windows on a new PC or the same PC will automatically transfer the license.

Does anything about that change if i have my Windows license linked to my Microsoft account?

 

1 hour ago, GoodBytes said:

If you want to be a bit fancier (and want to learn something), you can use Winget command line:

winget export -o c:\myApps.txt

All apps that can be acquired through Winget will be saved in that myApp.txt file.

All apps that cannot be installed through winget, will show as a note on the terminal window, which you can just select/copy and paste into another file.

Just keep in mind that Winget doesn't include anything acquired through Epic/Steam stores and such third-party stores.

And lastly, all the "Microsoft Visual C++ ...... Redistributable" can be skipped, the apps that needs should install them (they should not be included in the Winget list of installed apps)

Both lists together, will give you all apps installed on your system, minus your Steam/Epic games and apps installed through there.

 

You can reinstall all apps that are available through Winget via this command:

winget import –import-file c:/myApps.txt --ignore-unavailable

So Winget is basically a tool to get exactly the same apps i had before?

 

I don't think i'm gonna use that since there's a bunch of bloat i want to get rid off either way. Or do i simply open the myApps.txt and delete the entries of the apps i don't want anymore?

 

1 hour ago, GoodBytes said:

I think you have everything. All I want to say, is that when you get the OOBE stage of Windows 11 setup (the set of screens to setup keyboard, language, connect on the network, etc.). Do Ctrl + Shift + F3. This will make Windows go in Audit mode. Meaning the system will restart with a temporary generated desktop, for you to specifically to update Windows, and install drivers. Once done. Hit "OK" on the System Preparation Tool message box that will show in the middle of your screen, and it will wipe the temporary desktop (no trace), and get you back to the OOBE stage, to setup your system and create your first account.

 

Notes:

• In the Audit Mode desktop, you can restart your system, you'll be back to where you left off.
• If you shut down the system and turn it back, you won't be able to login. That is fine, just restart, and you'll be back to it. 
• If you close the System Preparation Tool message box, you can either restart and it will re-open it or do Win+R > type: sysprep > OK. It will open the folder where System Preparation Tool is located, just double click on sysprep.exe
• The option selected by default on the System Preparation Tool panel are correct. Do not touch them.

This is some great advice. I'll definetly try that out.

 

 

1 hour ago, GoodBytes said:

Unlike what many YouTubers suggests, this is actually the proper way to setup any version of Windows, since Windows NT 3. This is how Dell, HP, and so on, setup system.

This will also solve the problem of Windows wanting to go online, but you can't be due to missing drivers (if Windows doesn't have the drivers)

I think the last time i set up my PC WIndows automatically had working LAN drivers. Just to be sure i'll disconnect my PC from the internet before entering audit mode.

 

1 hour ago, GoodBytes said:

To get started with a local account with Windows 11 (Pro edition only) -- proper way:

(Expand: "Reveal hidden contents" for step-by-step guide)

If my Windows license is bound to my Microsoft account, does it even make sense to use a local account?

[GoodBytes]

1 minute ago, Stahlmann said:

Does anything about that change if i have my Windows license linked to my Microsoft account?

Nope. Once all your drivers are installed (Device Manager shows that all is good), and you go online and check for updates, Windows should soon activate.

 

1 minute ago, Stahlmann said:

So Winget is basically a tool to get exactly the same apps i had before?

Winget is Windows repository. It has grown a lot with many apps being added, but it doesn't have everything. Devs have to publish there. It does have access to the Store apps. So, anything there as well, can be managed (install/uninstall/update) through Winget

 

 

1 minute ago, Stahlmann said:

I don't think i'm gonna use that since there's a bunch of bloat i want to get rid off either way. Or do i simply open the myApps.txt and delete the entries of the apps i don't want anymore?

Yup you can do that. Just make sure the format is correct. It uses JSON format, if you are familiar with it. If not, just make sure that when a quote (") is open, it is also closed (that is another one that follows on the same line), And that there is a matching "}" for every "{" brackets. Should be obvious when you edit the file.

 

 

1 minute ago, Stahlmann said:

I think the last time i set up my PC WIndows automatically had working LAN drivers. Just to be sure i'll disconnect my PC from the internet before entering audit mode.

No need to. You'll need internet access under Audit mode to update Windows and download any missed drivers or whatever.

 

1 minute ago, Stahlmann said:

If my Windows license is bound to my Microsoft account, does it even make sense to use a local account?

Yes, and No. It depends. Microsoft does try and do a hardware match (via serial number of hardware) to find your system on its side to check the Activation status, and assuming all is good, it will activate. However, it is best to link your account. That Local Account is more if you don't like the default user profile folder name it generates, and you want to make it based on your account username, and THEN link your account within the account, or you are the ones that has trust issues with Microsoft.

[Stahlmann]

The reinstallation went well and this is probably the first time i've reset my PC and didn't forget something important. Thank you all for the tips and recommendations! Now i finally have a working calendar again and can install .net framework and other apps without getting unintelligible error popups.

 

@GoodBytes

Audit mode is nice, but i feel it's of limited usefulness when the PC i'm setting up is my own. Why not just do it all after the setup?

But i'll definetly use it more in the future as i typically build or upgrade the PC's for my friends.

 

Winget on the other hand only managed to "get" very few apps, so i didn't bother with it and just installed the 3 or 4 apps it would've installed manually.