Windows 10’s Fall Creators Update (version 1709) is available to every compatible device starting October 17, 2017, and to speed up the installation process, most users will use the in-place upgrade method, just because is quicker, and they can keep their personal files, apps, and settings.
The only problem going through the upgrade path is that many times you may come across errors and other issues, as a result of compatibility issues with software and hardware, configuration problems, or a bug with the OS.
Start fresh with Windows 10
However, if you do a clean installation of Windows 10 with the Fall Creators Update, you can avoid many of the problems using the in-place upgrade process, because a clean installation wipes out the drive deleting everything, and you then start again with a fresh copy of Windows 10.
Also, if you’ve been using the same installation for a long time, doing a clean installation of Windows 10 with the Fall Creators Update will help to improve performance, and memory usage, and it might fix existing problems.
The process to start fresh with a new copy of Windows 10 hasn’t changed much in a lot of years, but recently Microsoft has updated the finishing process adding Cortana assistance to the mix and new privacy settings to help anyone, no matter their technical level, to complete the setup.
This hands-on video will walk you through the steps to successfully do a clean installation of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.
If you prefer the written instructions, you can use this guide that outlines every step to start fresh with a copy of Windows 10. In the case you want to speed up the installation process, you can also do an in-place upgrade using these instructions.
You can also use the following resources to learn more about the Fall Creators Update:
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.