Windows Upgrade &
Clean Installation


Updated February 2025


Upgrade Win10 to Win11

Reformat to Windows 11

  • Start HERE FIRST with the saving files, product keys & formatting

New Computer Setup Windows 11


Step #1
When turning on computer for the first time, follow these directions
United States > Yes
US Keyboard > Yes
Second keyboard > Skip
Choose network, then UNCHECK connect automatically
Connect > Input password > Next
When connected, click on Next
Accept
Connect to the internet again UNCHECKED automatically > Next


Step #2
  • Option #1: LOCAL ACCOUNT
    If using Ethernet, try this first: As soon as you reach the sign-in page, unplug the router to disconnect from the internet.
    Now click on Create One for creation of Microsoft account. Since there is no internet connectivity, Windows will give you a local account option.
    Give it a name in the next page. Set a password on the next screen and you have an offline account during setup.
    Otherwise, do this:
    If using WiFi:
    • a)  When you get to the Microsoft Account screen click on Sign In. Then press Shift+F10 (or if that doesn't work, then press Fn+Shift+F10) to open a command prompt.
      • NOTE: If the Shift+F10 or Fn+Shift+F10 does not bring up a command prompt, that means the computer is probably in S Mode.
        You first have to get out of it by: Win+R, then type: cmd
        You get a notification that you can't, just click on the See How link. It will direct you to the Switch Out Of S-Mode app. Log in to the Microsoft store with your own account and finish getting it out of S-Mode. (Signing into your own account does not set the new computer up with your account.)
        After you're out of S-Mode, you can start the process again with a)
    • b)  The command line will start with C:\Windows\System32>
      Type this command: OOBE\BYPASSNRO
    • c)  Your computer will restart and start with taking you through the beginning of US Region, and Keyboard.
    • d)  Reconnect to the network WITHOUT connect automatically
    • e)  Upon returning to "Unlock Your Microsoft Experience"...
    • f)  Press Shift+F10 (or Fn+Shift+F10) again
    • g)  At the command prompt type: ipconfig /release <Enter>
    • h)  Type exit and hit <Enter> to close the command prompt window.
      (part f) and g) may be needed to be done twice and press the back arrow to get to the sign in with a username)
    • i)  NOW click on Sign In
    • j)  Continue and enter a username, password (if asked, then do the 3 security questions and answers)
    • k)  Continue to step #3 below
      (If this doesn't work, try these other 2 options below)

  • Option #2: MICROSOFT ACCOUNT:
      DO NOT USE RESTORE from a previous account
    • º Click on Sign In
    • º Sign in their MS account)
    • º Click on View More Options
    • º Click on Set Up As New Device > Next
    • º Click on Create PIN > 1234 (or whatever pin desired) > confirm > OK

 

Step #3
Remove settings except location > Accept
Preferences: remove all info > Next
If asked...
UNCHECK both boxes for "I've Read..." and "Use My Information" > Next
Customize your experience > Skip
Skip all offers it shows.
Window will now check for updates and get things ready

Step #4 S-Mode Removal if not already done so
  • ● Restart the computer and connect to the internet and have it connect automatically
  • ● Upon getting to the desktop screen, do a WINVER.
    • If in "Windows Home in S mode", switch to regular mode:
    • Connect to the internet >
    • Settings > Do a search for S Mode and choose "Switch out of S Mode"
    • Click on S Mode > Open Store (you'll have to log into any Microsoft Account)
    • Click on the "GET" button
    • Click on the Close to close the store button
    • Do a WinVer again.
    • Close the windows for "Switch out of S mode"
      If that doesn't work...try this Possible S-Mode removal

 

WINDOWS 11 MODIFICATIONS


A) Installed Apps:
Right click on Start > Installed Apps
* Uninstall Cortona
* Uninstall McAfee
Restart computer

B) Check for Updates

C) From my USB:
Copy Desktop Images into the Pictures folder
Copy files for OpenShell, Restart, Shutdown, & Adobe install file to the desktop

D) ● Open Settings and pin. Unpin other unwanted items from taskbar

   ● Adjust the Time & Time Zone to automatic, if necessary

 

E) Settings > System >
  • ● Display
    • Turn on Night Light
    • Click arrow to the right and turn on Schedule
  • ● Notifications
    • Click on the down arrow for Notifications > Uncheck both Show Reminders, and All Notifications to play sound
    • Turn off Do Not Disturb
    • Click on the arrow for Set Priority Notifications Uncheck for both Calls And Reminders
    • Notifications from Apps: Turn off all EXCEPT AutoPlay, Security & Maintenance, Settings, Audio, File Explorer
    • Still on that screen, scroll down and click on Additional Settings (at the end of the list)
           turn off all three (Show Windows Welcome, Suggest ways, Get Tips)
  • ● Focus
    • Uncheck all and turn off if it's running
  • ● For Developers (OPTIONAL)
    • Turn on End Task
  • ● About > Advanced System Settings > Performance Settings
    • Performance Settings > Uncheck boxes for Animate, Fade and Slide > OK
    • Start Up & Recovery, Uncheck Automatically Restart > OK
    • Click on the tab for System Protection: Configure > Turn On System Protection
    • Change Max Usage to about 20GB > Apply

 

F) Settings > Bluetooth & Devices
  • ● Touchpad
    • Tap on the down arrow at the top for Touchpad (next to the On button)
    • UNcheck "Leave touchpad on when...." if they don’t want to use it and will use a mouse instead.

 

G) Settings > Personalization
  • ● Background
    • Change background image
  • ● Colors
    • Turn off Transparency
    • Turn on Show Accent Colors on Title Bars and Windows
           Note: Turning on Accent Color for Start and Taskbar can only be use on Dark theme
  • ● Lock Screen
    • Personalize your Lock screen: Change Background from Windows Spotlight to Picture
    • Uncheck "Get Facts, tips...."
    • Choose a different picture
    • Lock screen Status...change to None
  • ● Start
    • Choose More Pins for the layout
    • Turn off "Show Recommendations", "Show websites from..." and "Show Account-Related Notifications"
    • Turn off "Show Account Related Notifications Occasionally"
  • ● Taskbar
    • Click on the down arrow for Search Box > Choose Search Icon And Label
    • Turn off Widgets, CoPilot, Chat, and TaskView (if you just want to use Alt=Tab)
    • Other System Tray Icons:
      • Turn on
        • Windows Security Notification
        • Windows Update Status
        • Safely Remove Hardware
      • Turn off all others (unless OneDrive is used)
      • Taskbar Behaviors: Change to Alignment Left (if desired)

 

H) Settings > Apps
  • ● Startup > Turn off apps not wanted at startup

 

I) Settings > Accessibility
  • ● Text Size: Increase if needed
  • ● Visual Effects
    • Turn on Always Show Scrollbar
    • Turn off Transparency
    • Turn off Animation Effects
    • Run Regedit:
      • 1) Wider Scroll Bars:
           HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics
           Change the value for ScrollWidth from -255 to about -275 for a comfortable width of scrollbar
      • 2) NumLock on by default:
           HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard
           Change the value for InitialKeyboaradIndicators to 2
           Shut down the computer (not restart) then turn on to see the changes.
  • ● Mouse Pointer & Touch
    • Change size & color if desired

 

J) Settings > Privacy & Security
  • ● Windows security >
    • Click on Account Protection
    • Dismiss for MS Account
    • Click on Dismiss for One Drive (if it's there)
    • Close Windows Security window
  • ● Device Encryption...turn off Device Encryption
    • To ensure it's off, right click on This PC > Show More Options > Manage > Disk Management
           If encrypted, you'll see it listed on the C: drive.
  • ● General > Turn off all the “Let apps....” stuff
  • ● Search Permissions
    • in the More Settings section, turn OFF Show search highlights

 

K) Settings > Windows Updates
  • ● Check to see if there is currently a Restart requirement
  • ● Click on Advanced Options
    • turn on Notify Me When A Restart Is Required

 

L) Control Panel & Windows Tools Pinned
  • ● Click on Search, then type Control Panel
    • Right click on the 'Control Panel' (on the left side) in the results and choose Pin To Start
  • ● Click on Search, then type Windows Tools
    • Right click on words 'Windows Tools' (on the left side) in the results and choose Pin To Start

 

M) Screen Saver
  • ● In the search bar, type Screen Saver then choose "Change Screen Saver"
    • Change to Mystify > 5 minutes

 

N) File Explorer
  • ● Open File Explorer
    • In Downloads, Click on View > Details
    • Click on Sort > Group by > None
    • Repeat for Documents, Pictures and Music folders
    • Click on View > Show > Hidden Items
    • Click on View > Show > UNCHECK "Item check boxes
    • Go to Folder Options (3 dots at the end) > Options:
      • Uncheck bottom 3 boxes for “Show recently...", "Show Frequently..., and "Show Files Office”
      • Choose Single Click (if desired)
      • On View tab, click on 'Apply To Folders'
  • ● Remove the Gallery from the top of the File Explorer (right below the Home link in File Explorer)
    • Open regedit and navigate your way to:
      Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}
      Delete that key
      or it might still be at:
      Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace_41040327\
      Delete the sub key of {e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}

 

O) Desktop
  • ● Right click on desktop, View > Show More Option > View > Remove check for Align Icons To Grid

 

P) Power Settings
  • ● Control Panel > Hardware > Power Options
    • Choose what the power button does (left side)
           Set all to Do Nothing > Save
    • Choose what closing the lid does:
           All should be set to Do Nothing > Save
    • Click on Change Plan Settings > Change Advanced Power Settings
      • In the section for Sleep, ensure Hibernate is set to Never and all other settings are set properly
      • Change when computer sleeps: Set Sleep to Never on both \ Save

 

Q) Bypass User LogOn (Sign In button....even if not password):
  • Open regedit and navigate your way to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\PasswordLess\Device
  • Set the value to 0
    • *** If necessary, create the DWORD key and name it: DevicePasswordLessBuildVersion and set the value to 0
    • Now go to Run > netplwiz > remove check in box for Users must enter a username and password
    • Click on OK, then OK again with your password boxes left blank.

  • If that doesn't work, then use this Option #2:
    • Open regedit and navigate your way to:
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft
    • On the left side right click on Windows > New > Key. Name it Power
    • Right click on Power and create New Key named PowerSettings
    • Right click on PowerSettings and create New Key and name it 0e796bdb-100d-47d6-a2d5-f7d2daa51f51
    • On the right side, right click and choose New DWORD called DCSettingIndex. Set the value to 0
    • Create another DWORD and name it ACSettingIndex. Set the value to 0

 

R) Get Ninite.com apps
  • º Chrome
  • º Libre (if they don’t have Office)
  • º Malwarebytes
  • º CCleaner
  • º Java (last in the list)
  • º IrfanView
  • º TeamViewer (separate Ninite download)
    • Click on Get Your Ninite(s)
    • Place shortcuts on desktop
    • Run both Ninite files

 

S) Chrome & IrfanView Default Apps
  • º Settings > Apps > Default Apps
  • º In box for SET DEFAULTS FOR APPLICATION box (2nd one), type Irfanview
  • º Click on Irfanview
  • º Scroll through the list and make default for the following
    .ani .bmp .gif .jpeg .jpg .png .tif .tiff
  • º In box for SET DEFAULTS FOR APPLICATION box (2nd one), type Chrome
  • º Click on Google Chrome
  • º Change anything that says Microsoft Edge to use Chrome (except PDF files)

 

T) OpenShell Toolbar / Explorer Ribbon
  • º Download and install OpenShell Explorer with this link:
  • º Open a File Explorer
  • º Right click on the new toolbar and Unlock.
  • º Slide the toolbar to the far left, then right click and choose Lock Toolbar
  • º Click on the Settings icon (clam shell icon)
    • Put check in box for Show All Settings
    • Tab: Toolbar Buttons > Add and remove to show:
      New Folder, Up, Cut, Copy, Paste, Delete, Undo, Redo, Settings
    • Click OK when done.
  • Right click on the new Toolbar and ensure Lock The Toolbars is checked

 

U) Check for Updates

 

V) Chrome
  • ● Log into Chrome Account & Sync (or setup Chrome manually w/o syncing)
  • ● Go to Chrome Settings > Settings
    • Appearance
    • Enable Home Button
    • Enable Show Bookmarks Bar
    • On Startup: set specific page of www.google.com or other pages desired
    • Pin Chrome to taskbar & set to open maximum size

 

W) Adobe Reader
  • Get Adobe https://get.adobe.com/reader/ (Or install from the shortcut on the desktop)
  • UNCHECK the box for More Add-On's...THEN download the file &install
  • Remove icon from desktop after installation

 

X) Libre Shortcuts
  • ● Create shortcuts for Libre Writer (swriter.exe) & Libre Calc (scalc.exe) to the desktop

 

Y) Open Ccleaner
  • ● Options
    • Settings: Set to Custom Clean
    • Cookies: Find LastPass and add to "Cookies To Keep"
    • Smart Cleaning: Uncheck 2nd box, then first box
    • Advanced: Uncheck box for Show Prompt To Backup Registry Issues
    • Privacy: Uncheck all
  • ● Tools
    • Uninstall: OneDrive and any antivirus programs, or other unwanted ones
    • Startup & Schedule Tasks list: Disable any unnecessary items listed
    • Registry > Run and clean up
  • ● Run Cleaner to clean up

 

Z) Routine Document
  • Go to carneycreations.net/temp/routine.pdf
  • Download and save in the Documents folder
  • Right click on the Routine.pdf file, choose Open With > Choose Another App > Always Use, click on Adobe, then OK
  • Create a shortcut to the desktop

 

AA) Open Malwarebytes
  • ● Click on Profile icon
    • My Subscriptions > Deactivate Trial
  • ● General
    • Uncheck Launch at Start Up
    • Turn off Usage & Threat Statistics
  • ● Scan & Detections: Turn on Scan for Root kits
  • ● Notifications...Turn off:
    • General Notifications
    • Scan Reminders
    • Marketing Notifications
  • ● Run Malwarebytes

 

BB) Activation Check
Check to ensure Windows is Activated: Settings > System > Activation
If it doesn't say "Windows is activated with a digital license" then enter the product key code from ProductKey you did previously, or from the label on the computer

 

CC) Check for more updates

 

DD) Organize Start Menu
  • Organize with Documents, Downloads, Pictures along the top row
  • Unpin unwanted icon and Remove unwanted items in the Recommended list
  • Drag into groups if desired
  • Pin other desired items to taskbar or to the Start Menu

 

EE) Search manufacturer web site for critical updates not found by Microsoft.
Go to the official web site and input serial number.
Go into BIOS to find the serial number if it's not printed on the back of the computer

 

FF) Turn on File History if desired
See This Link

 

~ SETUP COMPLETE ~

 


Additional for Tracy:

A) Change Name of Computer
  • Open a File Explorer
  • Right click on This PC / Properties / Click on Rename This PC
  • For Computer Description, type in Desktop (or Laptop, Personal Laptop... or whatever you want)
  • Click on the button for Change
  • Rename the computer to Worktop (Desktop or Laptop...or whatever name you want)
  • Click on OK, OK, Close, Restart Now

 

B) Turn on Network sharing to see both computers Documents
Do this for BOTH computers first:
  • Settings > Networking & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Advanced Sharing Settings
  • Private Networks: Both on and check in box
  • All Networks: Password Protected Sharing - Off
    After both computers are set:
  • On left side of explorer, right click on Network > Map Network Drive
  • Choose Q for Receipts, R for Downloads
  • Paste in the address
    \\LAPTOP\Users\Mark\Downloads
    and \\LAPTOP\Users\Mark\Documents\Receipts

 

C) Hide Camera Roll and Saved Pictures folders
  • Create new folders in the Users\Tracy\AppData\Local folder and call them Camera Roll and Saved Pictures
  • Right click on the original Camera Roll folder and change location to new folder Users\...\Camera Roll
  • Repeat for Saved Pictures folder

 

D) Clipboard Turn On
  • Settings > System > Clipboard
  • Turn it on

 

E) Adjust MouseOver
  • Control Panel > Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center
         (Settings does not work...you MUST use Control Panel)
  • Click on "Make The Mouse Easier to Use"
  • Put check in the box for "Activate a window by hovering over it..."
  • Adjust Speed Here

 

F) Hide 3D Objects folder
  • Go to the registry and delete the following 2 keys (the WOW folder may or may not be listed)
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}

 

G) Check to ensure F keys are default for single press button
  • In BIOS, go to under Keyboard or Post Behavior
    If it's not there, Go into Windows as usual. Then press the FN + ESC key to switch between the format (if it has a padlock icon on the ESC key)

 

H) Copy FONTS folder from flash drive to new computer. Install all fonts but do NOT overwrite any of them

 

I) Install printers and all other software desired

 

I) Adjust SharePoint Designer to Edith With on right click of html files "Edit With" using specific program

 

J) Remove the "Shortcut To" on icons 'Shortcut To' words removed


UPGRADING FROM WINDOWS 10 TO WINDOWS 11

  • ● Option #1 - From Windows Updates:
    • Plug in computer (don’t use battery)
    • Settings > Windows Updates
    • If Windows 11 is offered, click on Download & Install
    • When asked, click on Accept – then Install
    • Downloading time varies, but it goes right to installing automatically
    • When Restart button appears, click on it
    • If necessary click on Restart Now
    • Computer restart several times before coming up with Desktop background picture, which will probably be a big blue ribbon
    • Continue with #3 directions above A) instructions to clean it all up

  • ● Option #2 - From USB Windows Installation
    • Boot from the USB drive
    • When given the option to Upgrade or Clean Installation, choose the top option of Upgrade
    • When installing, it will give you the option for upgrading your current computer WITHOUT losing any of your files or programs
    • Continue with #3 directions above A) instructions

 

Prep The Hard Drive &
Download Windows from Microsoft

  • ● PREP OLD COMPUTER
    • Copy all files from OneDrive also. Some may be backed up, others may NOT be.
           Make SURE to check root C: drive for extra folders.
    • Do a ProductKey to get the key code AND get the key code from the bottom of the computer (if available)
      • MANDATORY: You MUST write down the Windows product key and any other product key codes you want.
      • Use ProductKey Finder to get it. (The link is about 3/4 down the page. Use the link for 'Download ProduKey (In Zip file)'. That link is to download the free standalone program will help you out...without any installation.
    • Home or Pro: Determine if you have Windows Home or Pro
    • Insert Win11 Installation USB drive
    • BIOS:Restart computer and press F2 to get to the Bios. (Other F keys may be F1, F10 or F12)
      • Change the Boot sequence to USB first
        Note: If you do not have USB as a bootable option, you will have to run the MediaCreationTool again and choose the DVD option instead of the USB.
        And then set the BIOS to DVD drive first
        Optional: Press and hold the ESC key. Turn on the computer until you see the boot options

  • ● UNPLUG ETHERNET so there is no internet
    • Insert the Windows Install USB drive (or DVD disc) and Restart the computer
    • Click on Install Now, then Install Now again
    • In the dialog box for Activate Windows, press “I don’t have a product key” even if you just changed your hard drive
    • Choose Windows Home (or version you are installing again)
    • Click on NEXT, Click on I accept, then NEXT
    • Click Custom Install
    • No Drive Listed?
      If, for some reason, you don't see any drives listed, you need to do one of the following:
      • In BIOS settings, under the Storage option, for ‘SATA/NVMe Opertation’ switch the SATA Mode to AHCI and not RAID.
      • Turn off Secure Boot if necessary
      •    OR
      • Using a different computer, open this page and click on the following link to download a driver locator zip file
        https://dlcdnets.asus.com/pub/ASUS/GamingNB/FX507ZE/RST_V19.1.0.1001_PV.zip
      • Or you can go to the Dell web site, search for drivers for your model, then search drivers for the name "Raid". Download it
      • Unzip to your Downloads/folder and leave the folder name the same (RST_V19.1.0.1001_PV.zip or whatever the name is).
      • Copy that entire folder onto the Win11 installation flash drive
      • Insert flash drive into laptop and restart the installation
      • If necessary, choose Load Drivers, and browse to the usb drive and choose the folder...then choose the top option.
        This will show the drives available again

  • ● Format The Drive
    • Delete all partitions starting with the smallest one, deleting the Primary partition last
    • Click on New, Apply, OK
    • On the primary drive, click on Format > OK
    • After formatted, click NEXT
    • Installation begins and takes approximately 10-15 minutes (5 min for an SSD)
    • CONTINUE WITH SETUP #1 AS USUAL

 

Note 1: May need to do this twice. For certain computers, you may have to do this twice before the installation will work.
Note 2: GPT If you get a messages that states: "The partitions on the disk selected for installation are not in the recommended order. For additional information about installing to GPT disks....", choose No. Just delete all partitions EXCEPT the largest one (your largest primary partition), then click on the large primary drive and Format and continue as noted below by clicking on Next.
Note: 2a GPT Toshiba: Some Toshiba hard drives may need additional adjusting due to "The selected disk is of the GPT partition style"
Here's how to fix that:
Assuming you've deleted extra partitions, now press Shift/F10 to open a command prompt.
Type: diskpart <enter>
Type: list disk <enter>
Type: select disk 0 <enter> (assuming you only have that one left)
Type: clean <enter> (it could from 1 minute to 1 hour)
Type: quit <enter>, then quit <enter> (again)
Now click on the drive partition and Format
Continue with install below

Note 3: Multiple Partitions If you want to use 2 partitions (one for the OS & Programs, and one for your files), you can adjust the size of the C:\ drive for installation to a smaller size by the amount you want the extra partition to be. Then after you create the extra, make sure you install windows on the main large partition. You can use a partitioning program like EaseUS , a free version program, to partition the drive AFTER windows is installed



GET THE TOOL


1) Go to Microsoft's Windows 11 MediaCreationTool 11 and click on the link for Download Tool Now.
Save the file to your computer. (Downloads folder is a nice place). You will need a blank 8GB USB flash drive.
Format the USB first. Just erasing the drive will NOT work.

2) Open the folder where your file was saved and run the file you just downloaded called MediaCreationTool
When it starts, you’ll see Getting things ready, then you have to click on Accept, then you’ll see getting things Ready again.
You will see 2 options there. One is to upgrade the current PC and the other for creating for another PC. You want the 2nd option for “Create installation media for another PC”.
º A) USB:
Choose the USB option, then continue with the creating the media tool on your flash drive.
When the creation tool is finished, you’ll Finish & Dismount... (or just click on Finish)
Use the 'safely remove device' to remove the flash drive.
You MAY get a notice that you’ll need your Windows 10 Product Key. This can be either a valid Win10 key (that came with the computer) or the previous valid Win7 key (that came with the computer or your retail Windows version).
You can remove the USB drive. This USB is what you will use to upgrade, or clean install with a format, any future computer, be it Windows Professional or Home, 32Bit or 64Bit.
OR
º B) Burn To DVD Disc option:
If you need to create the installation files on a disc, follow these directions. You still need to have the MediaCreationTool, so download it if you haven't already. Then run the tool.
In this scenario, instead of choosing the USB option, you'll choose the ISO option and follow the directions. This will download the ISO to your computer.
Once the ISO download is complete, open a File Explorer and go to the folder where you save the ISO. Highlight the ISO file. On the menu bar, click on Share, then click on Burn to Disc. Burn the ISO to disc as you normally burn discs.

3) Now label the flash drive (or DVD) WIN_Install, and keep it safe.

Continue above with preparing the hard drive THIS LINK

Local Account Setup: 2 Other Options

Option #1
  • When you get to the Microsoft Account screen, hit Shift + F10 to open a command prompt
  • The command line will start with C:\Windows\System32>
  • Type this command: netsh wlan disconnect <Enter>
  • Type exit and hit <Enter>
  • Hit the back arrow at the top left of the screen. You should now be prompted with a basic local user account creation screen.
  • When you get into Windows, you may have to reconnect manually.
  • Continue above with #3 THIS LINK
Option #2:
  • Well, it worked for me
  • Put in the clients email address and use an INCORRECT password. Do this a few times and it'll tell you "Oops...."
  • Then something like 'Let's setup a local account'
  • You can then enter a username, password, and your 3 security questions and answers
  • Upon getting to the Desktop screen, go to:
         Control Panel > User Accounts > User Accounts > Manage Another Account...then delete the MS account.
  • Continue above with #3 THIS LINK



S-Mode Removal Problems

Option #1: Using a Microsoft Account
    • Step 1: Disable Secure Boot in the BIOS
      Step 2: Disable driver signature enforcement:
      • Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now
      • On the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings (you may need to click 'See more recovery options') > Restart
      • Select "Disable driver signature enforcement"
      • Restart the system
      Step 3: Change registry settings
      • Open Regedit
      • Navigate to HKEY_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\CI\Policy
      • On the right pane, change the value for SkuPolicyRequired to the value to 0
      • If WindowsLockdownTrialMode exists change the value to 0
      Step 4: Restart the system
      Return to setup step #4 to get out of S-Mode

If that didn't work, use the next procedure below.

 

Option #2: NOT using Microsoft Account at all
      • Settings > System > Recovery > Recovery Options > Advanced Startup
      • This will restart the computer in the blue screen of Recovery Advanced Startup Option
      • Troubleshoot > Advanced > Command Prompt
      • type: regedit
      • Click on HKEY_Local_Machine
      • Click on File > Load Hive
      • Navigate to C:\Windows\system32\config
      • click on the file called system to open it
      • Give it the name of: OfflineSystem, click on OK
      • It will create and open a new registry entry
      • Go into that key to ContolSet001 (or it might just be ControlSet) > Control > CI > Policy
      • Change the key of SKUPolicyRequired to be set to 0
      • Click on and highlight the OfflineSystem key on the left
      • Click on File > Unload Hive > Yes
      • Close regedit > Yes
      • Close Command Prompt window
      • Restart the PC and check is S-Mode is turned off: Settings > System > About
      • If it's off, Continue with Setup as usual

 

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