Reimaging Local Unit Computers

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Important notice regarding Windows 10

Starting October 14, 2025, Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 and no longer provides any support or security updates for this platform.  Windows 10 and any previous OS version have been officially deprecated in the church environment.  As there are no security updates available, this platform is being actively exploited and poses a security risk.  Meetinghouse and stake systems should be updated to Windows 11 as soon as possible.

In some instances, ward and stake systems will not support Windows 11.  These systems should be removed from service or replaced using the processes defined for your area.  You can also check to see if a system is suited to run Windows 11 by running the Microsoft PC Health Check App.  The application and usage information is found at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-use-the-pc-health-check-app-9c8abd9b-03ba-4e67-81ef-36f37caa7844

Instructions on how to install a fresh install of Windows 11 are found at the bottom of this document.

Reimaging a system running Windows 11

If the system is already running Windows 11 and the system needs to be reset, the easiest, and fastest way to accomplish this is to use the “Reset my PC” feature found in Windows 11:

1.     Before resetting the PC, back up any important files.  As they will be deleted through the reset.  Should you need help with this task or any step in these instructions please contact GSD for assistance.

2.     In the Settings app on your Windows device, select System > Recovery.

3.     Select Reset PC. A new window will open.

4.     Select Remove Everything.

5.     Select Local Reinstall.

6.     Review the settings.  They should be:

• Remove Apps and Files.  Do not clean the drive.
• Reinstall Windows from this device

7.     Click the Next button.

8.     The app will present one final review of the settings.

9.     Click Reset.

The reset process will typically take 20-30 minutes or less depending on the system.

Once Windows is restored, please follow the provisioning process found at: Setting Up a New Clerk Computer

Install or reinstall Windows 11 from a thumb drive.

Requirements:

• An internet connection
• A blank 8GB or larger USB thumb driv

1. Before beginning, back up any important files.  Should you need help with this task or any step in these instructions please contact GSD for assistance.

2. Follow the “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” instructions found at: Download Windows 11 to create installation media.

3.     After the media has been created.  Boot the computer to be reset from the thumb drive.

4.     Complete language and keyboard settings for your region.

5.     You will now be prompted for setup options.  Select “Install Windows 11” and check the box indicating that you understand everything will be deleted as part of the installation.

6.     Accept the license agreement when prompted.

7.     You will be prompted for a partition to install the operating system on.

Note:

If no system partitions are listed, it will be because of a setting within the system BIOS that needs to be changed.  In this case, you will need to remove the thumb drive, turn the system off by holding the power button for 15-30 seconds.  Reboot the system and when the vendor logo is displayed, use the appropriate keys to boot into the system BIOS:

• Dell computers, use F2 to access the BIOS Setup or F12 to access the boot menu to then access the BIOS.
• Lenovo computers, use F1 or F2 to access the BIOS Setup or F12 to access the boot menu to then access the BIOS.

Once in the system BIOS, select storage and change the setting from RAID to AHCI. Save the settings and reboot. Repeat steps 3-7 of this guide.

Should you need assistance with any of these steps please contact the GSD.

8.     Follow the rest of the instructions to complete installation of Windows 11.

When setup is complete, follow the instructions found under Setting Up a New Clerk Computer) to provision and set up the system for use your ward or stake environment.