How can I clean install windows 11 from windows 10 without usb?

If you can login Windows 10, then try with the in-place upgrade method. This will help you upgrade to Windows 11 without losing data. It will keep your files, apps and settings.

Steps: https://www.techmodos.com/upgrade-to-windows-11-keep-all-data

If you want to keep files and apps, then in-place upgrade is more recommended than clean install windows 11 from Windows 10. The setup installer from Windows 11 ISO migrates your user profiles, documents, browser favorites, saved Wi-Fi keys, personalization settings, and most application data automatically. You sign in after the reboot and your desktop, Start-menu layout, and apps are (almost) exactly where you left them.

Because the upgrade replaces only the operating-system core, it leaves your installed software, printers, and specialty drivers intact. That means no hunting for license keys, re-creating Outlook profiles, or reinstalling big game libraries.

And even careful users sometimes forget to export an obscure password vault, VST plug-in, or custom ICC color profile. An in-place upgrade all but eliminates that risk.

Quick checklist for a trouble-free in-place upgrade

Health Check:  Run the PC Health Check or WhyNotWin11 tool to confirm TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and CPU compatibility.

Free space:  Have at least 25 GB free on the C: drive.

Full backup anyway: Use File History, a disk-image tool, or OneDrive just in case something goes wrong.

Post-upgrade cleanup: After a successful boot into Windows 11, run Disk Cleanup → “Previous Windows installation(s)” to reclaim 15–25 GB occupied by the Windows.old folder.

Follow those steps for clean installing Windows 11 from Windows 10 with your files, apps, and workflows intact—no marathon reinstall session required.

A clean install of Windows 11 means wiping the system drive, booting from external media created with the Windows 11 ISO, often a USB stick prepared with tools like Microsoft's Media Creation Tool and letting Setup lay down a completely fresh copy of the operating system.

Unlike an in-place upgrade or a "Reset this PC" refresh, a true clean install erases existing Windows files, apps, drivers, settings, and user data, leaving you with the same factory-new state you'd see on a brand-new machine.

Key advantages of Windows 11 Clean Install

Because every file comes straight from the ISO, a clean install eliminates registry debris, outdated drivers and potential malware. This will resulte in snappier boot times, better overall performance, and fewer mysterious errors.

It’s the most reliable way to resolve stubborn system-level problems (corrupted system files, failed feature-updates, severe malware infections) that survive other repair methods.

You regain full control over partition layout, encryption schemes, and the exact Windows edition you install, making it ideal for switching from MBR to GPT, enabling BitLocker from the outset, or skipping unwanted OEM bloatware.

Main drawbacks of Windows 11 Clean Install

Everything on the Windows partition is lost; you must back up documents, browser data, game saves, custom fonts, and license keys beforehand—and remember to restore them afterward.

Reinstalling apps, drivers, printers, and personalization tweaks can take hours, and you may hit snags finding legacy drivers or proprietary utilities for specialty hardware.

You’ll need reliable internet and a second device or USB drive for downloading drivers/BIOS updates if your network adapter isn’t recognized out of the box.

Missteps during partitioning or Secure Boot/TPM checks can leave the PC unbootable or stuck at activation, so less-experienced users face a steeper learning curve compared with a one-click in-place upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Hello! To perform a clean install of Windows 11 from Windows 10 without using a USB drive, you can create a bootable ISO directly on your PC. Here's a step-by-step guide to clean install Windows 11:

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO.
2. Mount the ISO:
   Right-click the ISO file and select Mount.
   This will create a virtual drive with the Windows 11 setup files.
3. Run Setup from ISO:
   Open the mounted drive.
   Run setup.exe.
   Choose Upgrade or Custom for a clean install Windows 11.
   Select Custom to delete existing partitions and perform a clean install.
4. Follow the prompts:
   The installer will guide you through the process.
   Make sure to back up your data before proceeding, as this will erase your drive.

Something about clean install Windows 11. Ensure Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are enabled in BIOS. If your PC doesn't meet Windows 11 requirements, it may refuse to install or run properly. It's normal that your PC doesn't receive upgrade notices if it doesn't meet requirements or if update notifications are turned off. Using the above methods, you can manually upgrade.

Doing a clean install Windows 11 from Windows 10 is generally safe. But the main danger is losing data or messing up your drivers if you’re not careful. If you don’t back up your stuff, you’ll be kicking yourself later because everything gets wiped out during a clean install. Also, if your hardware isn’t fully compatible with Windows 11, you might run into issues like missing drivers or hardware not working right after installation.

Another thing is activation — if your Windows 10 was already activated, Windows 11 usually picks that up automatically, but sometimes you might need to double-check your license info.

So, my advice?  

• Before cleaning install Windows 11 from Windows 10, Please backup everything important— files, photos, docs, etc.
• Make sure your PC meets Windows 11 requirements (like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, etc.).
• Prepare your drivers or download them beforehand if possible.
• Be ready for some setup time and follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform a clean, free and clean install Windows 11.

1. Step 1: Download the Windows 11 ISO
* Under “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”, select Download.
* Choose your preferred language and click Confirm.
* Download the ISO file.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive (Using Windows Media Creation Tool)
You can use the official Media Creation Tool provided by Microsoft:
* Run the tool and accept the license terms.
* Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next.
* Choose your language, edition, and architecture, then click Next.
* Select USB flash drive and click Next.
* Insert your USB drive, select it from the list, and click Next.
* The tool will download Windows 11 and create a bootable USB drive.

Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive
* Insert the bootable USB into the PC where you want to install Windows 11.
* Restart the PC and enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during startup).
* Change the boot order to prioritize booting from the USB device.
* Save changes and restart; your PC should boot from the USB.

Step 4: Clean Install Windows 11
When the Windows Setup screen appears, select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click Next.
* Click Install now.
* Enter your product key if prompted, or select I don't have a product key to activate later.
* Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
* Select the partition where you want to install Windows 11 (usually the primary drive), delete existing partitions if you want a truly clean install, then select the unallocated space and click Next.
* Windows will begin installing. Follow on-screen prompts to complete setup, including creating user accounts and configuring preferences.