When I reinstall Windows, should I set it up as a new PC?

[SAT01]

It asks me at the end of the installation whether I want to set it up as a new PC or restore a the data from an older one. I don’t want it to sync any files, so I usually set it up as a new one even if it is only a reinstallation on the same hardware. What is the best way to ensure that it doesn’t sync any data when I reinstall it?

[Blasty Blosty]

1 hour ago, SAT01 said:

What is the best way to ensure that it doesn’t sync any data when I reinstall it?

They way you currently do it, and if you want to ensure its gone, restore from a USB stick to wipe it completely

[SAT01]

8 hours ago, Blasty Blosty said:

They way you currently do it, and if you want to ensure its gone, restore from a USB stick to wipe it completely

Restoring from a USB would wipe it? How do I do that?

[Blasty Blosty]

15 hours ago, SAT01 said:

Restoring from a USB would wipe it? How do I do that?

Create a Windows install USB, and then boot from the USB. Then when installing Windows, just choose your C drive. Delete any partitions if they are there and you have not made any yourself

 

How is Windows activated for you?

[SAT01]

7 hours ago, Blasty Blosty said:

Create a Windows install USB, and then boot from the USB. Then when installing Windows, just choose your C drive. Delete any partitions if they are there and you have not made any yourself

 

How is Windows activated for you?

That’s how I do it currently. Thanks. I have it activated with a product key from the Microsoft store. 

[Blasty Blosty]

3 hours ago, SAT01 said:

That’s how I do it currently. Thanks. I have it activated with a product key from the Microsoft store. 

Sorry I misread the question, yes that is how you do it properly

 

If you want to be nuclear, you can zero the drive and then reinstall it, but that's a little extreme in 99% of cases