Articles in Category: Setup and Install

A bright and photorealistic thumbnail showing a desktop computer screen. The desktop computer is modern and sleek, prominently positioned in the center of the image. The screen of the computer vividly displays Welcome to Windows with clear, legible textThe environment around the computer is minimal and professional, focusing the viewer's attention on the screen. The lighting is well-balanced, highlighting the details of Windows, and the overall image composition is designed to be eye-catching and engaging for viewers interested in learning about installing or setting up Windows.

Set Up Windows 11 With Only a Local Account

Setting up a Windows 11 machine without a Microsoft account is still possible, though it’s not obvious.

Is There a Windows 11 Installation Media Download?

It’s rare to get installation media with your machine any more. Fortunately, Windows 11 installation media can be download online.

A computer monitor displaying a vibrant Windows 11 wallpaper. In the center of the screen, there's a large, translucent mushroom cloud symbolizing a major system reset or 'nuclear option'.

It Was My Time to Reformat and Reinstall

The steps I took, the software I installed, and a few things I discovered as I reinstalled Windows 11 on my main machine.

Set Up Windows Again With the Windows Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE)

Use the Windows 10 and 11 Out-of-Box Experience to reset a variety of items associated with initial computer setup.

A bright, simple, photorealistic image representing the process of reinstalling Windows without having the necessary discs or downloads. The image should include a computer screen displaying an error message about missing installation files, alongside a desk cluttered with scattered software discs, some of them labeled as 'Windows' and 'Office', and papers containing activation codes and download instructions. The setting should convey a sense of frustration and confusion, highlighting the challenge of reinstalling software without the original media or downloads.

How Do I Reinstall Software Without Installation Discs or Download Files?

If you bought it, save it — even if it is just a downloaded installation .exe file and activation code.

A conceptual image on a light background, in a wide 16:9 format, depicting the process of transferring data during a clean Windows installation. The left side shows a computer with a new, glowing Windows installation. On the right, various data transfer methods are displayed: an external hard drive, cloud service icons (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive), and an image of a backup disk. These elements are linked with stylized arrows or lines, indicating the transfer of data and applications to the new Windows system. The style is modern and digital with a focus on clarity, simplicity, and the seamless transition of data, all set against a light, clean background.

How Do I Transfer Data After a Clean Install of Windows?

A clean install of a operating system assumes the hard disk is empty. Some preparation is required to preserve and transfer data.

Installing Software Safely and with Minimal Impact

Installing software is something we do often. I’ll review some recommendations to minimize both impact and danger.

How to “Reset this PC” to Reinstall Windows

It’s relatively easy to reinstall Windows and keep most of your data while doing so, though it can be a bit time consuming.

Why Do an Image Backup If I Can Factory Reset?

Factory reset is a great option to have, but it doesn’t cover all the scenarios a full image backup does.

A Program Crashes and I Can’t Uninstall It. What Do I Do?

Problems with a program that won’t install can be tricky. It’s important to capture the exact wording of any error messages you are receiving.

How to Reinstall Windows 10 Without Media

The best way to prepare for needing an installation disc is to create one before you need it. I’ll review some approaches.

How Do I Completely Uninstall a Program?

Uninstalling a program is pretty easy. Uninstalling it completely, on the other hand, can be a challenge.

How Do I Reformat and Reinstall Windows?

To reformat and reinstall is considered the “nuclear option” when it comes to dealing with Windows problems (or just cleaning up).

How Do I Remove My Personal Data from My Computer Running Windows 10?

It’s almost impossible to remove all personal information from a Windows installation, short of one extreme option.

How Do I Switch Back to a Local Account Sign-in for Windows 10?

It’s not uncommon to set up Windows 10 only to find you’re required to log in with a Microsoft account. I’ll show you how to restore a local account sign-in.

How do I Repair My System if the Registry Can’t Be Loaded?

We can certainly find a way to repair your system registry. But my concern is, why did this happen in the first place?

I Don’t Have Installation Media for Windows. What If I Need It?

At some point, you’re going to need your Windows installation CD/DVD. If you don’t have it, you could be severely out of luck. I’ll review alternatives.

Why Did I Get this Additional Driver Utility?

More frequently, unwanted software is included in the download package of things you actually want. Preventing these programs from being installed is easy; getting rid of them may not be.

Can I Put Everything but the Operating System on an External Drive?

Using an external drive is not going to work like you think in the long run. In the end, a backup image is the most convenient tool to use when reinstalling Windows.

Why Did I Lose Applications After My Machine was Formatted?

By definition, reformatting a hard drive erases everything. The big question is, why didn’t the technician tell you that?!

What’s the easiest way to restore my machine to original factory settings if I didn’t get discs?

If you don’t have installation or recovery media then you’ll need to take additional steps to prepare for the day you might need to reset to factory settings. Additional steps using software that I hope you already have.

How Do I Reinstall Downloaded Programs?

When it’s important that you save several things for the day disaster strikes and you need to reinstall downloaded programs. I’ll look at what you need to save to prepare for the worst.

How Do I Change the Default Installation Drive?

In this scenario, the real issue is that your C: drive is full. What I recommend you do is clean it up.

How Do I Reformat and Reinstall Windows? (XP & Vista)

Sometimes the best approach to resolving an issue, be it a virus or simply software rot, is reformat and reinstall. We’ll review the steps.

How Do I Reformat My Machine If I Don’t Have a Windows CD?

Reformatting a machine is a major step that erases everything. Unless you really know what you’re doing, you’re going to want that Windows Setup CD.

How Do I Copy Preinstalled Software To Another Machine?

Yet another reason I so strongly recommend making sure that you get installation CDs for all the software that comes pre-installed on any new machine. There are just so many scenarios where no having that can be a really big pain. Like this one.