I have a fresh laptop in which I want to create a clean slate. This link:
…tells me about the Fresh Start tool.
Sounds great, but it seems to delete Microsoft Edge.
My question: How will I access the internet to download stuff - including a new browser - with no browser?
Thanks!
mmm
I’d be shocked if it deletes MS Edge. MS has made a point of building their browser into the OS as an integral part since their lawsuit waaay back in the 90s. Maybe it just deletes the icon on the desktop but it must still be in the Start menu somewhere or at least on your hard drive.
I am unfamiliar with this “fresh start” thing. You could always setup the PC and then do a fresh install of Windows. Keep your license key and it should be no problem and is frankly pretty easy if you have an 8GB or bigger USB drive. Bing, bang, boom…no junk.
Once you are done with the fresh install I recommend a visit to https://ninite.com/ for all your freeware needs.
Thanks, Mole - I was surprised too about Edge going away. Maybe it doesn’t (though the article I linked specifically shows Edge being deleted).
Fresh Start seems relatively new and pretty painless. I like painless.
Any thoughts on what I would do if I’m left with no browser atoll?
mmm
It just HAS to be there.
I think it is impossible to delete the MS browser. As mentioned, they made a point of making it integral to the OS to sidestep a lawsuit.
Unless something has changed it is there somewhere.
Also, you can download Chrome to a USB stick and run it from there: How to Put Google Chrome on a Flash Drive | Your Business
I doubt you’d be left with no browser. Internet Explorer 11 should still be there, although you may need to hunt for the executable. And you can download the Chrome or Firefox or whatever installer in advance on a USB stick so you can reinstall them after. And actually the page linked to in the OP even says, “If you decide to run the Fresh Start tool, be sure you have the necessary files to reinstall the programs you want to keep.”
From your link:
“ Microsoft’s Fresh Start tool purges all applications that don’t come built into Windows 10 by installing a fresh copy of the operating system.”
Windows 10 has 2 built in browsers - Edge and Internet Explorer.
It deletes the “new” Chromium based Edge, but leaves the old Edge and IE 11. I’ve been working on deployments using Intune, Microsoft’s device management suite and need to reset computers on a regular basis as part of my testing and can confirm this.
An internet browser is integrated into File Explorer. Just enter your URL instead of a drive letter in address bar.
Has been that way for a long time, ever since the lawsuit to remove the integration of IE into Windows.
Versions of Windows from early 2018 up until the one that came out back in … May(?) 2020 include the pre-Chromium version of Edge as part of Windows. (Internet Explorer is in there too.) You can also update to the Chromium version of Edge manually (and in fact, Windows will likely nag you to do so).
The just-released 20H2 / October 2020 build of Windows includes the Chromium version of Edge (and IE too).
This is a non-problem. You’ll be fine. The only real question is whether you want a “Fresh Start” which will keep all the bundleware your laptop manufacturer included (some of which might be good stuff that you kinda paid for!), or a “clean install” of Windows which will remove all the add-ins. I’d suggest going with the “Fresh Start” at least until you figure out which, if any, of the manufacturer-loaded applications you want to keep, and which are just nuisances. Like, if your new laptop came with “[AntiVirus Program X], free for 12 months,” or some such, you might well not want to throw that away by clean-installing Windows. Or you might! I have no idea.
There’s no wrong answer, only varying degrees of right according to your preferences.
Run a program like MagicalJellyBean to retrieve the serial numbers of Windows and other programs that may be reinstalled.
Create a Windows recovery disc/flash drive to use in case the Fresh Start fails.
Make a clone of the system drive so if something goes wrong you can restore back to the original setup. If there’s a restore partition on the drive, don’t delete it. This is critical as some OEM Windows 10 installations are tied to the BIOS so you don’t need a serial number to install. I bought a refurbed PC and missed a couple of letters/numbers on the serial number and I couldn’t reinstall Windows (I didn’t do a Fresh Start). The seller didn’t respond and I had to buy a new copy of Windows which cost as must as the PC.
Download all the drivers from the manufacturer’s website or better yet research and download the bare drivers directly from the OEM manufacturer to avoid all the extras that may be included the laptop manufacturer’s drive pack,
Since it’s a laptop, have a USB mouse, USB keyboard and USB wireless dongle as Windows may not automatically install the drivers for the trackpad and wireless or ethernet card. Ideally have a second device to search for troubleshooting tips if/when you run into issues with the clean install.
Generally good advice, but I haven’t had an issue with OOB drivers for at least a decade with a major manufacturer. Is this something you’ve seen recently?
Haven’t bought a laptop in years, but it’s always a possibility. Better to be prepared than not.
Yep, with any major overhaul type operation like this, it’s a good idea to:
In my experience, the built-in trackpad will work as a basic mouse without additional drivers, but the software from the trackpad or computer manufacturer may offer additional functionality. Like if you plug in an external mouse, it might automatically disable the trackpad (so your palm resting on it as you are typing doesn’t mess up the cursor position).
OP checking in.
I hadn’t yet booted up my new machine when I posted the OP. I was assuming it would come loaded with crapware.
Turns out, it’s not. The only thing I had to delete was some McAfee stuff. I think I’m in pretty good shape without doing much more.
I appreciate all the advice. Hopefully I won’t need it.
mmm
I run a fleet of 70 or so laptops, but they are all Microsoft/Dell/Lenovo business class machines. Generally everything just works on modern laptops and Windows 10, no manufacturers drivers needed.
Do a through check of the all the software using Apps and Features as there may be other “free” programs that you don’t need and don’t know it’s there.
If you really want to get the best performance out of your laptop or PC, visit blackviper.com and remove Windows “features” you don’t need. Unless you’re in a business environment, the Safe settings will be fine.