With 5 effective methods, from simple Reset this PC to Cloud Download, etc., you can easily reinstall Windows 10 without CD or USB drive, even on a failing system. Scroll down to learn more!
Since modern computers no longer include a Windows installation disc or even an optical drive, many users want to know how to reinstall Windows 10 without CD or USB drive, especially when the system becomes unstable, slow, infected by malware, stuck in boot loops, etc., or the hard drive is damaged.
Luckily, Microsoft still offers you some features to install Windows 10, such as Reset this PC, cloud download, Windows installation, system image recovery, etc.
Before starting the reinstallation process, a few simple checks and preparations can save you time and prevent data loss.
The Reset This PC feature gives you two options. “Keep my files” reinstall Windows while preserving your personal files, but removes apps and settings. “Remove everything” performs a full reset, deleting all files, apps, and settings for a clean installation. Choose the one best fits your situation.
Step 1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security. Click Recovery from the left menu.
Step 2. Click Get started under Reset this PC.
Step 3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
Step 4. Follow the on-screen reset instructions. It will automatically reinstall Windows 10 without CD or USB.
Once the reset is complete, Windows 10 will start fresh. You’ll go through initial setup, sign in to your account, reinstall allnecessary appsand drivers, run Windows Update, etc., and make sure your computer is running smoothly.
Microsoft allows you to reinstall Windows 10 using ISO file, and it’s ideal whenWindows is unstable but still able to boot, and you don’t want to rely on cloud reinstall or physical installation USB.
Step 1. Download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website. Then, locate the ISO file, right-click it, and select Mount. It will display as avirtual drive with the setup files.
Step 2. Open the virtual drive and double-click setup.exe.
Step 3. In the Choose What to Keep window, select one option and click Next.
If Windows won’t boot normally, you can access the Windows recovery environment toreinstallWindows 10 using Cloud Download. The option will download a clean and updatedWindows 10from Microsoft’s servers, especially useful if your system files are damaged or missing.
Step 1. Restart your PC and shut it down when you see the Windows logo. Repeat the process two to three times until the Windows recovery environment screen appears.
Step 2. Select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
Step 3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, depending on whether you want to keep personal data.
Step 4. When prompted, select Cloud Download.
Step 5. Confirm the pending action and click Next > Reset.
Pros and Cons of Cloud Reinstall:
✅ Pros:
❌ Cons:
Microsoft also allows you to create a Windows 10 installation USB manually and clean install Windows 10 in the recovery environment. This is especially useful when your PC won’t boot, system files are severely corrupted, or built-in recovery options are unavailable.
✅ What You Need:
Step 1. On a working PC, go to Microsoft’s website and download the Windows 10 MediaCreationTool.
Step 2. Run MediaCreationTool and select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
Step 3. Choose the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) that matches your PC.
Step 4. Select a USB flash drive and follow the prompts to create abootable USB.
Step 5. Disconnect the USB drive and connect it to the PC. Restart it and press the BIOS key repeatedly, usually F2, F10, Del, Esc, etc., to access the BIOS/UEFI settings window. Set the USB drive as the primary boot device and press F10 to save changes.
Step 6. Your PC will boot from the USB, loading the Windows 10 installer. Click Next > Install Now to get started. Be sure to select Custom: Install Windows Only during installation.
A system image backup is an exact copy of your entire Windows installation, including OS, system files, settings, programs, and personal files. It allows you to restore your PC to its previous status when the system image was created. Try this when your Windows installation is severely corrupted, infected, or it fails to boot.
Windows 10 includes a Backup and Restore (Windows) feature that can create a system image backup for recovery. Note it will overwrite all existing data on the PC. Backup any important data if needed.
Step 1. Connect the drive containing your system image to the PC. Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment.
Step 2. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Image Recovery.
Step 3. Select the operating system (e.g., Windows 10) you want to install.
Step 4. Select the latest system image and follow the on-screen instructions to restore Windows 10.
⚠️Notes:
◾ Be sure your new hard drive or SSD is larger.
◾ You can’t use a system image on a different PC. Otherwise, you may receive system image backup failed error.
AOMEI Backupper Standard is a more powerful backup and restore software that can create a system image backup in Windows 10 and restore image to new hard drive or SSD, whether it’s larger or smaller. You can even create a disk backup, not justthe OS. What’s more, it integrates multiple auto space-saving features to make backup image smaller.
In addition, it allows you to resize partitions to avoid unallocated space left after cloning, align SSD for faster speed and longer lifespan, and create a Windows 10 bootable USB or CD/DVD to start a failing computer.
Step 1. Open AOMEI Backupper Standard. Under the Home tab, click Restore. It will automatically scan and list all available backup images.
Step 2. Select the Windows 10 system image. If not, click Back and Select image to restore.
Step 3. Check Restore this system backup. Click the drop-down arrowto select full/incremental/differential backup (if there are).
Step 4. Check Restore to new location. Then, select the new hard drive and click Next.
Step 5. Be sure to check SSD Alignment to accelerate the writing and reading speed of SSD drive (if it is). Click Start Restore.
⚠️Notes:
✅ Edit Partitions: It’s to extend partition to full capacity, available only when your system partition consists of one partition.
✅ Universal Restore (advanced edition): It’s default-enabled to install all drivers required to start Windows and ensure a secure boot while restoring Windows 10 to new hardware.
Microsoft offers more flexible options to reinstall Windows 10 without CD or USB, and the best method depends on your situation. Try:
After installing Windows 10, it’s necessary to install all required drivers and run Windows Update to make sure your computer is running smoothly.