Not enough disk space to even update Windows 10

[Andy1011]

@cherylg thanks for your advise, I would like to try the clean install of windows 10 fo my hp stream, I do not have much coputer programming experince, I wanted to know

1. if I have already installed windows 10 but the computer memory is 100% full so it is unable even to update, do I have to wipe computer clean before doing the reinstallation? if yes how do I do this

2. Do I need any microsoft key to reactivate my windows after installation? if yes where can i find this

3. if possible to supply a more detailed instruction as of how to do this process

thanks for all your help 

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

@Andy1011

Your Windows 10 license key is embedded in BIOS and you can reinstall Windows 10 with the latest update included with ample space left over. You must use another machine with free space to make this installer.

Microsoft provides the free Media Creation Tool to download files and create a Windows 10 usb flash drive. At least 8gb flash drive required:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Select Download tool now, and select Run.
If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.
On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.
Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit ) for Windows 10
The Guide here will make it less intimidating.Pay attention to Step 5 since you will be using another pc:
https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2376-create-bootable-usb-flash-drive-install-windows-10-a.html
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When your usb flash is prepared insert it in usb port of the Stream.Power on the laptop and immediately start tapping Esc key. From the menu tap F9 key to boot from the flash drive- use the arrow keys to move to and select/highlight usb. Tap Enter key.
After starting the Install and you go through a couple of screens - choose Custom (not upgrade) and delete each partition (if you have more than 1) Select/highlight each and click the Delete icon. Click Next to continue with installation.It should pickup the key from BIOS but if it asks at any point just choose "I don't have a key". It will continue and should activate once you are online.

This will not include the original software from HP but most of it can be installed from your Support page.

[Andy1011]

Do I have to wipe the computer first?

[ieee488]

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@Andy1011 wrote:

Do I have to wipe the computer first?

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https://www.howtogeek.com/224342/how-to-clean-install-windows-10/

[CherylG]

@Andy1011

When you follow the steps to delete each partition that erases files- Windows will then format the drive and clean install. It is all accomplished with booting from the usb and following the steps.