This process is called a clean install, which is ironic as there's nothing particularly clean about it: Microsoft has enshittified Windows Setup.

Do you remember SkiFree? You can play Microsoft’s new surfing version during the Windows 11 setup process. Do you remember SkiFree? You can play Microsoft’s new ...

TL;DR: Microsoft's latest Windows 11 preview build enforces mandatory Microsoft account sign-in during setup, removing previous local account bypasses. This change targets power users and ...

Microsoft has started showing Copilot during Windows 11 setup when updates are installing, letting users try AI before ...

Don't be daunted by the setup process for Microsoft's latest OS—here's what you need to know. Reading time 5 minutes If you’ve recently unwrapped a brand new Windows 11 computer or perhaps built one ...

Windows 10 holdouts, unfortunately, are going to have to upgrade to the newest version of the operating system soon. That's because the end is nigh for Windows 10, and Microsoft doesn't want anyone to ...

If while performing a clean installation, Windows installation gets stuck on Getting files ready, the solutions provided here will help you. For some users, it takes a long time to get files ready for ...

Follow the steps to make the setup ready to install Windows using the external monitor. Preparing the System Accessing the BIOS/UEFI Initiating the installation or repair process Navigating and ...

This past week, Microsoft released the December 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 (KB5072033, KB5071417) and Windows 10 (KB5071546, KB5071544, KB5071543). The new Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 ...

Pranay Parab is an independent tech journalist based in Mumbai, India. He covers tech for Lifehacker, and specializes in tutorials and in-depth features. Let me state the obvious right up front: it's ...