Does Clean Install Wipe All Drives Exclusive 'link'

A clean install does not automatically wipe all drives; it primarily targets the specific drive or partition you select during the installation process. While it erases everything on that chosen partition—including the operating system, applications, and personal files—data on other physical drives or separate partitions typically remains untouched. Clean Install vs. Reset

Need a visual guide or help recovering data after a mistaken wipe? Check our companion article: "How to Recover Partitions After a Clean Install (Pro Techniques Exclusive)." does clean install wipe all drives exclusive

Target Drive: The partition you select will have all data, apps, and settings removed. If you install over an existing Windows partition without formatting it, your old files may be moved to a Windows.old folder rather than being deleted. A clean install does not automatically wipe all

• Select each partition belonging to the drive you want to wipe (e.g., "Drive 0 Partition 1", "Drive 0 Partition 2").
• Click Delete for each one.
• Note: The other drives (Drive 1, Drive 2) will still be listed. Do not touch them. Do not delete their partitions. Leaving them alone preserves your data.

Phase 2: The Installation Process

1. Boot from your USB installation media.
2. Select your Language, Time, and Keyboard, and click Next.
3. Click Install Now.
4. Enter your product key (or skip for now).
5. Accept the license terms.
6. Crucial Step: Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).