What is the best way to reinstall an operating system on your computer?

When it comes to reinstalling an operating system on your computer, there are a few approaches you can consider: Clean Install of Windows: This involves removing the existing Windows installation (if any) and installing a fresh copy. In Windows 10, you can do this during the setup process or by using the Reset This PC feature. Reinstall Using Installation Media: Create a bootable USB drive or use a DVD with the Windows installation files. Boot from the installation media and follow the prompts to reinstall the OS. You can choose to keep your files or start fresh. On a Mac: Restart your Mac in Recovery Mode. Use Disk Utility to erase your hard drive. Reinstall OS from scratch. Back up your important data before reinstalling the OS.

To reinstall an operating system on your computer, it's crucial to prepare by backing up your essential files, settings, and programs. This ensures you don't lose any important data during the process. You can utilize an external hard drive, a cloud service, or a network drive for our backup, ensuring that you have sufficient space and time for the backup process. Additionally, create a recovery drive or bootable media with the installation files for your OS. To create one, do a web search: - For Linux, a Bootable USB with Ubuntu or Fedora, - For MacOS, a Bootable macOS Installer, - For Windows, a Bootable Installation Media. This serves as a safety net, allowing you to restore your system if any issues arise during the reinstallation.

Create a backup of users files. Install a compatible operating system. Once installed, run required updates. Installed required applications. Restore backup. Ensure antivirus has been installed.

Backup data. Obtain installation media. Create bootable media. Access BIOS/UEFI. Start installation. Partition and format. Install drivers/updates. Restore backup. Test functionality

Hacer backup de archivos y app. tener el usb booteable con el S.O elegido. insertar el pendriva al equipo. reiniciar la pc. al iniciarse presionar la tecla correspondiente para ingresar a la BIOS. Configurar para que bootee desde el USB. Guardar cambios y reiniciar sistema. Una vez que inicie el USB booteable, seguir los pasos de instalación del S.O. Al finalizar la instalación del S.O, proceder a instalar las app necesarias y restaurar los archivos desde el dispositivo donde se hizo el bkp.

For an enterprise, I would recommend installing the OS over the network which requires a PXE (Preboot eXecution Environment) server. This promotes image consistency across all computers among other advantages. Whichever method is chosen, security should always be a priority.

In my experience, it comes down to this: - Clean Install: Ideal for a fresh start, getting rid of malware, or optimizing performance. Requires more time and effort to reinstall programs and restore files. -Upgrade Install: Convenient if you want to keep your settings and programs intact. Faster and easier, but may not resolve all underlying issues or improve performance as significantly. Consider your needs, the current state of your computer, and the level of convenience versus thoroughness you prefer when choosing between a clean install and an upgrade. Both methods have their advantages and drawbacks, so choose the one that best fits your situation and goals for your computer's operating system.

If you perform installations regularly consider a script such as bash or PowerShell to automate the post operating system steps. If your not comfortable scripting, consider at least documenting all the steps so it is repeatable with consistency. Make sure to follow best practices from a security perspective not all operating systems have the most secure default settings consider what features should be enabled or disabled for your privacy and protection.

There may be a couple ways to reinstall Windows 10/11: 1) Navigate to your taskbar to search 'Reset this pc' > Follow the prompts as this will direct you to 'erase all data' or 'keep files, but remove apps'. This process will reinstall the needed OS files within Windows for a clean install. 2) If you have a bootable USB of the OS, you will get similar options to reinstall Windows, only you'll be able to keep your files and apps, or erase all data. Preserving your files may be critical, so Id recommend to move anything personal externally to a hard drive or if you have this saved in the cloud somewhere, it may be the best option for a clean install and to move forward to erase all data for a clean version of Windows.

Another thing to consider with an upgrade is what OS you’re using. For Windows, server upgrades are fairly common. A desktop upgrade? You’re probably better off wiping and starting from scratch. MacOS upgrades are almost always over the existing version. There is rarely a good reason to wipe and restart on a Mac. Linux, depends on the flavor. Most are over the top upgrades though.

With the bootable media ready, the next step is to make sure the computer boots from the bootable media which can either be done by changing the boot order in the BIOS settings or pressing the Boot device selection key when the computer is switched On.

Starting the installation process begins with booting your computer from the recovery drive or bootable media you created. This ensures that your computer will install the operating system from an external source rather than the existing one. To do this, you might need to enter the BIOS settings or use a shortcut key during startup to access the boot menu. Once booted from the recovery drive or media, a setup screen will appear, to select your language, keyboard layout, and other preferences. Follow these on-screen instructions carefully, selecting the installation method (clean or upgrade), and partitioning your hard drive. Pay attention to details and confirm your selections to proceed with the installation successfully.

It's most likely that a lot of technicians might face some problems during this step particularly. Sometimes it's mantadory to access the BIOS/UEFI menus to access the booting media, and because every vendor has it's own method to access , a lot of technicians get stuck at this point and waste their time trying to press a lot buttons to do so... (F2 - F8 - F12 - ...etc). Some vendors require to change the boot order of the media manually. So it's best for IT technicians to have prior knowledge of accessing the BIOS/UEFI and boot order menus. Then as always, start OS installation by following the instructions for the OS of choice, not to forget about wiping the entire partitions and making sure of the recent backup to be ready.

To change the boot order without entering in the Bios, in the modern MOBO there is a shortcut keyboard shortcut to bring up the boot menu

If you made the boot disk from an infected system you could be reinstalling your problems. Use the install software that came with your computer. Some newer systems you will have to download from the factory. If your computer was registered, no problem. Microsoft has this at no cost with your key number. Using corrupted backups is not a solutuon.

Customizing your settings after the installation process is crucial to tailor your new operating system to your needs. First, you'll create a user account, set a password, and choose your network settings for internet access. Activating your operating system ensures its full functionality. Next, updating your drivers and installing system updates is vital for optimal performance and security. Configuring security and privacy options helps protect your system and data from potential threats. Personalizing your desktop, wallpaper, themes, and other features adds a touch of familiarity and comfort to your user experience. These steps ensure that your new operating system is set up according to your needs and preferences.

There is some really clever software available now that allows a daily image to be taken of your machine. The image is uploaded to a secure location and if you ever have an issue with your machine, you can simply insert a USB stick, and you’ll be back up and running in 20 mins. We always recommend using this for business critical systems. Automated image deployment can also save a lot of time, along with deployments using services such as InTune. James @ Sysflex Ltd

From my experience, the most important step after installing your new OS is to make sure the computer is properly set up and this includes selecting the correct keyboard settings, updating the drivers, installing updates, and so on. Then you can implement other features required by you or the organization you work for.

After the installation process ends you have to customize the installation. A script can be used or a configuration backup, or a mixed solution. Not so easy! Remember to make a system backup of the system+user applications + configurations to save time in the following disaster. If you don't had an automated backup solution for user configuration, think about applying one. Consider data deduplication, solution.

La idea es mantener siempre un estándar definido que no varíe en nada de usuario a otro y solo agregar algún software que el usuario pida, ello para siempre tener control de lo instalado... lo básico es saber el nombre del usuario final y de ahí comenzar.

From here, restoring your backup is the final step in the reinstall process and ensures your files, settings, and programs are back in place. Use the same backup device or service you used previously. Some programs may need manual reinstallation or downloading from the internet. It's important to verify that everything is functioning as expected and make any necessary adjustments. Once you've confirmed everything is in order, you can safely delete the old installation files and recovery drive or bootable media to free up space on your system. This step completes the process, giving you a refreshed and optimized operating system with your essential data restored.

Its important to update the system to the latest patches and updates and install an antivirus before attach the media that contains the data to restore

This is why you should not wipe out your system. You will have to find your paperwork for all the software you purchased over time. You will have to download and upgrade. You will have to contact the vendors and convince them you are using the same computer, if not you will be spending some more money buying the software again. Again read and understand the problem and fix the error.

If the company has a good policy, no user data should be restored since all the data should be on the servers or the cloud. If not, a reecovery of user data is needed and can be done from a USB device or from a network drive. Think about applying the policy of saving all data on servers or cloud, not into a PC/laptop.

One special recommendation is to restore only backups of individual files, try to avoid restoring any app configurations backup to have a cleaner OS.

And... Congratulations on successfully reinstalling your operating system! Now, you can enjoy the benefits of a fresh and optimized system. As you explore your new OS, you may notice improvements in speed, performance, stability, and security. Discover new features and apps that enhance your user experience, and take the time to customize settings to suit your preferences. This is an opportunity for a clean slate, so make the most of it and enjoy a smooth and efficient computing experience.

Computers are like aluminium foil on a grill. Over time the circuit board get worn out. The actual traces, wires on the board, get used and unreliable. They become corrupted and brittle from all the heat generated by the environment.

Enjoy the benefits of a new, improved, or refreshed operating system. You may notice a difference in the speed, performance, stability, or security of your computer.

Now you have the PC/laptop ready to use. Remember redo BIOS configuration: -secure boot, no USB or network boot option. Use disk encription and check it's working. Check if automatic update is ON and working Enjoy your new better system. The IT department did a good job.

As we settle into our newly installed operating system, consider implementing good habits to maintain its performance and security. Regularly update your software and drivers to ensure you have the latest features and security patches. Back up your files regularly to prevent data loss in case of unforeseen issues. Explore additional security measures such as setting up a firewall and antivirus software. Lastly, take advantage of online resources and communities to learn more about optimizing and troubleshooting your OS. Remember, a little proactive maintenance can go a long way in keeping your system running smoothly.

After fresh installation of the OS, make sure that you install official up-to-date softwares. Having the correct activation codes for each software if applicable. Follow the best practices to keep the computer safe and secure. Perform regular backups of files and install updates as soon as they're available.

Backup your data before os installation in external hdd then format whole computer then install os, install antivirus then scan your external drive then restore data from external hard drive then create restore point then enjoy new os

If you are re-installing OS on laptop a good help and crucial is to check the official applications so you can have up to date your drivers. But you need to avoidd installing all extra programs, only the one that allow you to update the official drivers.