Microsoft put a temporary hold on releasing new features for Windows Insiders earlier this week, but new builds are still rolling out as Microsoft focuses on bashing bugs. Currently, it is only available to Windows Insiders running the latest Windows 10 preview build. That means you may have to hit Windows Update to get to the latest version-you’ll also have to rejoin your preferred Insider Preview ring as the start fresh tool doesn’t set that automatically.
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This tool is now available from the Settings app and installs a clean copy of the most recent version of Windows 10, as well as removing apps that were installed on the PC.
The new build doesn’t bring any major new features, but it adds a few things to the system.
Now Microsoft is introducing a new tool that truly makes it easy to perform a clean install, even if you don’t have a Windows 10 disc lying around.
Today, this links to a Microsoft Answers article, but I assume it will link to the actual tool download page in the future.
The Verge reported that Microsoft was working to make it easier to install a clean install of Windows 10. The company has been coming out with a large number of changes, updates and upgrades for their users, and are now moving forward towards the hardware markets too. Make sure you know how to re-install any mission critical software. You can now simply use the keyboard shortcut Windows + F to open the Hub and provide feedback.
Users will still have the option to choose between keeping personal data like photos, documents and music, or to wipe everything altogether.
This preview also updates the Update & Security, Windows Update and Recovery icons in Settings, to be more reflective of the action on both PC and mobile.
Windows users have always been able to reach the same result by downloading a clean disk image of Windows, then installing that on a crapware-filled PC. The new tool doesn’t have an official name, but Microsoft seems to be using the phrase “start fresh” to manage communications about it.
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The Refresh Windows tool lets Windows 10 users install a recent, pristine copy of the operating system on their PC, eliminating all applications – including pre-loaded “crapware” – but retaining the personal files already on the drive.
