This process is called a clean install, which is ironic as there's nothing particularly clean about it: Microsoft has enshittified Windows Setup.

This post is sponsored by Brytesoft ...

A newly discovered trick allows Windows 11 users to bypass Microsoft’s online account requirement during setup, raising questions around user control and privacy. The workaround, shared by X user ...

Windows 11 Forces Microsoft Account Sign In & Removes Bypass Trick Option Your email has been sent Microsoft is killing the Windows 11 bypass trick — soon, all setups will require internet and a ...

Microsoft is blocking another way to choose a local account in Windows 11. You'd force a local account by disconnecting from the network. The block is currently in place in the latest Windows 11 ...

This past week, Microsoft released the December 2025 Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11 (KB5072033, KB5071417) and Windows 10 (KB5071546, KB5071544, KB5071543). The new Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 ...

Microsoft releases KB5077178, KB5077180, and KB5077374 with WinRE upgrades, Secure Boot updates, and Dynamic Setup improvements.