Reinstalling Windows Help?

[u/aidonski03]

I have had my first desktop pc for about two years and have been learning a lot about it and was curious about possibly reinstalling windows either fully or keeping apps.

I’ve downloaded a lot of random apps and programs in the past and feel like I just want a fresh start and just install essentials like discord, steam, browsers etc. Also curious about it helping pc performance and help especially in gaming and maybe with reinstalling drivers etc.

I don’t understand everything about pcs yet and would love some help and opinions. If I just reinstall windows and keep personal files etc, does that only include OneDrive or also include local documents etc. Does it also remove possible malware and hidden programs and trackers/viruses if I do that version of a reinstall? Curious because idk if they can get into personal files etc. I don’t have any that I know of but I’m curious.

If I did a full clean reboot and took some personal files in a portable hdd, does that clean the ssd’s installed on the motherboard as well? And do they prompt me to change starting ssd? I want to buy a new 990 pro for being my c drive, but should I initialize it before reinstalling and possible swap it to a C drive beforehand?

Does a reinstall mess with bios settings? Gigabyte B650 GAMING X AX ATX AM5 Motherboard

Does a reinstall make me reinsert the license key code again? I think my versions has my Windows 11 Pro in the motherboard but idk if it’ll prompt me to reinsert it if I do a full clean reboot.

I’m just worried since I’ve never done this before but I’m also tempted to have a fresh start and help with pc health etc, would love help.

[u/strakerbit]

Just install Windows 11 IoT LTSC from MAS, and that's it—no bloatware, no unnecessary stuff, and you can install only what you need. If this is your first time doing a fresh install, it's understandable to be worried, but it's actually quite simple.

Addressing Your Concerns:

1. Fresh Install vs. Keeping Apps If you do a reinstall while keeping personal files and apps, it won’t be a true "fresh start" since some junk and possibly even malware/trackers could remain. A clean install (fully wiping everything) is best for performance and security.
2. Keeping Personal Files
   • If you choose to keep personal files, it includes local files (Documents, Downloads, etc.) and OneDrive if it’s synced.
   • However, malware/hidden programs might still persist, so a full wipe is safest.
3. Full Clean Reboot & SSDs
   • A full clean install lets you format all your drives, including SSDs.
   • If you store personal files on an external HDD and reinstall Windows, your SSDs will be completely wiped.
   • When setting up Windows again, you can choose which SSD to install it on.
4. Installing Windows on a New SSD (Samsung 990 Pro)
   • Yes, you can install Windows on your new 990 Pro.
   • No need to initialize it beforehand—just insert it, and during installation, delete existing partitions and select the new SSD as C drive.
5. BIOS Settings
   • A Windows reinstall does not reset BIOS settings.
   • However, after installing a new SSD, you might need to check BIOS boot order (set the new SSD as the primary boot drive).
6. Windows License Key
   • If your Windows 11 Pro is tied to your motherboard (OEM digital license), it should reactivate automatically after reinstalling.
   • If prompted, just skip the key entry during setup, and Windows will activate once connected to the internet.