Upgraded From Win 10 to Win 11, Now Need to Do Clean Install of Win 11

kc27 · Sep 18, 2023

The desktop is a three-year-old Dell Inspiron 3670. I upgraded it from Windows 10 to Windows 11 two years ago. Because of malware, I need to reformat and reinstall the operating system. Will I be able to do a clean install of Windows 11?. Belarc Advisor still shows teh operating system as Windows 10 and lists a Windows10 serial number.

Try3 · Sep 18, 2023

Yes.
Clean Install Windows 11 - ElevenForumTutorials

Even the Windows 11 Registry still includes an entry saying that it is Windows 10.

Denis

zbook · Sep 18, 2023

For Inspiron 3670 Dell supports drivers for both Window 10 and 11.

After a Windows 10 or 11 update licensing data is stored in Microsoft servers.

Once Microsoft servers have the licensing data it enables drive replacements or clean installs.

The clean installs can be Windows 10 or 11.

Support for Inspiron 3670 | Drivers & Downloads | Dell US

If needed:

Using the Windows Activation troubleshooter - Microsoft Support

Learn how to use the Activation troubleshooter to resolve common activation issues in Windows.

support.microsoft.com

Get help with Windows activation errors - Microsoft Support

Learn how to troubleshoot Windows activation errors. Browse common activation errors and learn what you can do to fix them.

support.microsoft.com

Activate Windows - Microsoft Support

Learn how to activate Windows using a product key or digital license, check your activation status, and link your Microsoft account.

support.microsoft.com

kc27 · Sep 18, 2023

zbook said:
Once Microsoft servers have the licensing data it enables drive replacements or clean installs.

Thanks @Try3 and @zbook. I did not want to have to put Windows 10 back on the desktop just to update it to Windows 11.

hsehestedt · Sep 18, 2023

Suggestion:

Before you clean reinstall, make a backup copy of all drivers on the system. This will allow you to rapid restore them after the clean install.

To do so, run these commands from an elevated command prompt:

MD C:\Drivers_Backup
PNPUTIL /export-driver * C:\Drivers_Backup

When done, copy C:\Drivers_Backup to a safe location like another drive, thumb drive, etc.

After your clean install, simply do this:

Open an elevated command prompt.

Run the command below. NOTE: Replace D:\Drivers_Backup with the location where you can find the backed up drivers from above.

PNPUTIL /add-driver D:\Drivers_Backup\*.inf /subdirs /install

zbook · Sep 18, 2023

One or more of these may be useful immediately after the clean install: (quicker methods to recover from malware)

a) free or pay backup images

b) backup drivers

Backup and Restore Device Drivers in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to back up and restore all 3rd party device drivers on your Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC. If you clean install Windows, you will need to install drivers for each device in the system. Some of these device drivers may no longer be available from the manufacturer...

www.elevenforum.com

c) regback

Enable Automatic Backup of System Registry when Restart in Windows 11 Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to enable automatic backup of the system registry to the RegBack folder when the computer restarts in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Starting with Windows 10, version 1803, Windows no longer automatically backs up the system registry to the RegBack folder when the...

www.elevenforum.com

kc27 · Sep 18, 2023

hsehestedt said:
Before you clean reinstall, make a backup copy of all drivers on the system. This will allow you to rapid restore them after the clean install.

I am doing this rebuild for a friend who fell for one of those fake Microsoft tech support calls. The "tech" had remote access to his computer. OK to use the drivers from the old system under these circumstances?

zbook · Sep 18, 2023

hsehestedt said:
Suggestion:

Before you clean reinstall, make a backup copy of all drivers on the system. This will allow you to rapid restore them after the clean install.

How can you determine whether the malware installed or modified a driver?

glasskuter · Sep 18, 2023

You can also install the Dell Update Universal Application (dated 7/31/23) that is on the drivers support page for that device on Dell site . It will install missing drivers as well as update outdated drivers for you.