What Is Windows 10 Fresh Start?
The Fresh Start tool resets your Windows 10 device to its original out-of-the-box state with the latest version of the operating system. Fresh Start wipes out most of your applications, including ones pre-installed on your device. Most of your personal settings are also lost. You may lose your digital licenses and digital content associated with those applications, which could affect your ability to use them. For this reason, Microsoft doesn’t recommend using the tool if you want to ensure all of your apps remain properly installed and licensed.
Before You Begin Using Windows 10 Fresh Start
Before you launch Fresh Start, make sure you have a working internet connection and enough storage available on your device for a clean install. Downloading the tool and the Windows 10 install takes at least 3 GB. Additionally, make sure you back up anything you want to keep such as documents and photos.
How to Use Windows 10 Fresh Start
Access Windows 10 Fresh Start from the Windows Security Center:
Type Windows Security in the Windows search box and select the Windows Security app. Select Device Performance & Health in the left pane. Select Additional Info in the Fresh Start section. If you don’t see the Fresh Start tool on your device, you can download Fresh Start for Windows 10 from Microsoft. Select Get started. Select Yes if asked whether you want to allow Fresh Start to make changes to your device. Read the disclaimer and select Next to continue.
At this point, Fresh Start performs a clean Windows 10 installation. The rest of the process is automatic.
How to Download Missing Device Drivers
If you’re missing any device drivers after using Fresh Start, you can search for them from your Windows Settings:
Select the Windows icon in the taskbar, and then select Settings. Select Update & Security. Select Windows Update in the left pane. Sselect Check for updates. You can also download drivers directly from third-party manufacturers.
