What are the differences between performing a Reset PC and clean install?

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by tolanri, Sep 12, 2013.

  1. tolanri

    tolanri MDL Novice

    Aug 9, 2012
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    I'm curious, let's say someone wants to make clean install of windows, which method is cleaner? I tried reset PC briefly, it worked fairly well but I didn't really test it thoroughly...Will Reset PC preserve for example installed features, like WMC Add On, .NET Framework; and activation; or anything else?
     
  2. Shenj

    Shenj MDL Expert

    Aug 12, 2010
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    Reset is Reset, it's a clean wipe. It will use a refresh image if available. Not sure if it will keep your activation, but it won't keep WMC or anything else you installed.
     
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  3. burfadel

    burfadel MDL EXE>MSP/CAB

    Aug 19, 2009
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    A clean install is the cleanest method, the refresh and reset methods are just there for ease of use for a 'typical' user. I believe reset means you will lose all installed features, activation etc, but it will still leave other stuff on the drive.
     
  4. MrMagic

    MrMagic MDL Guru

    Feb 13, 2012
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    Refresh removes installed apps but leaves behind user data /files

    Reset reinstalls the entire OS and wipes everything