14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just launched the Refresh Windows app that lets you clean-install Windows 10 with just a few clicks in anticipation of the Anniversary Update coming next month.
In an announcement today, Microsoft explains that this app was specifically designed to install a clean copy of the most recent version of Windows and remove apps that were pre-installed or that you manually installed on your PC.
What’s important to know, however, is that this new tool only works for Windows insiders for the moment, so you must be running Windows 10 build 14352 or later in order to get it run. Otherwise, you need to wait for the Anniversary Update when the app becomes available for everyone.
Only working for preview builds
And since we’re still during the preview program of this new update, clean-installing Windows 10 with this app will actually deploy the very latest build of Windows 10 released to the fast ring. But there are a few catches too.
“The build installed by this tool is not guaranteed to be the latest build available to Insiders, and at times may install a Windows 10 build that is older that you had previously. Should this apply when you use the tool, you will be unable to keep your personal files, and will be notified during Windows Setup, with the option to cancel. After the clean installation, you can set your Windows Insider Program settings to rejoin your desired Insider Preview ring and get the latest build for that audience,” Microsoft explains.
Also because it’s still part of the preview program, the app might not work correctly, and your digital licenses or other digital entitlements might not be retained after using the app, and this “may impact your ability to use paid-for apps or app-related content.”
The app is available in three different languages, namely English, Chinese, and Japanese, but many more could be added in the coming months.
If you want to download it right away, but remember that it only works on preview builds of Windows 10.