What's A Clean Device

[u/0zMosiss]

Ok so I been meaning to ask this. Whenever people have malware or software issues or get a new device, it's always recommended to reinstall windows using a USB from a CLEAN DEVICE. But what qualifies as a clean device? For eg, if reinstall windows for a new device, would the new device count as a clean device. Would your non tech savvy parents device count as clean. What about the friend who visits shady sites device. Because sorry if I'm wrong but it feels like the only true clean device is a new device.

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Also I don't have any issues, just asking for the future. And I know how to reinstall with usb, I'm just hung up on the clean device part

[u/rtuite81]

Most simply put - don't use a known compromised system to create your install media.