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

Installing an operating system onto your rig isn't exactly riveting, but it's a vital part of any gaming PC experience. Not only does an OS enable us to play the latest Steam games and ingest memes on ...

Microsoft has been keen for all its users to use online, connected Microsoft Accounts for Windows logins for years and many versions of the operating system, but it's really kicked it into high gear ...