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Cammsnen's avatar
Cammsnen
Iron Contributor
Jun 17, 2025

How to clean install windows 11 without usb from Windows 10

My mom asks me today if I could be able to help install Windows 11 on her's old laptop, an Dell XPS 13 with Intel i5 processor, 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD. She wants to keep apps, files and settings afte...
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HaydenMiller's avatar
HaydenMiller
Iron Contributor
Jun 17, 2025

Clean Installing Windows 11 without a USB and keeping everything intact (apps, files, settings) is doable, especially since your mom’s Dell XPS 13 has solid specs. Here’s a straightforward way to clean install Windows 11 from within Windows 10:

1. Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
* Microsoft offers the Windows 11 Installation Assistant for upgrades without losing data or apps:
* Download Windows 11 Installation Assistant 
* Run the tool and follow the prompts.
* It will check compatibility, then upgrade in-place, keeping all apps, files, and settings.

This method is like a 'repair install' — it upgrades your Windows while preserving your data.

2. Use Windows Update
* Sometimes, Windows 11 upgrade offers appear directly in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
* If available, just click Download and Install.

If your mom’s laptop is quite old or a bit borderline, double-check compatibility. If it’s not compatible, a clean install Windows 11 might require a USB or clean ISO, but based on the specs, she should be fine.

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