How to "set up as new" in Windows 8.1 installation?

I am re-installing windows 8.1 on my laptop. I had logged in using my Microsoft account in the previous installation. After re-installing the OS, while setting up the user, I logged in using the same Microsoft account and I selected option to set up as new. But it still used my previous settings in the new installation (wallpaper, windows explorer settings, taskbar position etc). How do I set it up as completely new? (none of the previous settings should be imported)

Yogesh Yadav

Posted 2015-05-13T06:52:22.080

Reputation: 135

If you want to do that, then you can't use the same Microsoft Account, what is happening is your settings are being sync this is normal behavior. – Ramhound – 2015-05-13T10:51:56.867

Yes, I know that is default behaviour but in my case I specifically chose the option to set up the PC as new. – Yogesh Yadav – 2015-05-13T15:25:51.453

Answers

This is a 2-step process. First, turn off syncing (on all your devices if you have more than one using the same account):

1) Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, click Settings and then Change PC settings

2.a) Windows 8: Click Sync your settings and turn off Sync settings on this PC:

2.b) Windows 8.1: Click OneDrive, then Sync settings and finally turn off Sync your settings on this PC:

Finally go to this page to delete your synced settings from the cloud. If you create a new user with that Microsoft Account now then it should start afresh and not import any previous settings.

Karan

Posted 2015-05-13T06:52:22.080

Reputation: 51 857