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Windows 10 - To Clean Install or Not

bod1467
bod1467 Posts: 15,214 Forumite
I've done the upgrade and all seems to be working OK, albeit boot up times are probably slower than 7 was. The question is ... is it worth wiping and doing a clean install of Windows 10? (After making sure all data is backed up, of course).
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Comments

  • JJ_Egan
    JJ_Egan Posts: 20,281 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Yes much faster .
  • bod1467
    bod1467 Posts: 15,214 Forumite
    Much faster than the upgraded Win 10, or than the previous OS? (Just seeking clarity). :)

    I've already got a DVD made with 64-bit Windows 10 Home on it, so I might look to do this later this week or at the weekend.

    Any hints, tips or tricks I should be aware of to make things smoother and avoid any "gotchas"?
  • albeit boot up times are probably slower than 7 was

    Running a CPU stealing AV?
  • It's worth noting that doing a clean install will prompt users to enter their product key. It's not a big deal, but it's something to keep in mind. Also, performing a clean install with a bootable media won't offer the option to roll back.

    In practice, it's always better to start fresh with a clean install of Windows, even more if you've been running the same installation for quite some time.
  • kwikbreaks
    kwikbreaks Posts: 9,187 Forumite
    I've got so many different utilities and stuff that I use from time to time installed on my machines from giveaway of the day that I have no intention of doing a clean install.

    Considering a fresh install would take best part of a day locating and reinstalling everything I'd be able to which I (admittedly rarely for some) use and the desktop runs 24x7 anyway I think I'd waste more time reinstalling than waiting the few extra seconds for startups.
  • bod1467
    bod1467 Posts: 15,214 Forumite
    kwikbreaks wrote: »
    I've got so many different utilities and stuff that I use from time to time installed on my machines from giveaway of the day that I have no intention of doing a clean install.

    Considering a fresh install would take best part of a day locating and reinstalling everything I'd be able to which I (admittedly rarely for some) use and the desktop runs 24x7 anyway I think I'd waste more time reinstalling than waiting the few extra seconds for startups.

    I hear you, and it's a valid opinion which I'm minded to follow.
    Running a CPU stealing AV?

    Avast ... exactly the same as I had on Windows 7 Home Premium. I also have Defender disabled in Windows 10 to (try to) avoid any conflict.

    Given I usually start the laptop and go and do something else first (e.g. I get home from work, start the laptop, then get changed out of my work clothes), then the start up time isn't so much of an issue.

    I wouldn't say Windows 10 is noticeably quicker than Windows 7 (once booted), but I guess it is so different that it's hard to make an objective comparison. :)
  • kwikbreaks
    kwikbreaks Posts: 9,187 Forumite
    Mine certainly pops up the login quickly but there is still plenty going on after you've logged in for a while. It's quick enough not to irritate me most of the time.

    The desktop runs 24x7 as I still need to get things working that I intend to switch over to the Pi 2 I got recently. The Pi B ran some things but without enough grunt for everything I want so startup isn't an issue.

    Once I've started up the laptop I don't usually shut it down til I'm certain I won't want it again or when I go to bed.
  • almillar
    almillar Posts: 8,621 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Any hints, tips or tricks I should be aware of to make things smoother and avoid any "gotchas"?

    Yes, before you take another step, check to make sure that your current version of Win 10 is activated. If it's not, your clean version won't get activiated either.
    Download all the drivers for your hardware. Handy to have just in case.
    It'll install much faster from USB than DVD.
  • Jivesinger
    Jivesinger Posts: 1,221 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary Combo Breaker
    It's worth noting that doing a clean install will prompt users to enter their product key.
    Yes, but you should not enter one, if clean-installing Windows 10 on a machine which was previously activated with Windows 10. Just click Skip.
    almillar wrote: »
    Yes, before you take another step, check to make sure that your current version of Win 10 is activated. If it's not, your clean version won't get activiated either.
    Download all the drivers for your hardware. Handy to have just in case.
    It'll install much faster from USB than DVD.
    I agree, especially the bit about making sure you were activated.

    I'd take a backup image too.
  • davmail
    davmail Posts: 371 Forumite
    I installed win10,it is slower than win7,and after installing it I could no longer send emails from Outlook,I could not fix it,so luckily i have Acronis and went back to my original Win 7,now i can send emails again,to me win10 is nothing but trouble.
    Kawasaki z750 Rider!
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