Should I format my pc?

[NovaTronMC]

I have been using my gaming PC for over 5 years now, and It is presenting some weird problems like when I try to uninstal something it tells me the program couldn't be found, so if I try to install a new update for that specific progam I wanted to uninstall it's impossible. Also I think a lot of useless files have built up over time, so I was thinking on formating windows 10 to optimise and have my pc as clean as possible. Is there any recommendations given? Or any reasons not to? Thanks

 

[t53186]

Formatting your drive can't be done while it's running in a system and would not give you the results you want. It's a really good idea to do a fresh install of Windows 10 with symptoms like you describe. Back up all your data that you cannot lose, any programs that are installed will need to be reinstalled.

 

[NovaTronMC]

Formatting your drive can't be done while it's running in a system and would not give you the results you want. It's a really good idea to do a fresh install of Windows 10 with symptoms like you describe. Back up all your data that you cannot lose, any programs that are installed will need to be reinstalled.

How can I fresh install windows 10? Like if I wanted to leave my PC as factory new, obviously with no data

 

[USAFRet]

How can I fresh install windows 10? Like if I wanted to leave my PC as factory new, obviously with no data

How to do a CLEAN installation of Windows 10

 

[ikaz]

First you need to make sure you have your windows License assuming you do, next backup any files you may need to another location (USB drive, 2nd hard drive, Burn CD, ec..)

 

[Dugimodo]

when you are starting from an already running windows you can use the built in reset or refresh options
https://www.onmsft.com/news/windows-10-reset-refresh-windows-10-installation-better-performance

I haven't checked to see how it compares to wiping and starting over but in theory the result should be the same.

If you do follow the guide USAFret posted make sure not to skip the steps for getting a new install media, you might think you can just use whatever original copy you have and you can but then you'll be updating for days to catch up to the current version.