How To Reinstall Windows 10 On A Dell Laptop
Updated 26/10/21 Added video guide
Rarely, Windows might need a clean install. We’ve uploaded a few steps on how you could perform a clean install of Windows. This guide is specific to Dell laptops. Alternatively, we have a video version of the guide below.
We also have guides for HP and Lenovo.
Part 1: Download what you’ll need.
Part 2: Backup all your data.
Clean installing Windows 10, will wipe all your data - so make sure the data you’ll need is backed-up fully externally.
Part 3: Check AC Charger, Soft Power Reset, Reset BIOS to default
Part 4: Configuring BIOS
Legacy vs UEFI
There are two options for configuring the BIOS that you should decide for your system: Legacy, and UEFI. As a general rule, Legacy is for older hardware and UEFI is for newer hardware. Newer hardware may only run in UEFI mode, so if Legacy does not work for installing Windows on your system, install UEFI (additionally if you plan to upgrade to Windows 11, it will require UEFI, so make sure not to use Legacy in this case).
Legacy tends to be more stable, so (especially with older hardware) we recommend using Legacy first if possible, unless UEFI is required.
Step 4A (Setting up in Legacy mode):
Re-enter the BIOS as detailed in Step 3A. Change the following settings in this order:
- Settings > Secure Boot > Secure Boot Enable > Change to "Disabled"
- Settings > General > Boot Sequence > Change Boot List option to "Legacy"
- Settings > General > Boot Sequence > Move your boot drive (Your SSD or HDD) to be the top option
- Settings > General > Advanced Boot Options > Make sure "Enable Legacy Option Rooms" is enabled
- Settings > System Configuration > SATA Operation > Make sure that "AHCI" is selected
- Select "Apply" at the bottom of the screen, then "Exit"
Step 4B: (Alternatively - Setting up in UEFI mode):
Follow the steps from 3A to enter the BIOS. Change the following settings in this order:
- Settings > General > Boot Sequence > Change Boot List option to "UEFI"
- Settings > General > Advanced Boot Options > Make sure "Enable Legacy Option ROMs" is disabled
- Settings > Secure Boot > Secure Boot Enable > Make sure this is enabled
- Settings > System Configuration > SATA Operation > Make sure that "AHCI" is selected
- Select "Apply" at the bottom of the screen, then "Exit"
Part 5: Install Windows
- Insert the Windows 10 USB you’ve made
- Shutdown your PC, and while restarting it, press Esc until you enter the Startup Menu. Select your Windows 10 USB from this menu
- Follow the onscreen instructions to install Windows 10 (Make sure to delete the files on the drive containing the previous Windows installation)