I recently faced a malware issue that compromised many of my accounts due to a data leak. To fix this, I reinstalled Windows 11, but I found that it didn't come with essential drivers, particularly for internet connectivity. After sending my PC for repairs, they reinstalled Windows again, but I encountered the same problem.
I'm wondering if there's a way to collect all my current drivers onto a USB drive, so I can easily install them after a fresh Windows install. I'm really concerned about having yet another install without drivers, which would mean sending it back for repairs again.
Also, I have a large game on my SSD (150GB) where my OS is installed. Can I reinstall Windows without affecting that game, or do I need to move it to another drive beforehand?
4 Answers
For your large game file, if you want to keep it intact while reinstalling Windows, you should try to back it up externally if possible. If you’re setting Windows on the same drive, data loss could happen, so moving it outside of the C drive is safer. But if that’s not possible, the installation generally won’t delete personal files unless you specifically choose to format the drive. Still, it’s a risk, so if you can move it, do that!
After reinstalling Windows, keep in mind that Windows 11 should automatically support most common Wi-Fi and Ethernet drivers. However, it’s smart to have the specific drivers ready to go just in case. If you're worried about finding them, just visit your computer manufacturer’s website, search for your model, and download the drivers you need.
To back up your drivers before reinstalling, you can use the dism command or a third-party program like DriverMax. Using DISM is straightforward if you're comfortable with the command line: just open Command Prompt as an admin, create a folder where you want the drivers saved, and run `dism /online /export-driver /destination:your_path`. Alternatively, DriverMax can handle everything for you automatically.
You can definitely grab your Wi-Fi or LAN drivers on another PC and load them onto a USB stick. Once you reinstall Windows, you can install those drivers from the USB. Just make sure to check the manufacturer's website for the correct drivers if you're not sure where to find them.
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