How often do you reformat your PC?


When do you reformat your PC?

  • Total voters
    58
Roughly twice a year, when Windows RTM is released and then when Windows reaches GA.
I can install everything within an hour and it helps as a comparison to see, what has changed.
Like in 21H2 I had to install store and winget apps separately, but 22H2 can install all at once.
Also I do not have to uninstall inbuilt apps like Cortana, PS command uninstalls everything.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 8600G (07/24)
    Motherboard
    ASROCK B650M-HDV/M.2 3.15 (07/24)
    Memory
    2x32GB Kingston FURY DDR5 5600 MHz CL36 @4800 CL40 (07/24)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASROCK Radeon RX 6600 Challenger D 8G @60FPS (08/24)
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound BlasterX AE-5 Plus (05/24)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    24" Philips 24M1N3200ZS/00 (05/24)
    Screen Resolution
    1920×1080@165Hz via DP1.4
    Hard Drives
    Kingston KC3000 NVMe 2TB (05/24)
    ADATA XPG GAMMIX S11 Pro 512GB (07/19)
    PSU
    Seasonic Core GM 550 Gold (04/24)
    Case
    Fractal Design Define 7 Mini with 3x Noctua NF-P14s/12@555rpm (04/24)
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-U12S with Noctua NF-P12 (04/24)
    Keyboard
    HP Pavilion Wired Keyboard 300 (07/24) + Rabalux 76017 Parker (01/24)
    Mouse
    Logitech M330 Silent Plus (04/23)
    Internet Speed
    500/100 Mbps via RouterOS (05/21) & TCP Optimizer
    Browser
    Edge & Brave for YouTube & LibreWolf for FB
    Antivirus
    NextDNS
    Other Info
    Backup: Hasleo Backup Suite (PreOS)
    Headphones: Sennheiser RS170 (09/10)
    Phone: Samsung Galaxy Xcover 7 (02/24)
    Chair: Huzaro Force 4.4 Grey Mesh (05/24)
    Notifier: Xiaomi Mi Band 9 Milanese (10/24)
    2nd Monitor: AOC G2460VQ6 @75Hz (02/19)
Other than for a new build PC Never, in the extremely rare case of a problem I restore the last backup image.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22H2 OS Build 22623.1095
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Build
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800X
    Motherboard
    Asus PRIME B350-PLUS
    Memory
    16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 @3000Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS - GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8 GB TUF GAMING OC
    Sound Card
    On Board Realtec
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer KA241
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    240GB PNY CS900 SSD - OS
    2 x 1TB Crucial MX500 SSD
    1 x 500GB Crucial MX300 SSD
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001-1ER164
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM008-2FR102
    PSU
    750 Watt Corsair TX750 Plus
    Case
    Cooler Master 690 III
    Cooling
    Akasa AK98 5 Case Fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270 - wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech - M185 wireless
    Internet Speed
    BT Fibre 75 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Use hardware KVM to switch monitors on three PCs and software (input director) to use mouse and keyboard on all 4 PCs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 22H2 build 22621.900
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3881 - modified with SFX PSU fitted internally
    CPU
    Intel i5 - 10400
    Motherboard
    Dell 032w55 version A00
    Memory
    16GB of HyperX Fury @ 2133 Mhz
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 6GB GTX 1060.
    Sound Card
    Builtin
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ACER KA241
    Screen Resolution
    1920x 1080 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    256GB SK hynix NVMe
    1TB Western Digital WD10EZEX-75WN4A1
    PSU
    Modular 450 Watt Corsair SF450 Platinum ( Mod to replace the Dell 265 Watt PSU)
    Case
    Inspiron Small Desktop
    Cooling
    Dell stock cooler
    Mouse
    Dell
    Keyboard
    Dell
    Internet Speed
    BT Fibre 75 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Use hardware KVM to switch monitors on three PCs and software (input director) to use mouse and keyboard on all 4 PCs.
Back in the Windows XP days I would probably start fresh a couple of times a year. Once I got to Windows 7, it was probably closer to a year without feeling a need to reinstall.

With Windows 10 + though, i haven't found a need to reinstall. My son's gaming computer is at the 2.5 year mark, my desktop is at 1.5 year mark.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SEI8
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8279u
    Motherboard
    AZW SEI
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 2666Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Iris Plus 655
    Sound Card
    Intel SST
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus ProArt PA278QV
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    512GB NVMe
    PSU
    NA
    Case
    NA
    Cooling
    NA
    Keyboard
    NA
    Mouse
    NA
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Mini PC used for testing Windows 11.
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5900x
    Motherboard
    Asus Rog Strix X570-E Gaming
    Memory
    64GB DDR4-3600
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA GeForce 3080 FT3 Ultra
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27” WQHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    2TB WD SN850 PCI-E Gen 4 NVMe
    2TB Sandisk Ultra 2.5" SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus 850
    Case
    Fractal Meshify S2 in White
    Cooling
    Dark Rock Pro CPU cooler, 3 x 140mm case fans
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Keyboard
    Corsiar K65 RGB Lux
    Internet Speed
    500/50
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Defender.
TairikuOkami said:
Roughly twice a year, when Windows RTM is released and then when Windows reaches GA.
I can install everything within an hour and it helps as a comparison to see, what has changed.
Like in 21H2 I had to install store and winget apps separately, but 22H2 can install all at once.
Also I do not have to uninstall inbuilt apps like Cortana, PS command uninstalls everything.
Click to expand...
Because all my current data is instantly there for me on OneDrive, I too can do a fresh clean install in less than an hour.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 16 9640
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
    Memory
    32GB LPDDR5x 7467 MT/s
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6
    Monitor(s) Displays
    16.3 inch 4K+ OLED Infinity Edge Touch
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400
    Hard Drives
    1 Terabyte M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
    Cooling
    Vapor Chamber Cooling
    Mouse
    None
    Internet Speed
    960 Mbps Netgear Mesh + 2 Satellites
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge (Chromium) + Bing
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Security (Defender)
    Other Info
    Microsoft 365 subscription
    Microsoft OneDrive 1TB Cloud
    Microsoft Visual Studio
    Microsoft Visual Studio Code
    Microsoft PowerToys
    Macrium Reflect X subscription
    Dell Support Assist
    Dell Command | Update
    1Password Password Manager
    Amazon Kindle for PC
    Interactive Brokers Trader Workstation
    Lightroom/Photoshop subscription
    BitLocker
    CoPilot
Once every trillion years.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus TUF Gaming F16 (2024)
    CPU
    i7 13650HX
    Memory
    16GB DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 4060 Mobile
    Sound Card
    Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Supreme; Emotiva UMC-200; Astell & Kern AK240
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia XR-55X90J
    Screen Resolution
    3840×2160
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD internal
    37TB external
    PSU
    Li-ion
    Cooling
    2× Arc Flow Fans, 4× exhaust vents, 5× heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech G402
    Internet Speed
    20Mbit/s up, 250Mbit/s down
    Browser
    FF
  • Operating System
    11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Medion S15450
    CPU
    i5 1135G7
    Memory
    16GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe
    Sound Card
    Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Supreme; Emotiva UMC-200; Astell & Kern AK240
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia XR-55X90J
    Screen Resolution
    3840×2160
    Hard Drives
    2TB SSD internal
    37TB external
    PSU
    Li-ion
    Mouse
    Logitech G402
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Internet Speed
    20Mbit/s up, 250Mbit/s down
    Browser
    FF
Can't remember the last time I formatted!
They just keep chuggin along..., may consider it if something gets really fubar'd!
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS VivoBook
Most important is to keep windows clean and I credit Revo Uninstaller for that. Regular backup gives me enough confidence to experiment but with W10 had to uuse it twice and W11 only once. After every update I do full system checks and fix if anything is needed followed by cleanup.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W11 Pro and Insider Dev
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home brewed
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 7900x
    Motherboard
    ASROCK b650 PRO RS
    Memory
    2x8GB Kingston 6000MHz, Cl 32 @ 6200MHz Cl30
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte Rx 6600XT Gaming OC 8G Pro
    Sound Card
    MB, Realtek Ac1220p
    Monitor(s) Displays
    3 x 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Kingston KC3000. 1TBSamsung 970 evo Plus 500GB, Crucial P1 NVMe 1TB, Lexar NVMe 2 TB, Silicon Power M.2 SATA 500GB
    PSU
    Seasonic 750W
    Case
    Custom Raidmax
    Cooling
    Arctic Liquid Freezer III 360mm
    Internet Speed
    20/19 mbps
I usually only do a Clean-Install when a new version of Windows comes out -- twice a year. This year, I did one a few weeks ago even though MS is not releasing a 22H1 version. I cut the 50GB+ usage down to 35GB+ as a result.

Even though I do weekly MR image backups, I still like to clean up the drive twice a year.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    Ryzen 5600X
    Motherboard
    ASRock Steel Legend
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GT 710
    Sound Card
    None
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23",24", 19" - flat panels
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    None - only M.2 SATA and NVMe drives
    PSU
    750W
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    stock Wraith cooler
    Keyboard
    Corsair gaming
    Mouse
    Logitech M720
    Internet Speed
    1Gb
I'm just like Bree - never. My boot drive contains only application software & Windows; all data is on other drives. I've got a couple of apps that I actually use but that can no longer be obtained, so if I wiped them out I'd never get them back.

The only drawback to this is the accumulation of Windows bloat over time. I've done all the things available to reduce the size of the Windows directory, but mine currently sits at 18.6GB reported size/ 12.7GB actual size. (Or maybe it's 19.4/10.3 - different software seems to measure it differently.) My boot drive is a 250 GB Samsung 970 NVMe SSD, so I only care about the Windows/boot drive size because it determines how long it takes to make a Macrium full drive image backup. Currently that's about 7 minutes backing up to an external HDD via USB3.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom build
    CPU
    Intel i5-12600K 3700 MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus B660-M
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    none
    Sound Card
    none
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Primary: LG 4K; Secondary: Dell U2412M
    Screen Resolution
    Primary: 3860 x 2160; Secondary: 1200 x 1920
    Hard Drives
    C: Samsung NVme SSD970 256K
    E: 1 TB HDD
    F: 500K HDD
    W: Samsung SSD 840 128K
    Keyboard
    Logitech Lighted
    Mouse
    Kensington ExpertMouse trackball
    Internet Speed
    500/500
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Never. Image restoration is the more popular and fastest method to fix problems.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
    Motherboard
    MSI MPG Gaming Edge Wifi (X570)
    Memory
    32GB Adata XPG DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GTX 1070 8GB ROG
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Ultrawide 34"
    Screen Resolution
    3440x1440
    Hard Drives
    Main Boot Drive : 512GB Adata XPG RGB Gen3x4 NVMe M.2 SSD
    PSU
    EVGA 600 Watts Gold
    Case
    Deepcool Genome II
    Cooling
    Deepcool Fryzen
    Internet Speed
    1Gbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    "Moderna"
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-4790K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Xtreme6 Z97
    Memory
    16GB Corsair Vengeance Pro
    Graphics card(s)
    MSI R9 290
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Ultrawide 34"
    Screen Resolution
    3440x1440
    Hard Drives
    500GB Adata SSD (OS Only)
    PSU
    Thermaltake 475 Watts 80 Bronze
    Case
    Thermaltake Commander I Snow Edition
    Cooling
    Deep Cool Archer Air Cooler
    Mouse
    Logitech G402
    Keyboard
    Armageddon MKA-5R RGB-Hornet
    Internet Speed
    1Gbps
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Moderna :)
The System 1 in My Computers was a new build last Fall so no need there. System 2 I did a clean install of Windows 11 on it since it is "unsupported hardware." Before doing the Win 11 upgrade that system had Windows 10 clean installed on it when 10 was released, and thereafter I let WU keep installing the latest with no reformatting, clean installs, etc. which means it went for years without anything but WU installing updates. I do take care of maintenance on both systems which is Disk Cleanup, Optimize, and Macrium Backups just in case something ever does go wrong.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Wordsworth 10000
    CPU
    Core i7 10700K 3.8 GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix Z590-A Gaming Wifi
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 128 GB 3000MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ProArt GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super 16 GB
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar DSX
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2709m
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 990 Pro M.2 SSD 2 TB; Samsung 990 Pro M.2 SSD 4 TB
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1350W
    Case
    Fractal Design Meshify 2
    Cooling
    CPU-Noctua NH D15 Chromax, GPU-Stock, Case-Noctua Chromax 3x140
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergo 4000
    Mouse
    HP X500
    Internet Speed
    Cable
    Browser
    Vivaldi, MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes 5.2.4, Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Klipsch Promedia 5.1 THX
    Asus External Blu-Ray 16D1X-USB 3.0
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Wordsworth 6000
    CPU
    Core i7 6700K 4.0 GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Z170 Pro
    Memory
    Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 32 GB 3000MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Asus GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
    Sound Card
    Asus Xonar SE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP X24ih
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel 760p M.2 SSD 500 GB; Intel 540 SSD 480 GB; Intel 335 SSD 240 GB
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower GF1 750W
    Case
    Lian Li PC-B70
    Cooling
    CPU- Noctua NH-D15; GPU-Stock; Case-Noctua Chromax 2x140, 2x120
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5050
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5050
    Internet Speed
    Cable
    Browser
    Vivaldi, MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Malwarebytes 4.4.3, Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP bd 340
    HP bd 240
    Denon DRA-800H
    Klipsch RP-600M
    Klipsch R-100SW (2)

    System 3 Specs
    Windows 11 Pro 24H2
    Core i7 10700K 3.8 GHz
    Asus ROG Strix Z590-A Gaming Wifi
    Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 32 GB 3200MHz
    Asus Radeon RX560 Dual 4 GB
    Xonar SE
    Samsung 980 Pro M.2 SSD 1 TB (2)
    Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 850W
    Fractal Design Meshify 2
    CPU-Noctua NH D15 Chromax, GPU-Stock, Case-Noctua Chromax 2x140,1x120
"When there is a problem" with the caveat that the problem requires a surgery that extensive.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro (24H2 RP)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer AN515-54
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-9300H CPU @ 2.40GHz 2.40 GHz
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650, Intel UHD 630
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer CB272D
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    256GB and 1T SSD
    Keyboard
    Logitech K375S
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    250MB
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro (Insider Dev Channel, unsupported)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell E6430
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3540M CPU @ 3.00GHz 3.00 GHz (non-compliant)
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000, NVIDIA NVS 5200M
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
typically once a year, used to be twice a yeard when Microsoft released Feature updates, but think this time for Desktop just gonna let Windows update do the upgrade to 22H2 on Windows 11 Desktop, and hopefully goes well, if not restore the Windows 11 Full image with Macrium and hopefully that goes well--((will be first time i actually restore an image))

Laptop last clean install was when 1909 Released, so far running fine with that system as well

Maintenance done on both systems every week, DIsk cleanup, optimize, sfc /scannow, Macrium backups, drivers updated, dust clean out every 3 months like clockwork
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 26100.2314
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PreBuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7700X
    Motherboard
    MSI B650 VC WIfi
    Memory
    32GB DDR 5 RGB 5600Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon 7800XT
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Asus VG245H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Kingston 1TB Boot NVMe
    Samsung 860 Evo 1TB-Game SSD


    External
    Western Digital Elements 500GB
    Western Digital My Passport 2TB Blue
    Western Digital My Passport 2TB Red
    Toshiba 2TB in External Enclosure
    Seagate 8TB in External Enclosure
    Seagate 1TB Portable USB 3 External Drive
    Western Digital My Book 8TB (Primary Backup drive)
    Western Digital Black 4TB In External Enclosure
    PSU
    750 Watt High Power
    Case
    Lian Li Lan Cool 216 ARGB Airflow
    Cooling
    2 160MM Front, 1 140MM Rear Exhaust
    Keyboard
    Logitech G513
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 X
    Internet Speed
    Gigabit 1000Mb/20 Upload
    Browser
    MS Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    UEFI, Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, Acronis True Image 2025
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Omen 15_ce019dx
    CPU
    Intel I7 7700H
    Motherboard
    OEM HP Omen Laptop Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB DDR 4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel HD 630 and Nvidia Geforce 1050TI
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6 Laptop Display
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    128GB NvMe Boot Drive
    1TB Hitachi Sata Hard drive
    PSU
    Laptop PSU
    Case
    Laptop Case
    Cooling
    OEM Cooling
    Mouse
    Logitech G502 Hero
    Keyboard
    OEM Laptop Keyboard
    Internet Speed
    Gigabit 1000 Download/20 Upload
    Browser
    MS Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender & Malwarebytes Premium
Never. I use a backup image if I ever have a serious problem.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
    Motherboard
    MSI B550-A Pro
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4-3200
    Graphics Card(s)
    PowerColor Red Devil Radeon RX 6600XT with 8GB GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Realtek integrated
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer Nitro 24" RG241Y 144hz refresh rate
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital Black SN770 1 TB NVMe SSD
    Samsung 860 QVO 1 TB SATA SSD
    Seagate Barracuda 1 TB HDD
    PSU
    LEPA B650 650 watt
    Case
    Enermax Coenus
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper T4 air
    Keyboard
    CM Storm Devastator
    Mouse
    E-Blue Cobra Jr.
    Internet Speed
    100mbs
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Optical Drives: LG DVD-RW and Pioneer BluRay/ DVD burner
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus ROG Zephyrus G14
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS
    Motherboard
    Asus board (GA402RK)
    Memory
    16 GB Samsung DDR5-4800
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Radeon 680M and discrete Radeon RX 6800S with 8GB GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek with Dolby Atmos
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Laptop screen 14" WQXGA, IPS, 120hz refresh rate
    Screen Resolution
    2560 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD (WD Black SN850)
    PSU
    Battery power and Asus power brick/adapter. Also has USB-C charging
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Laptop fans in vapor chamber
    Mouse
    Touchpad and Omoton bluetooth mouse
    Keyboard
    Built in RGB backlit
    Internet Speed
    100mbps
    Browser
    Edge Chromium
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
strollin said:
I voted "When there is a problem" but in reality, I can't remember reformatting any of my computers in the past 35+ years.
Click to expand...
I voted the same way. I do have to admit that it's been years since I did a format because on a problem. I will format and do a clean install when I'm going to donate my old computers to a family member.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
TraderGary said:
Because all my current data is instantly there for me on OneDrive, I too can do a fresh clean install in less than an hour.
Click to expand...
It takes me days to setup my computer when I start fresh. For starters I have a few programs I have to unregister first. If not I have to hope that the company will let me install it again. When I bought the new desktop I'm using now I decided to start fresh. Because I have a large number of software that I can't move I now have a 2 desktops and 3 monitors setup. The only thing I don't like about installing software from those free software of the day sites. They are a one install on one device only.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec B746
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-10700K
    Motherboard
    ASRock Z490 Phantom Gaming 4/ax
    Memory
    16GB (8GB PC4-19200 DDR4 SDRAM x2)
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 TI
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung SAM0A87 Samsung SAM0D32
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    NVMe WDC WDS100T2B0C-00PXH0 1TB
    Samsung SSD 860 EVO 1TB
    PSU
    750 Watts (62.5A)
    Case
    PowerSpec/Lian Li ATX 205
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270
    Mouse
    Logitech M185
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge and Firefox
    Antivirus
    ESET Internet Security
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Canary Channel
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    PowerSpec G156
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-8400 CPU @ 2.80GHz
    Motherboard
    AsusTeK Prime B360M-S
    Memory
    16 MB DDR 4-2666
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Speptre HDMI 75Hz
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 970 EVO 500GB NVMe
    Mouse
    Logitek M185
    Keyboard
    Logitek K270
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge and Edge Canary
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus TUF Gaming F16 (2024)
    CPU
    i7 13650HX
    Memory
    16GB DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 4060 Mobile
    Sound Card
    Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Supreme; Emotiva UMC-200; Astell & Kern AK240
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia XR-55X90J
    Screen Resolution
    3840×2160
    Hard Drives
    512GB SSD internal
    37TB external
    PSU
    Li-ion
    Cooling
    2× Arc Flow Fans, 4× exhaust vents, 5× heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logitech G402
    Internet Speed
    20Mbit/s up, 250Mbit/s down
    Browser
    FF
  • Operating System
    11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Medion S15450
    CPU
    i5 1135G7
    Memory
    16GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe
    Sound Card
    Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC Supreme; Emotiva UMC-200; Astell & Kern AK240
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Sony Bravia XR-55X90J
    Screen Resolution
    3840×2160
    Hard Drives
    2TB SSD internal
    37TB external
    PSU
    Li-ion
    Mouse
    Logitech G402
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Internet Speed
    20Mbit/s up, 250Mbit/s down
    Browser
    FF
Winuser said:
It takes me days to setup my computer when I start fresh. For starters I have a few programs I have to unregister first. If not I have to hope that the company will let me install it again. When I bought the new desktop I'm using now I decided to start fresh. Because I have a large number of software that I can't move I now have a 2 desktops and 3 monitors setup. The only thing I don't like about installing software from those free software of the day sites. They are a one install on one device only.
Click to expand...
I really can do a fresh, clean install and be up and running with all my apps and data in less than an hour. I log in to Windows and all my OneDrive data is instantly there, no "restore" required. Microsoft 365 subscription auto installs Microsoft Office. Microsoft Edge loads my LastPass, so I now have all my passwords. Microsoft Store auto loads my store apps. Dell recognizes my computer and auto installs needed drivers, software utilities, etc. LastPass logs me in to Adobe and Adobe recognizes my Photography Subscription and installs Lightroom and Photoshop. LastPass enters my login and ID in Microsoft OutLook, and I have my email. I log in to my broker, my account is recognized, and I install Interactive Brokers Trader Workstation.

Start to Finish in under an hour!

It also helps that I have a brisk 700Mbps Internet. :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell XPS 16 9640
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
    Memory
    32GB LPDDR5x 7467 MT/s
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 8GB GDDR6
    Monitor(s) Displays
    16.3 inch 4K+ OLED Infinity Edge Touch
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400
    Hard Drives
    1 Terabyte M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
    Cooling
    Vapor Chamber Cooling
    Mouse
    None
    Internet Speed
    960 Mbps Netgear Mesh + 2 Satellites
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge (Chromium) + Bing
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Windows Security (Defender)
    Other Info
    Microsoft 365 subscription
    Microsoft OneDrive 1TB Cloud
    Microsoft Visual Studio
    Microsoft Visual Studio Code
    Microsoft PowerToys
    Macrium Reflect X subscription
    Dell Support Assist
    Dell Command | Update
    1Password Password Manager
    Amazon Kindle for PC
    Interactive Brokers Trader Workstation
    Lightroom/Photoshop subscription
    BitLocker
    CoPilot
The main time I do a clean install is when I mess something up, or I am real bored and want a refresh. I am disabled, so I have all the time in the world. I also teach others how to work on computers (windows based only). I donate my time to others. Many of those I instruct, actually get into the PC building scene, which I love when that occurs.

Since win 10, very little need to reinstall on a regular basis. BTW, really liking Windows 11..........and these forums. Been a member since win 7.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 3600
    Motherboard
    MSI X470 Gaming plus max
    Memory
    Gskill Ripjaws V F4-3600C16D-16GVKC
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI RX570 Armor 8GB OC
    Sound Card
    Integrated Realtek ALC892 with Nahimic
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung TF27T35F
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 @ 75hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Black SN750 NVME SSD (500 GB)
    WD40EZAZ 4TB 5400
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus Gold GX750 750 watt
    Case
    Aerocool Aero One Eclipse
    Cooling
    EK Basics 240 AIO
    Keyboard
    Logitech K350 Wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech Performance Plus M705 Wireless
    Internet Speed
    900 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up.
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    EDUP EP-9636 PRO, Intel AX200 based WIFI, bluetooth.
    Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX speakers
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
    Motherboard
    MSI MAG B550M Bazooka
    Memory
    Gskill Ripjaws V F4-3600C16D-16GVKC
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD RX470 ARMOR 4 GBOC
    Sound Card
    Integrated realtek ALC892
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080 @75 Hz
    Hard Drives
    WD Black SN750 NVME SSD (500 GB)
    WD40EZAZ 4TB 5400
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus Gold GX750 750 watt
    Case
    DIY PC micro ATX
    Cooling
    Aerocool Cylon4
    Mouse
    Generic gaming
    Keyboard
    Generic gaming
    Internet Speed
    900 Mbps down, 20 Mbps up
    Browser
    Chrome, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    EDUP EP-9636 PRO, Intel AX200 based WIFI, bluetooth.
    Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX speakers
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