# 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>" %}