[SOLVED] Should I reset Windows or reinstall it ?

SMURFATAR

Distinguished
Apr 24, 2014
103
0
18,690
I'm selling my old PC and would like to sell it with a clean slate. I was told that reinstalling Windows was the better option rather than just resetting it as any personal information would be completely wiped clean, but in a Tom's Hardware guide it says that when you use a flash drive with the Windows installation media on it to reinstall Windows it you must have a Microsoft account that is tied to a Windows key. This would be fine if it was for my own PC, but I don't want my personal Microsoft account tied to a PC that I'm selling to a stranger. I built this PC in 2014 and I still have the little USB drive that was used to originally install Windows. This USB drive is NOT a random USB with the Windows installation media on it, but an official Microsoft Windows 10 Home USB drive. I'm not sure if that USB drive is the solution, but that's why I'm here. Any and all responses are appreciated, and thank you in advance.
 
Solution

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Full wipe and reinstall

Create a NEW Win 10 USB to install from.
Do this install with NO ethernet or WiFi.


Also:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...nt-selling-gifting-windows-10-device-xbox-one
 

SMURFATAR

Distinguished
Apr 24, 2014
103
0
18,690
Full wipe and reinstall

Create a NEW Win 10 USB to install from.
Do this install with NO ethernet or WiFi.


Also:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...nt-selling-gifting-windows-10-device-xbox-one
I looked at that Tom's Hardware article, but how do I get a Windows activation key without signing in with a Microsoft Account?
 
Solution
Sep 15, 2021
14
0
10
Full wipe and reinstall

Create a NEW Win 10 USB to install from.
Do this install with NO ethernet or WiFi.


Also:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us...nt-selling-gifting-windows-10-device-xbox-one
Why do you ask to full wipe and reinstall for just every problem