Unnecessary inquiries about resetting Windows
Unnecessary inquiries about resetting Windows
I've never installed an operating system before, even though I own a good gaming PC and have changed parts. Here are some points to check before reinstalling Windows 10 to tidy things up. First, is there a way to retain the data from other drives on my PC if I reinstall? I’ve heard that just reformatting the C drive only. After installation, once I get back to Windows 10, do I have to do anything else besides reinstall everything? For instance, will Windows automatically recognize my hard drives, or do I need to add them manually via Disk Management?
Windows shouldn't change the formatting of other drives unless you specify. Confirm you're installing on the C: partition only. The installer might not clearly label it, so double-check your target drive. Inside the setup, avoid upgrading—opt for a custom installation. You should aim for a clean install by deleting partitions on C: first, then creating a new one and selecting Windows during installation. Be sure to pick the correct drive; otherwise, you risk losing data from other drives. The safest method is to disconnect all other drives beforehand, ensuring a smooth process. Windows will handle the rest, asking for basic details like username and password only occasionally. Unless you've altered the drives in an unusual way, a standard clean install is usually best.
When you reinstall Windows, it will erase your partition, such as C:, not the entire drive. Be cautious and choose only the Windows partition during installation. After setup, you’ll automatically view all other partitions and drives. Ensure you install the newest Win10 drivers for your devices and remember to reinstall all programs and games.
It's accurate, though I question if the original poster has a C: partitioned beyond the standard ones set by Windows setup. If there are more than two partitions—including system recovery and the regular C:—you shouldn't remove everything. Just delete the main partition you wish to install into and then proceed to create when "unallocated space" appears.