After doing some research (see here), I decided to not delete any of the partitions except the OS partition. In the old days it was common to just delete all the partitions and create a new one.

Once you reach the Where do you want to install Windows? screen, you may see six or more partitions including OS, WINRETOOLS, and DELLSUPPORT.

However, if you continue through the wizard, and choose Custom Install, you will indeed have the chance to do this. This is confusing as it leads you to believe you will not be offered the chance to reformat or manage partitions. After you click Install now you will be asked to choose your language, region, etc. The UI will show one option, Install now.Once the boot options appear, under UEFI Boot Options, you should see your USB flash drive listed Select it and press enter.Press F12 to open boot options (assuming your machine supports UEFI, there’s no need to enter the BIOS and change boot order like in the old days).Plug the USB flash drive into one of the rear USB ports, don’t use one of the USB ports on the front of the case.Download the Windows 10 Install Tool and follow the instructions to install it on a USB flash drive.Here are the few simple steps I followed to install a fresh, clean copy of Windows 10: Simple Steps to Install a Clean Copy of Windows Don’t waste your time with that-even if you choose the promising sounding “Remove everything” and then “Remove files and clean the drive”, it will just revert to the Dell factory image, complete with all the same bloatware. Most guides will tell you to do a Reset using Windows 10 Recovery tools. I was also surprised that I couldn’t find a comprehensive, yet simple guide on how to do this. However, times have changed, so if you haven’t done this in a few years, you may need some pointers.

So naturally, you’ll want to reformat and install a clean copy of Windows. And if you’re like me, you’ll be terrified when McAfee automatically installs a Chrome extension, annoyed by Dell pop-ups and reminders, and unsatisfied with system performance with all those processes hogging resources. If you’ve just purchased a Dell (or similar) computer, you probably won’t be surprised to find it loaded with bloatware such as Dell utilities and McAfee AV. Fresh water from mountain spring, Photo by David A.

Clean install windows 10