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Hi I have a new laptop ( inspiron 15 ) which comes with windows 11 , I have Windows 11 pro key , should I activate it when i first open the laptop or should I make a clean install to windows 11 and then activate it ?



Note : it’s new laptop , but someone told to do the clean install method so i want to ask does it differ ?

1 Answer

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Installing Windows 11 Pro can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be done smoothly and efficiently. When it comes to installing Windows 11 Pro, the best method will depend on your specific needs and preferences. However, in general, there are two main approaches you can take: upgrading your current version of Windows or performing a clean installation of Windows 11 Pro.

If you have a new laptop that comes with Windows 11 already installed, and you have a valid Windows 11 Pro key, you have the option to upgrade your current version of Windows to Windows 11 Pro. To do this, you will need to access the "Activation" section of your Windows settings and enter your Windows 11 Pro key. This will activate the Pro features on your current version of Windows 11, without the need for a clean installation.

However, if you prefer a fresh start or want to remove any bloatware that may have come pre-installed on your laptop, a clean installation of Windows 11 Pro may be the better option. This process involves wiping your hard drive and installing Windows 11 Pro from scratch. This can be done using a USB flash drive or DVD with the Windows 11 Pro installation files.

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To perform a clean install of Windows 11 Pro, you will need to:

Backup your data: Before you begin the installation process, it's important to back up all your important files and data to an external hard drive or cloud storage.

Create a bootable USB drive: Download the Windows 11 Pro ISO file from Microsoft's official website and create a bootable USB drive using software like Rufus.

Boot from the USB drive: Insert the bootable USB drive into your laptop and restart it. Press the appropriate key (usually F12 or Delete) to access the boot menu and select the USB drive as the boot device.

Install Windows 11 Pro: Follow the on-screen prompts to install Windows 11 Pro on your laptop. When prompted, enter your Windows 11 Pro key to activate the Pro features.

Lastly, whether you choose to upgrade your current version of Windows or perform a clean installation of Windows 11 Pro, it's important to back up your data before you begin. Ultimately, the best method will depend on your specific needs and preferences, so weigh the pros and cons of each approach before making a decision.

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