# Clean Windows Install

A "clean" install is a fresh, untouched install of Windows. It involves completely wiping data from any/all drives in the PC and installing an official Windows version directly from Microsoft.

If needed, a clean Windows installation will resolve most technical issues. In some cases, such as with Dark and Darker, a game-ban leaves trace files that our spoofer software cannot remove, and as such a clean Windows reinstall is needed.

## Requirements

* 100GB+ available disk storage space
* a [32GB (or larger) USB flash drive](https://amzn.to/4eSvzqB)
* a Windows license key
  * for Windows 11, [click here to shop license keys](https://www.g2a.com/n/win11-key-dexaim) (typically under $25 USD)
  * for Windows 10, [click here to shop license keys](https://www.g2a.com/n/win10-dexaim) (typically under $10 USD)
    * if you already have an activated copy of Windows on the PC:
      * if you have a PC that was pre-built and/or purchased from a retail store, the PC likely has an OEM license key which is bound to the PC; Windows will automatically restore the active license to the PC when reinstalled
        * if you login with Microsoft for your PC's account, Windows will automatically restore the active license to the PC when reinstalled
        * if you do not login with Microsoft, you can view your current license [using a tool like ProduKey](https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html#DownloadLinks)

{% hint style="warning" %}
It is the responsibility of the user (you) to manage the licensing for the PC. We (DEXAiM) **will not be held responsible** for loss of licensing nor will we assist you in recovering lost/invalid licenses.
{% endhint %}

## Clean Installation for Windows 11 Instructions

### Follow the official guide from Microsoft

Microsoft explains it way better than we can. [You can read that guide here](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsinsider/cleaninstall).

### Video Guide

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2DT-ZVm8Yo>" %}

## Clean Installation for Windows 10 Instructions

### Follow the official guide from Microsoft

Microsoft explains it way better than we can. [You can read that guide here](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsinsider/cleaninstall) - the only change is using the installation media for Windows 10. [You can download the tool for creating a Windows 10 USB here.](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10)

### Video Guide

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/OtHZueEZe9s>" %}


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.dexa.im/learn/resources/windows-10-and-11-guides/clean-windows-install.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.