The Cloud Download option will reinstall the same build, version, and edition currently installed on your device, and it’ll remove all your apps. In addition, if the “Remove everything” option is selected, the user data will also be deleted. Basically, the new option works like the Media Creation Tool allowing you to perform a clean installation keeping your files or removing everything without the need of extra tools or hardware.
Windows 10 clean install with Cloud Download or USB flash drive?
However, if you need to perform a clean installation to recover your system, is it better to use the Reset this PC feature with the Cloud Download option or a bootable USB flash drive? Although the Cloud Download option available with the Reset this PC feature could be a convenient option to perform a clean installation, there are a few caveats. For instance, because the entire process happens inside your device, you’ll need enough available space to download the files and prepare the installation. In addition, if there are software or hardware conflicts between the reset feature and current installation, or the device is having networking issues, the process may not work at all, or the installation could fail.
How to perform clean install of Windows 10 using Reset this PC with Cloud Download
On the other hand, a bootable USB flash drive is an independent device that you can create using any computer, and it doesn’t care about any of the problems with the current installation (or even if there’s an OS already installed). Once you boot your device with the flash drive, using the custom installation option, you can clean the drive by deleting all the partitions, and proceed with a true fresh copy of Windows 10. Yes, it takes a few extra steps and you’re still not immune to issues, but the chances of running into problems are much lower than using the built-in recovery tools. Unless there’s a problem, such a bug or hardware compatibility issue, with the version that you’re trying to install.
How to perform clean install of Windows 10 using USB flash drive
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should discard the Cloud Download entirely. Both recovery approaches have their pros and cons. For example, if you don’t have an USB flash drive, there’s enough available space, and you’re in the rush to get your device up and running, perhaps the Reset this PC with the Cloud Download option is the way to go. If the current installation has severe problems to the point that your device won’t boot. You want to have a piece of mind that everything is erase properly. Or you’re setting up a new computer or replaced the hardware, using the USB flash drive approach to perform a true clean installation will be the way to go. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
