Can I extract windows 10 from hidden partition?

[soxenme]

Just got a new Asus laptop - it came with windows 10 home version installed. There was also some unneeded software installed so I am wondering if I can extract Windows 10 and the necessary drivers to an external drive and then reformat & install from that....? (I have the product id and key) thanks in advance for your help.

 

[USAFRet]

Just got a new Asus laptop - it came with windows 10 home version installed. There was also some unneeded software installed so I am wondering if I can extract Windows 10 and the necessary drivers to an external drive and then reformat & install from that....? (I have the product id and key) thanks in advance for your help.

Your laptop should have a function to create a DVD Factory Refresh.
Look in the user manual for how to invoke this.

 

[soxenme]

wouldnt that function also install the extra software (bloatware) - which is what im trying to get rid of....???

 

[USAFRet]

wouldnt that function also install the extra software (bloatware) - which is what im trying to get rid of....???

Yes it will install the original bloatware.
This is one of the drawbacks you accept when using a preinstalled OEM install.

 

[soxenme]

ok - that wasnt what i wanted to hear 😉 but thankful for your answer.