I need some help with reinstalling Windows on my PC. Recently, my brother mistakenly installed some cracked software, and after dealing with the fallout—like having my passwords and emails changed—I ran antivirus scans and my PC seems to be clean now. To be extra cautious, I want to reset it and reinstall Windows. I've backed up all my important data on a third SSD, which doesn't have Windows running on it. What's the best way to go about reinstalling Windows without wiping the data on that third SSD? Does reinstalling Windows automatically format everything, or can I just format the primary SSD? Any tips would be appreciated!
3 Answers
You will have control over which drive you format during the Windows installation process. It won’t wipe other drives unless you specifically tell it to. Still, as a precaution, it's wise to back up your important files to an external device. You can grab a 2TB external HDD pretty cheap, and it's always good to have important files backed up elsewhere.
To be super safe, consider physically removing the third SSD while you wipe and install Windows. I've seen plenty of people accidentally format the wrong drive because they rushed through prompts. If the SSD is unplugged, it can't be wiped, so that’s a foolproof method! Also, don't forget to change passwords and set up two-factor authentication on your online accounts for extra security.
When you reinstall Windows, you'll actually get the option to choose which disk to install it on. The installer doesn’t wipe everything by default; it only does what you ask. Just make sure you're selecting the right drive during installation to avoid accidentally wiping your data.
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