Overview
This article will guide you through attempting to reinstall the Windows operating system (OS) on your machine. Reinstalling Windows can solve issues with software, help computer performance, or help clean up your machine.
Before you begin, please note the following:
- You will need a blank USB drive or disk with at least 8 GB.
- If installing Windows 11, make sure the device meets the following requirements listed here.
- Back up your files before you begin. It is strongly recommended that you back up your files regularly to help prevent data loss.
- IMPORTANT: Help Desk Central and Texas A&M cannot assist with data recovery services of any kind.
- By using this article to undertake this process, you acknowledge that Help Desk Central and Texas A&M University are not responsible for any data loss of any kind during this process. We strongly recommend that you back up your data before proceeding.
- Reinstalling the operating system will destroy data on the drive where your operating system is stored. We strongly recommend backing up your data before proceeding.
Instructions
1. Create a Windows 10 Installation Media Tool. The .iso file and instructions on how to create a Windows 10 Installation Media Tool can be found here.
2. Complete Instructions on installing Windows 10 on a Media Tool can be found here, under "Use Windows 11 installation media."
- NOTE: Failure to perform a clean install may result in corruption of pre-existing data. We strongly discourage not performing a clean install.
3. After Windows 10 has been installed, it is likely that several drivers and key services may be unavailable or missing. Ensure that all updates have been performed under "Check for Updates."
1. Create a Windows 11 Installation Media Tool. The .iso file and instructions on how to create a Windows 11 Installation Media Tool can be found here.
2. Complete Instructions on installing Windows 11 on a Media Tool can be found here. Under "Steps to reinstall Windows with Media", select the "Clean Install" option.
- NOTE: A clean installation should be performed during this process (all data should be deleted before beginning installation). Failure to perform a clean install may result in corruption of pre-existing data.
3. After Windows 11 has been installed, sign in using a PERSONAL Windows account.
- If the device is unable to connect to the network, follow these instructions to install Windows 11 without Internet.
- NOTE: Signing in using your @tamu.edu email will result in your device being managed by the university and a loss of access to key services.
4. After signing in, it is likely that several drivers and key services may be unavailable or missing. Ensure that all updates have been performed under "Check for Updates."
- NOTE: Many important updates can be found in Check for Updates under "Advanced Options" -> "Optional Updates". Make sure all of these updates have been installed as well.
If you are unable to perform the installation on your own using the steps above, Help Desk Central can assist with the Windows installation process for you on our service floor at no cost! For more information about our service floor hours and the services Help Desk Central provides, visit it.tamu.edu.