Does Clean Install Wipe All Drives Exclusive Site

The phrase “exclusive” in the report you mentioned likely means: — exclusive to the selected installation drive.

The short answer is . By default, a clean install does not automatically wipe all drives. It is designed to target only the specific drive or partition where you choose to install the operating system.

It is important to distinguish a "clean install" (using external media like a USB) from the "Reset this PC" feature found in Windows settings: does clean install wipe all drives exclusive

Many users confuse "clean install" with "low-level format" or "zero-fill wipe."

The short answer is It only overwrites the specific drive or partition you select for the installation. The phrase “exclusive” in the report you mentioned

During the setup process, you are presented with a screen asking, "Where do you want to install Windows?" Many tutorials advise users to select each partition and click until only "Unallocated Space" remains. If you have multiple physical drives connected, doing this to every item on the list will erase every single drive in your computer. 3. Factory Resets vs. Clean Installs

By disconnecting the SATA or NVMe cables of your secondary storage drives, it becomes physically impossible for the installer—or a misplaced mouse click—to wipe them. Leave only the primary boot drive connected. Step 3: Identify Your Drives by Capacity It is designed to target only the specific

The short answer is: By default, it only targets the specific partition or drive where you choose to install the operating system.

Reinstall Windows with the installation media - Microsoft Support

You must select the Custom/Advanced option to control which drives are touched.