Win 11 Pro Clean Install Question

Xoanon · Jun 10, 2025

I am currently running Windows 10 Pro and have purchased the retail version of Windows 11 Pro for my system as it's finally time. I have read many of the posts in the installation section and couldn't find anything that quite fit my circumstance so I thought I would post and see if there is any way to accomplish what I want to do.

I currently have a SSD c:\ drive where my OS resides and 2 internal platter drives e:\ & f:\ for data storage. The f:\ drive is maintained as an exact copy of e:\ using a software solution called Syncredible.

I understand to do a complete Windows 11 Pro "clean" install would wipe all these drives or, at least, that is what I've been told. What I would like to know is if there ANY way without opening the case and disconnecting the hard drives and then running the installation to maintain the data on the e:\ & f:\ drives?

Any advice or guidance would be most appreciated. Thank you!

Bree · Jun 10, 2025

Xoanon said:
I am currently running Windows 10 Pro and have purchased the retail version of Windows 11 Pro for my system as it's finally time....

Welcome to Eleven Forum.

Your PC has a digital licence for Windows 10 Pro, linked to the unique hardware ID of the PC and stored on Microsoft's activation servers.

This licence is valid for and will activate Windows 10 or Windows 11 - you had no need to purchase another licence for Windows 11.

Why the wish to do a clean install? You could just upgrade your existing Windows 10 to Windows 11. It will be activated from your existing digital licence. You don't even need the W11 Pro you bought, Windows 11 can be downloaded for free from Microsoft.

Upgrade to Windows 11

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to use an ISO or USB to manually upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 11 (older build/version), Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7. Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with...

www.elevenforum.com

If you really must do a clean install, then the general advice it to temporarily disconnect all your other drives while you do the install so that everything gets put on your boot drive. Windows has a nasty habit of putting boot files on any available drive, even if you told it to put Windows on your C: drive.

Xoanon · Jun 10, 2025

Bree said:
Welcome to Eleven Forum.

Your PC has a digital licence for Windows 10 Pro, linked to the unique hardware ID of the PC and stored on Microsoft's activation servers.

This licence is valid for and will activate Windows 10 or Windows 11 - you had no need to purchase another licence for Windows 11.

Why the wish to do a clean install? You could just upgrade your existing Windows 10 to Windows 11. It will be activated from your existing digital licence. You don't even need the W11 Pro you bought, Windows 11 can be downloaded for free from Microsoft.

Upgrade to Windows 11

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to use an ISO or USB to manually upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 11 (older build/version), Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7. Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with...

www.elevenforum.com

If you really must do a clean install, then the general advice it to temporarily disconnect all your other drives while you do the install so that everything gets put on your boot drive. Windows has a nasty habit of putting boot files on any available drive, even if you told it to put Windows on your C: drive.

Yes, I understand that but when my computer was built, the person that built it used an Win 10 Pro OEM key so when it started having problems and I had to have another motherboard among other parts, the key was no longer recognized.

Fortunately, the shop I took it too had an old Win 7 Pro they installed and then upgraded to Win 10 Pro. This is why I want to buy a retail version of Win 11 Pro so I NEVER have to go through that mess again.

I want to do a clean install because I'm one of those people who have installed and uninstalled so many pieces of software on my systems over the years, the registry and app folders and other spots on my system are so cluttered with remnants, I just want a clean start.

Yes, I was afraid it would come down to the "disconnect the drives" situation which is what the shop told me they would do but my computer is very unwieldy to move and I don't have the hardware knowledge to EVEN want to try and open the box and disconnect the data drives.

Thank you very much for your responses! I appreciate it and it has confirmed that, I guess, if I want a true "clean" install all the data has to go or I have to find some type of offline storage to get 1.17T of data onto before I install.

bobkn · Wednesday at 12:15 AM

Doing a clean install will not wipe any of the drives other than the OS target drive. Whoever told you that was mistaken.

It isn't necessary to disconnect the data drives. Disconnecting the drives assures that no parts of the OS will be installed on the wrong drive, but that would be unusual anyway. (I believe that it won't happen if there are no OS remnants on the data drives, left over from previous installs.) Many of us have done clean installs without disconnecting the data drives, with no OS files put on the data drives.

But if you don't already have some external backup for your data, this would be a good time to get a drive. Assuming that the PC in question uses the TUF Gaming B550-PRO motherboard in "My Computer", it has USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps). That's faster than the sustained data rate of an HDD, which could be around 2Gbps (250GBps). (You may not see that sustained rate in practice.) Copying 1.17TB at that rate would take 1.3 hours. It'll be longer in practice. I'm assuming a spinner, but you could go with an external SSD. (More expensive per TB.)

datawizard551 · Wednesday at 4:44 AM

When installing Windows 11 you can select your boot drive in Setup with the ISO Windows 11 Installer even if you have other drives connected. Setup will install only to your boot drive and NOT affect your connected drives. As long as you have support for SSE 4.2 for your CPU. There are work arounds available to bypass the SSE requirement. Please do some research before you Install Windows 11 24H2.

Xoanon · Wednesday at 8:26 PM

bobkn said:
Doing a clean install will not wipe any of the drives other than the OS target drive. Whoever told you that was mistaken.

It isn't necessary to disconnect the data drives. Disconnecting the drives assures that no parts of the OS will be installed on the wrong drive, but that would be unusual anyway. (I believe that it won't happen if there are no OS remnants on the data drives, left over from previous installs.) Many of us have done clean installs without disconnecting the data drives, with no OS files put on the data drives.

But if you don't already have some external backup for your data, this would be a good time to get a drive. Assuming that the PC in question uses the TUF Gaming B550-PRO motherboard in "My Computer", it has USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps). That's faster than the sustained data rate of an HDD, which could be around 2Gbps (250GBps). (You may not see that sustained rate in practice.) Copying 1.17TB at that rate would take 1.3 hours. It'll be longer in practice. I'm assuming a spinner, but you could go with an external SSD. (More expensive per TB.)

Thank you kindly for the information & explanations! It appears the computer shop I use is trying to "drum up" business which they have now lost by telling me a lie about this.

Yes, I know I need some type of backup and I've really been putting it off and risking "fate". Someone mentioned getting one of the WD Passport 2Tb drives, throwing my data over there and then doing the upgrade if I was concerned. Do you have any recommendations for any specific (>2Tb) external drives for regular backups? I would appreciate any suggestions.

Again, thanks for your time and information!

Xoanon · Wednesday at 8:33 PM

datawizard551 said:
When installing Windows 11 you can select your boot drive in Setup with the ISO Windows 11 Installer even if you have other drives connected. Setup will install only to your boot drive and NOT affect your connected drives. As long as you have support for SSE 4.2 for your CPU. There are work arounds available to bypass the SSE requirement. Please do some research before you Install Windows 11 24H2.

Thank you kindly for your reponse! As mentioned above, it would appear the computer shop I use is trying to "drum up" business which they have now lost by telling me a lie about this. I checked with another shop today and got the same answer everyone on here have given that it would not affect my data drives at all.

If I understand what you mentioned above, I believe I have SSE 4.2 based on the reading from CPU-Z. I've attached a screen shot with the pertinent area circled in red and it appears 4.2 is included. If I'm mistaken, please let me know.

Again, thanks for your time and response!

SIW2 · Wednesday at 8:38 PM

5700g is fine

bobkn · Wednesday at 8:39 PM

Xoanon said:
Thank you kindly for your reponse! As mentioned above, it would appear the computer shop I use is trying to "drum up" business which they have now lost by telling me a lie about this. I checked with another shop today and got the same answer everyone on here have given that it would not affect my data drives at all.

If I understand what you mentioned above, I believe I have SSE 4.2 based on the reading from CPU-Z. I've attached a screen shot with the pertinent area circled in red and it appears 4.2 is included. If I'm mistaken, please let me know.

Again, thanks for your time and response!

The 5700G is a fairly recent CPU (2021). It's on the officially supported list for Windows 11.

Windows processor requirements Windows 11 supported AMD processors

This specification details the AMD processors that can be used with Windows 11 customer systems that include Windows products, including custom images.

learn.microsoft.com

You have no worries about going to 11.

Bree · Wednesday at 8:49 PM

Xoanon said:
I believe I have SSE 4.2 based on the reading from CPU-Z. I've attached a screen shot with the pertinent area circled in red and it appears 4.2 is included. If I'm mistaken, please let me know.

You are correct, your 5700G has SSE4.2 and is a supported cpu for Windows 11: Windows processor requirements Windows 11 supported AMD processors

In addition, Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0. If not already enabled, you should enable firmware TPM (fTPM) in your bios.

Press "Del" when the ASUS or ROG logo appears to enter the BIOS.

Go to the Advanced\AMD fTPM configuration page and open the "TPM Device Selection" drop-down menu, then select "Firmware TPM".

Press F10 to save the changes and reboot.

ASUS Motherboards Ready for Windows 11

ASUS motherboards are Windows 11 ready with great compatibility. Users can ensure having TPM 2.0 support for Windows 11 through latest BIOS update or manual activation.

www.asus.com

Scott · Wednesday at 8:51 PM

bobkn said:
The 5700G is a fairly recent CPU (2012). It's on the officially supported list for Windows 11.

2021

bobkn · Wednesday at 10:50 PM

Scott said:
2021

Typo, sorry. I've fixed the post.

NavyLCDR · Wednesday at 10:55 PM

When you do the windows setup, you will get to a Window asking where to install Windows to. The key to success is to delete every partition that currently exists on the SSD that you want to install Windows to. Once the SSD is entirely one big, blank unallocated space, select that unallocated space to install to and then click next. Just make sure to not delete any partitions located on any of the other disks. There is no need to disconnect drives.

As others also stated, there was no reason at all to purchase a new Windows 11 Pro Retail - but your peace of mind having it is probably worth the money you spent on it. Microsoft has almost completely done away completely with the differences between OEM and Retail licenses because you can get a retail license simply by changing the installed OEM product key to the retail generic product key, which for Windows 10/11 Pro is VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T.

XxXxX · Wednesday at 11:22 PM

just to add to all the good advice above.
it maybe worthwhile making a note of your current Windows product key

How to Find Your Windows 11 Product Key With 3 Easy Methods

Trying to find your Windows 11 product key? Learn how to find your Windows 11 product key with just a few simple commands.

www.techrepublic.com

best of luck, Steve ..

Xoanon · Thursday at 12:12 AM

NavyLCDR said:
When you do the windows setup, you will get to a Window asking where to install Windows to. The key to success is to delete every partition that currently exists on the SSD that you want to install Windows to. Once the SSD is entirely one big, blank unallocated space, select that unallocated space to install to and then click next. Just make sure to not delete any partitions located on any of the other disks. There is no need to disconnect drives.

As others also stated, there was no reason at all to purchase a new Windows 11 Pro Retail - but your peace of mind having it is probably worth the money you spent on it. Microsoft has almost completely done away completely with the differences between OEM and Retail licenses because you can get a retail license simply by changing the installed OEM product key to the retail generic product key, which for Windows 10/11 Pro is VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T.

Oh, I didn't know I was going to have to delete/manipulate partitions. I just assumed it would show me the primary partition the C:\ drive was on and I would select that and off it would go. I've attached a copy of my current drive configurations in Window 10 Pro through diskmgmt.msc. If you don't mind, can you tell me what I'll be looking for to delete? I get nervous when I hear that word.

Actually, I haven't purchased the Win 11 Pro retail yet but you're right, I probably will just for peace of mind. Also, Thanks for providing the retail generic key in case I change my mind.

Thanks for your time and response!

bobkn · Thursday at 1:25 AM

Xoanon said:
Oh, I didn't know I was going to have to delete/manipulate partitions. I just assumed it would show me the primary partition the C:\ drive was on and I would select that and off it would go. I've attached a copy of my current drive configurations in Window 10 Pro through diskmgmt.msc. If you don't mind, can you tell me what I'll be looking for to delete? I get nervous when I hear that word.

Actually, I haven't purchased the Win 11 Pro retail yet but you're right, I probably will just for peace of mind. Also, Thanks for providing the retail generic key in case I change my mind.

Thanks for your time and response!

When you're in the clean installation from a USB thumb drive, you should delete all 3 partitions on Drive 2 (the C: drive). It will then show as unallocated space.

Install there. The Windows installer will automatically define the partitions and format them.

You don't need to mess with any other tools.

Topgundcp · Thursday at 3:56 AM

Xoanon said:
Yes, I know I need some type of backup and I've really been putting it off and risking "fate". Someone mentioned getting one of the WD Passport 2Tb drives, throwing my data over there and then doing the upgrade if I was concerned. Do you have any recommendations for any specific (>2Tb) external drives for regular backups? I would appreciate any suggestions.

There's 2 types of 2TB passport: HD costs ~$83, SSD costs ~$139 but I would not recommend neither.
The new type is nvme SSD which is much faster.
I currently use a 2TB unknown name brand for 3 years now, and it performs with blazing speed.

Amazon.com : janxiang nvme

with an enclosure:
The nvme costs: $119 with 10% off then it would be ~$110
The enclosue is $15

Amazon.com

When buying a storage device, you should look at the speed it can perform.

SIW2 · Thursday at 4:56 AM

Fanxiang

jimbo45 · Thursday at 5:08 AM

Hi there
I agree with previous posts about Nvme 1or even 2TB external drives and enclosures -- these days they aren't a huge lot bigger than 2 average size cigars and therefore very fast / portable. Cheaper to buy the Nvme stick separately and the enclosure -- ensure it's "SSD" type. Ensure also that the supplied heat shield is fitted properly -- you can do the whole thing without any tools -- I've been using these for a while - I run some "Windows2GO" installs on them -- 100% reliable. I suspect soon that the "classic" 2.5 inch ssd's will just be obsolete.

For really large volumes of data / archive etc -there are some huge bargains to be had also on old fashioned "Spinners" - 7200 RPM with fast cache memory -- I've got 4X 14.T drives connected to machine via RSHTECH 2 bay caddies.

Cheers
jimbo

Scannerman · Thursday at 8:04 AM

NVMe in a USB enclosure can be very convenient although read and write speeds will be significantly reduced. If speed is of no consequence then it may be even less expensive to use SATA SSDs. Running NVMe natively can involve more elaborate installation than standard SATA drives which plug and unplug easily but NVMe external enclosures have improved. In many cases they don't even require a screw to anchor them.

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