How can I ensure the cleanest W11 install?

Anonymous
2024-03-03T18:37:22+00:00

I’ve been struggling with windows randomly deciding to ruin my computer for some months now. Every time I would get the computer to a properly working state for a few days out of nowhere Windows will decide to make the computer unusable one way or another leading me to have to do a fresh install (as doing things like repair installs sometimes ends up completely bricking the computer).

But one thing I’ve noticed is that my fresh installs are never actually properly clean. Sometimes it’s a challenge just to get to the windows setup screen (random bsod’s where no recovery partition is being created for whatever reason) and when I do get into windows sometimes something like edge or MS Store just doesn’t work, but all the time I can never actually download the cumulative windows update (as it always gives an error message during the install portion). SFC /scannow always shows up with a “found corrupted files but could not repair them” message, and DISM usually comes back with a “sources not found” even when using a local usb

So I am wondering what can I do to ensure a proper windows install from the get go? I have been following the procedure of deleting existing volumes and letting windows create things automatically, but that gives the results explained above. Is it a usb problem? A formatting problem? Setting up the PC problem?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

56 answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-03-03T22:03:17+00:00

    I had already tried 3 different usb’s. 1 of them windows 11 couldn’t even install onto it using CM tool (or burning iso). The other 2 did better in that regard, but 1 as I mentioned works okay-ish (sometimes it will get to windows install, sometimes it will bsod loop, sometimes it’ll be some other problem) and the other one has a better success rate with getting into windows install but still has the issues I mentioned once I actually get into windows (big updates not installing, sfc reporting errors already etc.)

    I presume the usb is at fault because of what I mentioned, but what I do not understand is why there is this variability with what usb I use. All are being installed the exact same way with creation media tool (or using the .iso file)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. EmilyS726 268.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-03-03T21:47:17+00:00

    That should be fine..

    Try another USB flash drive with the .iso and see if that makes any difference.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2024-03-03T21:44:02+00:00

    I’m using a 2tb nvme that was purchased fairly recently (maybe last November ish)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. EmilyS726 268.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2024-03-03T21:33:12+00:00

    Then you were doing the right steps.

    Yes, USB can definitely cause problem, especially if one of them already seems to be causing problem compared to the other, then I think it is reasonable to believe the issue is with the USB.

    In addition, on the computer you have trouble with, any chance you might have a very small harddrive?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2024-03-03T21:30:33+00:00

    Hi, appreciate the response

    Yes, I created the flash drive using media creation tool from another computer (that I know is working properly). Then I’d load it through bios and do a clean install by deleting all existing partitions on the ssd before installing.

    The reason I question the usb is because I’ve created 2 separate bootable media’s with media creation tool, and running the setup with 1 usb creates far more problems than using the other usb

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments