Unpack and set up Windows 11 the hard way

pcreations
Junior Member

06-05-2026, 10:02 AM

I want to do a fresh reinstall of windows on my new pc, but I've already set it up before so I need a clean start. Should I disconnect the second M.2 drive? Or can I just use the USB installer without taking out that extra drive? I have a 500 gigabyte primary drive and a 2 terabyte secondary M.2 drive already installed. Thanks!

pcreations

06-05-2026, 10:02 AM #1

JeronimoYT
Senior Member

428

06-07-2026, 09:32 AM

Sure, just unplug one of your hard drives so the tiny startup section ends up somewhere else instead.

JeronimoYT

06-07-2026, 09:32 AM #2

Sure, just unplug one of your hard drives so the tiny startup section ends up somewhere else instead.

metioraxe
Junior Member

06-07-2026, 01:58 PM

Hey, does that picture look okay to you? And what should I pick for my second hard drive? It's sitting in the third spot, so do I keep it there or move it somewhere else?

metioraxe

06-07-2026, 01:58 PM #3

Hey, does that picture look okay to you? And what should I pick for my second hard drive? It's sitting in the third spot, so do I keep it there or move it somewhere else?

Bring_It
Senior Member

423

06-07-2026, 02:40 PM

You need to take out that second drive before you begin this process. It was mentioned in your earlier message and also in my first reply.

Bring_It

06-07-2026, 02:40 PM #4

You need to take out that second drive before you begin this process. It was mentioned in your earlier message and also in my first reply.

Naken7
Junior Member

06-13-2026, 05:27 AM

I already did what you asked. If I ever want to put back Windows, should I unplug my second drive again?

Naken7

06-13-2026, 05:27 AM #5

I already did what you asked. If I ever want to put back Windows, should I unplug my second drive again?

AJallstar99
Member

220

06-15-2026, 12:15 AM

If you want to set up your PC with Windows, make sure you take out every hard drive. This helps avoid problems later.

AJallstar99

06-15-2026, 12:15 AM #6

If you want to set up your PC with Windows, make sure you take out every hard drive. This helps avoid problems later.