Reinstall Windows and Apps

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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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