It's time for a clean start if you're having trouble with your computer.It is possible to keep your computer running smoothly for a long time by wiping and reinstalling your operating system.Junk files and crust that slow performance will be cleared by this.If you back up your files frequently, the process should take no more than an hour.
Step 1: You can get or create a Windows installation disc.
The easiest way to wipe your computer is to use a Windows installation disc.This needs to be the same version of Windows that you have been using.If you use Windows 7, you will need an installation disc.You can use the disc that came with your computer, or you can make one yourself.Use your product key to download the ISO file from Microsoft, you will need a blank DVD or ausb drive.If you just downloaded the ISO file, you can use the Windows DVD/USB Download Tool to create an installation DVD orusb drive.Click the "create media" button after visiting the Microsoft Windows 8.1 download page.Follow the instructions to download and create an installation DVD.Click the "Download tool now" button if you want to download Windows 10.To download the Windows 10 files, follow the instructions in the tool.
Step 2: If you want to save the files, back them up.
All of the files on the drive will be erased when you wipe your computer and install Windows.If you want to save important files to another location, make sure to use an external hard drive or a cloud storage service.After you're done, any programs that you have will need to be reinstalled.Instructions on backing up important files can be found in How to Back Up Data.
Step 3: You have to boot from the installation disc.
You're ready to wipe and reinstallation after everything has been backed up.You will be able to boot your computer from the installation disc or drive.You will need to set your computer to boot from the installation disc or drive that you just created.If your computer was installed with Windows 7 or earlier, the process is different.If you want to reboot your computer, you need to press the bios, setup, or boot key.The key will be displayed on the screen when your computer starts.The typical keys are F2, F10, F11, and Del.The primary boot device should be your DVD orusb drive.Go to the Start menu and click on the Power button.Click "Restart" to stop."Troubleshoot" can be found from the menu that appears.Click on the button to open the menu.You can change the boot order on your computer by going to the Boot section of the menu.
Step 4: The installation process should begin.
Press any key on the keyboard to load the program.It can take several minutes to load all of the files.
Step 5: You can choose your language options.
You'll be asked to choose your language preferences before installation begins.After making your selection, click "Install now" to begin the installation.
Step 6: You need to enter your product key.
If you are installing Windows 8 or later, you will be prompted for a product key.After installation of Windows 7, you'll be asked for a product key.If you want to enter your product key later, skip this step.
Step 7: You can choose the "Custom" installation option.
This will allow you to get rid of the data on your computer.
Step 8: You can choose the drive that Windows is installed on.
It will be labeled with your Windows version if it's listed as a "Primary" drive.
Step 9: Click the "Drive options" button if you want to leave.
This will remove the data from the partition."Unallocated space" is what it will be turned into.If you want to combine other partition into your main one, you can repeat this.The data on these partition will be deleted as well.The block of unallocated space can be combined into a single partition.If you want, you can split your partition.It may be useful for file organization.Click "New" to create a new partition from the unallocated space.Make sure the partition you install Windows on is at least 20 gigabytes in size.
Step 10: Click "Next" to install the partition you want.
This will be the start of the installation process.It will take 20 minutes to copy and install.
Step 11: You need to create a user account.
You'll be prompted to create a user account after the files have been copied.Administrator privileges will be granted to this account.You'll be asked to enter a name for the computer.Your computer will be identified on the network by this name.
Step 12: You need to enter your product key.
You will be prompted to enter your product key if you install Windows 7.If you intend to enter your key later, you can skip this.
Step 13: You can choose your Windows Update settings.
To make sure that everything stays up to date and secure, most users should select the "Recommended" options.
Step 14: You can set your date and time.
You may have to make manual adjustments if your computer selects the correct date and time.
Step 15: Do you know the type of network you are connected to?
The type of network you choose will affect your environment.Your network security and sharing settings will be affected.
Step 16: Start using a computer.
You will be taken to the Windows desktop after selecting your network type.You will be prompted for your product key now if you didn't enter it earlier.
Step 17: Make sure to back up any important files.
All of your files will be deleted when OS X is reinstalled.All of your important files should be copied to a safe location, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service.Instructions on backing up important files can be found in How to Back Up Data.
Step 18: Hold your computer as you restart it.
Command+R will let you know if you see the Apple logo.
Step 19: Select the network you want to use.
Select the network you want to connect to.You need to connect via the internet if you don't have wi-fi.You will need an internet connection to install OS X.You can choose the network you want to use by clicking the icon in the upper-right corner.
Step 20: From the Recovery menu, open "Disk Utility".
You can open a new window to see all of the drives on your computer.
Step 21: Click "Erase" if you want to remove your hard drive.
If you want to change the drive's name, you can leave the settings that appear at their default.Click "Erase" to confirm.Once the erase process is complete, close Disk Utility.
Step 22: Click "continue" if you want to re- install OS X.
This will open the OS X installation.Your computer will be verified by Apple.
Step 23: Take the license agreement and read it.
To proceed with the installation, you will need to confirm that you accept this.
Step 24: Select the drive you want to install OS X on.
You can choose the drive that you erased.
Step 25: You have to enter your Apple ID.
To verify that you own the license for your operating system, you'll be prompted to enter your Apple ID.
Step 26: Wait for the files to be downloaded.
The files needed to install OS X will be downloaded.The time will be dependent on your connection speed.
Step 27: You can choose your region and keyboard.
By default, these should be selected.
Step 28: You can connect to your network.
Enter the password to connect to your wireless network.You won't be asked to choose a network if you are connected via Ethernet.
Step 29: You can transfer information.
Time Machine backups can be restored from a Windows PC.To transfer the files, follow the prompts if you choose either of these.Pick "Don't transfer any information now" to set up a fresh computer.
Step 30: You have to sign in with your Apple ID.
You can get access to the Mac Store with this.
Step 31: You have to create an account.
If you choose, OS X will use your Apple ID as your computer account.You have the option to create a local account.
Step 32: The setup process needs to be finished.
Before you get to your fresh desktop, you'll be taken through a few setup screens.