Microsoft is introducing a way for Windows 10 users to install a clutter-free version of the operating system on their devices. This new tool removes unnecessary "bloatware" or "crapware" such as unwanted ads and sample apps that most PC makers include in their computers.
According to Fortune Magazine, the so-called Refresh Windows tool will take off third-party ads that often get in the way of efficient PC performance. Microsoft often cite it as one of the reasons why the traditional software giant goes hardware with its own Surface lineup to offer consumers a bloatware-free and better user experience. The "Refresh Windows" option will be part of the Windows 10 Anniversary update that will be rolled out in July.
Traditional PC makers like Dell, HP, Toshiba, and so on often pack onto their machines on-screen ads. Pre-installed applications found on out-of-the-box PCs that make them critically vulnerable to hacks.
"We've heard from many of you that are attempting to perform a clean installation of Windows that it can sometimes be hard to get started. To help, we are providing a new tool that enables an easy and simple way to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows," announced Windows software engineer Dona Sarkar as per official Windows blog.
"This tool is now available from the Settings app for Windows Insiders using the latest builds that installs a clean copy of the most recent version of Windows10 and removes apps that were installed on your PC."
Windows Guide to Using 'Refresh Windows' Tool (via Windows Central):
1. Open the Settings app using the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut.
2. Click Update & security.
3. Then Click Recovery.
4. Click "Learn how to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows" under More recovery options.
5. Right-click the Download tool now link and select Save target as to download the file.
6. To start the process, double-click the RefreshWindowsTool.exe.
7. To agree to the license terms, click the Accept button.
8. You will have two choices to reinstall Windows 10: Keep Personal Files Only (will delete apps & settings but retain your files during reinstallation) or Nothing (wipe the computer without retaining anything). Choose the option that fits your needs then click Install.
After the reinstallation, don't forget to finish configuring the operating system. After getting back into the desktop, go to Settings > Update & security > Windows update to download the latest patches and missing drivers.
