How often do you (re)install your OS?

Prime2515102 · Jul 3, 2025

I started with installing Win95 at least once a month, sometimes several times a week. It got to where I had the entire routine memorized and didn't need my checklist anymore. It was about a three hour process (install, optimize settings, registry etc; there was a lot to do back then to make it semi-stable and perform decently).

Forward to 2025 and I haven't re-installed Win10 since November 30th 2020 and it's pretty much glitch free. Save for any disastrous updates, I doubt I'll re-install until I upgrade my motherboard and CPU (probably when one of them dies).

neatfeatguy · Jul 3, 2025

I generally only do a reinstall of Windows if I'm doing part of a system replacement or new build. For example, If I'm replacing the MB/CPU/RAM with something newer, I'll do a new install of Windows. That's usually every 3-5 years. Or if maybe I need a new OS drive I just back up any important data and do a clean install on the new drive.

However, ever since Windows 10 has done forced updates and have broken shit so many times because of it (at least in the first few years of the OS being out) I've had to re-install Windows 10 about half a dozen times. Windows 10 has been the worst OS in terms of the OS itself breaking from an update that has required me to do a clean install because even trying to do a system restore or just load into safe mode wasn't possible.

After that 5th or 6th time of Windows just taking a crap on me after an update I moved from the Home version to Pro and completely disabled the ability to force updates. I haven't had any issues since.

RJARRRPCGP · Jul 3, 2025

neatfeatguy said:
After that 5th or 6th time of Windows just taking a crap on me after an update

For me, a Windows update taking a crap, is if CBS starts reporting corruption right after a patch-Tuesday. Then, just like that, I literally have to uninstall and reinstall the monthly cumulative update!
It seems to happen frequently on 11 22H2 and 11 23H2.

And then unrelated, earlier builds of 10, especially before 19xx, had the "Windows Update insta-timeout" bug, where it randomly gives up right after clicking to start an update and having to "spam" the "Retry" button!

londiste · Jul 4, 2025

Vayra86 said:
That, and also, this:

Ninite - Install or Update Multiple Apps at Once

The easiest, fastest way to update or install software. Ninite downloads and installs programs automatically in the background.

ninite.com

Its absolutely brilliant. All you do is stick a small batch file on your windows install usb stick and you run it after installing the OS while you're installing chipset drivers and whatnot. Doing this takes me all of 30 minutes. After that... I just need a few game launchers/Steam and click the games I want back. The whole affair is 2 hours tops and after that I'm off drinking beer.

Try WinGet?

Use WinGet to install and manage applications

The WinGet command line tool enables developers to discover, install, upgrade, remove and configure applications on Windows computers.

learn.microsoft.com

Vayra86 · Jul 4, 2025

londiste said:
Try WinGet?

Use WinGet to install and manage applications

The WinGet command line tool enables developers to discover, install, upgrade, remove and configure applications on Windows computers.

learn.microsoft.com

Seems like a lot more work than Ninite, no? Why would I write a script?

londiste · Jul 4, 2025

Vayra86 said:
Seems like a lot more work than Ninite, no? Why would I write a script?

You said currently you have a batch file which is a script as well.
WinGet seems to be native to Windows by now and last time I tried Steam and game launchers were there and could be installed the same as everything else.
Depends on what exactly you want software-wise of course.

Vayra86 · Jul 4, 2025

londiste said:
You said currently you have a batch file which is a script as well.
WinGet seems to be native to Windows by now and last time I tried Steam and game launchers were there and could be installed the same as everything else.
Depends on what exactly you want software-wise of course.

Ninite generates one for me after clicking the icons I want. Its a small step for a dev, but a great step for average users.

Chomiq · Jul 4, 2025

Vayra86 said:
Ninite generates one for me after clicking the icons I want. Its a small step for a dev, but a great step for average users.

londiste said:
Try WinGet?

Use WinGet to install and manage applications

The WinGet command line tool enables developers to discover, install, upgrade, remove and configure applications on Windows computers.

learn.microsoft.com

Why not both?

The Ultimate Windows Utility

Having Fun with Technology

christitus.com

Clear UI and uses winget.

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