Advice Request Do you ever redo your whole OS system from scratch or back a fresh install of the OS from a image because have to but because you can and want to?

[ng4ever]

Any OS. Does not have to be Windows.

From scratch includes from a fresh install of the OS installed so you don't have to reinstall the OS.

 

[Venustus]

Rarely,because reinstalling all apps and games is a nightmare!

 

[ZeePriest]

I personally don't but I tend to on my smartphone on rare occasions that I hard reset it when I feel it's too much bloated or if I suspect something suspicious going on.

 

[ZeePriest]

Rarely,because reinstalling all apps and games is a nightmare!

That is true! I forgot to add that.

 

[ng4ever]

Rarely,because reinstalling all apps and games is a nightmare!

True but it can be rewarding as well.

 

[Venustus]

True but it can be rewarding as well.

Yes Indeed

 

[roger_m]

I did do that quite some time ago on my main system. But I don't plan on doing that again for years if I can help it, as I prefer not having to reinstall apps. As long as my computer is running well I won't reinstall Windows. If it isn't, I'll do my best to resolve any issues before I resort to reinstalling.

 

[TairikuOkami]

At least twice a year, when new Windows is released. I have preset/automated everything, so I can do it within an hour, if needed.

 

[CyberTech]

I use restore the image if there are big problem on my OS, if it doesn't work so yea i redo it ;/

 

[Arequire]

I usually reset Windows annually, but after doing so at the beginning of this year I realised I'm tired of spending hours upon hours putting it back to how I want it so I don't plan on doing it again.

 

[Stopspying]

On my main PC I try not to have to re-install the Win 10 OS because of the reasons mentioned above by others. On another PC which I test a lot more software on I do re-install the OS more frequently, maybe 3 or 4 times a year. Even when using uninstallers with good reputations there can be leftovers from software and even more so with anti-malware products, because they go deep into the system, even if you use the recommended same brand uninstallers. Clean installs speed up that machine quite significantly.

 

[Back3]

Four years ago, I set up my new PC and made a basic image with Macrium. No security software except Microsoft Defender. Every 2-3 months, I update or upgrade that image. Last week I upgraded to Windows 21H1 and updated Macrium. I keep 5 basic images. I can use F-Secure for many months, but this software is not a part of my basic images. Only Microsoft Defender. And Configure Defender.
This week, I use Microsoft Defender with Configure Defender and Voodooshield 6.50. In the last 4 years, I had to go back twice 6 months earlier to get rid of a bug but, most of the time, my PC stays very stable.

 

[jetman]

I create images with Macrium Reflect which I can then use to make a clean install of Windows if necessary.
I have other images containing installations of Windows plus my applications etc.

Then if I want a fresh start, I can just restore one of my saved images, let Windows perform updates, and add my personal files.

 

[FireHammer]

Hi, I never do that, too much work!
But I use Acronis if necessary.

 

[TheJokerz]

Yes on my gaming pc. Usually every 2 years. Just to clear out the clutter.

 

[Minimalist]

I usually do it every 2-3 years if there are no system problems during that period. This year I might do it to install Windows 10 21H2 when it is released.

 

[show-Zi]

I do a clean install on a regular basis. The reason is to free up space on the c drive.
Regarding the point of reinstalling the software and restoring the environment, I am dealing with it by putting the portable version in the d drive as much as possible.

 

[klepto]

Around every 6 months or so I reset back to a macrium reflect backup I have that is a clean system with all my drivers working.

 

[plat]

Voted "sometimes," and it's actually necessary if an Insider wants or needs to leave the Insiders program. It's as-needed.

I've had to clean install via my boot media twice within the past 13 months due to some issue that I couldn't resolve-- but not recently. I prefer NOT to reset.

My static image is actually of an older OS--like 20H2 or something. Guess I'll have to refresh it, I'll do it tomorrow (right, plat, right.)

 

[Cortex]

Every couple of years when issues start to show, last time it was Windows Updates, I can usually sort most issues by imaging back as far as necessary