Two options:
- Reset PC
- Clean install using Windows 10 Pro USB drive
Reset PC
Before resetting PC:
- Backup/Transfer files to a non-Windows drive
To reset the PC:
- Go to System > Recovery > Reset PC
- Choose an option > Remove everything
- How to reinstall > Cloud download
- Check settings and confirm
- Click Reset to proceed
Wait for the download to complete. PC will restart automatically.
Clean Install
Before reinstalling Windows:
- Disconnect all plugged-in devices except for the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
- Load UEFI/BIOS and reset settings to optimized defaults.
To reinstall Windows:
- Insert Windows 10 USB drive
- Restart PC and press F2 or DEL
- Choose OS > Windows Setup (64-bit)
- Select language and other preferences
- Click Install Now to continue
- Enter the product key to activate Windows
- Accept the license terms
- Choose installation > Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
- Choose partition (delete if necessary to display Unallocated Space)
- Hit Next to start installing Windows
Wait for the installation to complete. PC will restart several times.
After installation:
- Select region > New Zealand
- Keyboard layout > UK
- Second keyboard layout > Skip
- Connect to network > select I don’t have internet
- Continue with limited setup
- Enter a username and password
- Create security questions (3x)
- Activity history > No (do not send)
- Privacy settings > Disable all
Almost there! Don’t turn off your PC.
After installing Windows 10 Pro
Initial apps and settings:
- Adjust display settings (scale/resolution)
- Connect to the internet
- Install/Update Armoury Crate
- Install Razer Synapse
- Use Edge to download Chrome
- Sign in to Google and sync account
- Set up 1Password and other Chrome extensions
- Check/Install critical updates – Windows 10 Pro version 22H2
- Manage Startup apps (to disable unnecessary apps at startup)
- Set time/zone automatically (to correct the time)
- Download/Run PC Health Check
- Sign in with a Microsoft Account
- Set up OneDrive
- Check/Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 (required for Windows 11 upgrade)
- Upgrade to Windows 11
After upgrading to Windows 11 Pro
Initial update and settings:
- Change theme > Dark Theme (Settings > Personalisation)
- Check/Install critical updates.
- Manage Startup apps (to speed up startup process)
- Enable HDR and night light (under display settings)
Reboot and tweak UEFI/BIOS:
- Overclock RAM
- Enable Virtualization for BlueStacks
- Restart Windows and confirm changes through Task Manager > Performance
Install required apps/firmware:
- Download/Install WorkFlowy
- Download/Install 1Password (Desktop)
- Check/Install MS Store updates.
- Check/Update BIOS
- Check/Update Firmware (ROG monitor)
- Download/Install AMD chipset software (thru AMD website > Chipsets > AMD Socket AM4 > X570)
- Check/Update Armoury Crate
- Download/Install GeForce Experience
- Download/Install GeForce Game Ready Driver
- Download/Install NZXT CAM
- Download/Install Intel LAN Driver (thru Armoury Crate)
- Download/Install Realtek Audio/LAN Driver (thru Armoury Crate)
Connect drives/accessories:
- Map network drive
- Connect all external devices/accessories
- Set up File History
Download/Install drivers for accessories:
- Logitech G HUB (for G915 Keyboard and G560 Gaming Speaker)
- SteelSeries GG (for RGB mousepad)
- Stream Deck XL
- 4K Capture Utility
- Control Center (for Key Light)
Customize taskbar apps:
- Workflowy
- Task Manager
- Weather
- Calculator
Install Steam/Games:
- Microsoft Flight Simulator – In Progress
Other apps to install:
- BlueStacks
- OBS Studio
- Xbox Accessories > Connect Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
TV/Media apps to install:
- Netflix
- Disney+
- Prime Video
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