Microsoft Confirms You Can Clean Install Windows 10 After Upgrading
by Brett Howse on June 2, 2015 11:10 PM EST- Posted in
- Operating Systems
- Microsoft
- Windows 10

This is one question that a lot of people have been asking, and Gabe Aul, the head of the Windows Insider program, finally answered it on Twitter today. Credit goes to Brad Sams at Neowin for catching this since it was a reply to another tweet.
Gabe states:
Once you upgrade W10 w/ the free upgrade offer you will able to clean reinstall Windows 10 on same device any time
There’s not a lot else to be said, but he also said they are working on some more information to make this more clear. What it does mean is that in order to get the free upgrade, you need to upgrade from an eligible device, and once done, you can then blow that away and do a clean install. I guess we’re not sure yet if that means you can do a reset using the Windows Recovery tools, or if you can actually start with a new hard drive or ISO in order to do the clean install.
Hopefully we’ll get the final bit of clarification on this soon, but since this is one of the most asked questions that I have seen, I felt it was worth letting everyone know.
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jabber - Thursday, June 4, 2015 - link
Well since Windows 7, Windows has been pretty cheap to but at release or on pre release. If I can pick up a retail version of the Pro then I may well do.To be honest I'm one of those that annual subscription would be better going forward.
Taurus229 - Thursday, June 4, 2015 - link
The big question is, can we download an ISO copy ofwindows 10, and be able to do a clean install whenever, and how often as you would like.
jmunjr - Thursday, June 4, 2015 - link
Can you go back and do a clean install of your Windows 7 if you hate Windows 10?Valis - Friday, June 5, 2015 - link
I wont be upgrading past 7, you'll never get me alive suckers!!! :>Zingam - Sunday, June 7, 2015 - link
Just go back and use Windows 3.11 and you'll be fine!zodiacfml - Friday, June 5, 2015 - link
Are there any information for devices employ WIMBOOT to upgrade to W10? I can see this is possible if users would install an micro SD card in their devices.eanazag - Friday, June 5, 2015 - link
Good digging, Brett.Zingam - Saturday, June 6, 2015 - link
Damned Microsoft always making it hard for their customers!!!Microsoft, I want:
1. To clean install from media whenever I want without losing my secondary drives (I split my drive in two)
2. To dual-tripple boot whenever I want!
3. I want no stupid upgrades that leave a fragmented, polluted Hard Drive.
4. I don't want all that online functionality forced down my throat.
5. I want a lightweight OS that flies and does not get into my way.
mapesdhs - Saturday, June 6, 2015 - link
Then use UNIX. ;D Oops, sorry, wrong decade... bummer... not much choice these days. :) Oh I know there's Linux, but it's still a long way from being genuinely user friendly for anyone, and the attitudes of many Linux users on forums can leave a lot to be desired.Zingam - Sunday, June 7, 2015 - link
Linux with their distribution philosophy fits in these requirements hardly. At least it is for free unlike MS Windows, which was always a rip-off.