Windows 11 Reinstallation Guide for Alienware m18 R2

This guide will walk you through the process of reinstalling Windows 11 on your Alienware m18 R2 laptop.

Prerequisites

Windows 11 installation media (USB drive with at least 8GB storage)
Internet connection for drivers and updates
External backup storage for your important files
Your Windows product key (if not digitally linked to your Microsoft account)
At least 1-2 hours of time

Preparation Steps

Backup Your Data
- Save all important files to an external drive or cloud storage
- Export browser bookmarks
- Note down any software license keys you’ll need
- Take screenshots of your system configurations if needed
Download Dell Support Assist
- You’ll reinstall this after Windows setup to get all Alienware-specific drivers
Create Windows 11 Installation Media
- Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website
- Follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive

Installation Process

Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup
- Restart your Alienware m18 R2
- Press F2 repeatedly during startup
- Navigate to the Boot tab and set USB drive as first boot device
- Save and exit
Begin Windows Installation
- Boot from your USB drive
- Select “Install Now”
- Enter your product key if prompted (Skip if Windows is digitally linked)
- Select “Custom: Install Windows only”
- Delete all existing partitions if you want a clean installation
- Select the unallocated space and click “Next”
Wait for Files to Copy
- Windows will restart several times during this process
Complete Initial Setup
- Choose region and keyboard layout
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Sign in with your Microsoft account
- Configure privacy settings as preferred
- Wait for Windows to finish setting up

Post-Installation Steps

Install Dell Support Assist
- Download from Dell’s website
- Use it to install all necessary drivers
Install Alienware Command Center
- Essential for controlling Alienware-specific features
- Manage thermal profiles, RGB lighting, and system monitoring
Update Windows
- Go to Settings > Windows Update
- Install all available updates
Reinstall Your Applications
- Prioritize antivirus software
- Install your frequently used applications
Restore Your Backed Up Data
- Copy your files back from your external backup

Troubleshooting Tips

If Windows doesn’t detect your SSD/storage, you may need to load storage drivers during installation
For activation issues, use the troubleshooter in Settings > Update & Security > Activation
If Alienware-specific functions aren’t working, ensure Command Center is properly installed

Additional Resources

Dell Support: support.dell.com
Alienware Support: alienware.com/support
Microsoft Support: support.microsoft.com

Remember that a clean Windows installation will remove all data from your system drive. Make sure you have thoroughly backed up all important files before proceeding.

Repair and Restore your Computer Using SupportAssist OS Recovery

Summary: SupportAssist OS Recovery environment consists of tools to repair or reset the operating system, backup files, and diagnose hardware issues. Detailed Article Instructions When your computer is unable to boot to the operating system even after repeated attempts, SupportAssist OS Recovery automatically starts. This recovery environment enables you to diagnose hardware issues, repair your computer, back up your files, or restore your computer to factory defaults.

SupportAssist OS Recovery is available only on certain Dell system models that run a Dell factory-installed Microsoft Windows 10 or Microsoft Windows 11 operating system. For the list of system models where SupportAssist OS Recovery is available, see the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery Support Matrix on the SupportAssist OS Recovery documentation page.

If your computer does not support SupportAssist OS Recovery, you can download the operating system recovery image. Learn How to Download and Use the Dell Operating System Recovery Image in Microsoft Windows.

NOTE: SupportAssist OS Recovery does not support Dell computers with Qualcomm processors, and should first attempt to reinstall Windows using Push-Button Reset. For more information, see KB article How to use Windows Push-Button Reset to reinstall Windows on a Dell Computer.
CAUTION: Manually formatting the hard drive of your computer deletes the SupportAssist OS Recovery environment.

Perform an Operating System Restore (With Data Backup).

Watch this video to learn how to backup the data and restore the operating system on your Dell computer using SupportAssist OS Recovery.

Duration: 01:30 When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player.

SupportAssist OS Recovery provides you with different options to recover your computer depending on the scenario you are facing.

Important: If the recovery image on the hard drive is corrupted or deleted, the computer cannot boot to the recovery environment. Newer Dell computers support BIOSConnect, a feature that allows you to restore the recovery image on the hard drive. Learn more about Using BIOSConnect to recover SupportAssist OS Recovery Partition.

SupportAssist OS Recovery Cloud Restore (Recommended): This option downloads and installs the latest version of the operating system on your Dell computer. Requirements:

An active Internet connection
A USB drive with 16 GB capacity
SupportAssist OS Recovery Local Restore: This option restores the computer from the recovery image that is stored in the computer’s hard drive.
Dell BIOSConnect: Dell BIOSConnect helps you restore the recovery image on the hard drive if the recovery partition is corrupted or deleted. Learn more about Using BIOSConnect to recover SupportAssist OS Recovery Partition.
Dell Technologies recommends the following fixes outlined to help determine or fix the issue.

Fix 1: Run the hardware diagnostics on your computer. With the computer turned off, turn the computer on, imminently press the F12 once a second to access the One Time Boot Menu (Figure 1). NOTE: If you wait too long, the operating system loads. Restart the computer and try again. SupportAssist OS Recovery Main Page Figure 1: SupportAssist OS Recovery Main Page. Image available in English only. Click or touch SupportAssist OS Recovery. A screen appears asking you to approve access to your system information, click APPROVE. Click or touch Scan in the Scan Hardware tile. Click or touch Start Scan. NOTE: The scan takes 10-15 minutes. When completed the results are shown: When no hardware issue is detected, the Everything looks good status is displayed. Click DONE. When no issues are found it most likely means you are having a software-related issue, browse to the Back up files section. When a hardware issue is detected, a page with the details of the detected issue is displayed. Make note of any failed test including the error, validation code, and the Service Tag. Browse to the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check page to access the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check page and follow the instructions to submit a trouble ticket, if the computer cannot boot, you can also scan the QR code to request support on your mobile device.

Fix 2: Back up the files on your computer. Before a repair or reinstall of the OS occurs your data (such as your documents, music, images and so forth) must be backed up to ensure its integrity. This does not back up any system settings or programs installed.

Click or touch Start in the Back up Files/ Disk Cloning tile (Figure 2). Main menu in SupportAssist OS Recovery Figure 2: Main menu in SupportAssist OS Recovery. Image available in English only. When Bitlocker (Device Encryption) is enabled, you are asked to provide the BitLocker key. Follow the prompts to provide it. The quickest and easiest process to use the Backup files option.

Click or touch the radio button next to Back Up Files, and then click or touch Next (Figure 3). Back Up Files Options Page Figure 3: Back Up Files Options Page. Image available in English only. Click or touch Start Backup. You are given a list of folders that will be backed up. NOTE: You can choose not to back up a folder by clearing the checkbox next to the folder (Figure 4). Files to Back up Option List Figure 4: Files to Back up Option List. Image available in English only. Make note of the Total backup size: listed. You must use or buy a USB flash or external drive that has more space available than the total listed. NOTE: Flash or external drives can be purchased from the Dell Technologies website, or any major retailor. Insert the USB flash or external drive cable into the corresponding port on the computer, and then click or touch NEXT. Select the USB flash or external drive from the list that you want to use as your backup device, and click or touch NEXT. When the backup process completes, click or touch DONE (Figure 5). Back Up Successful Page Figure 5: Back Up Successful Page. Image available in English only. Fix 3: Repair the Windows OS. CAUTION: Ensure to back up your files and other personal data before you proceed with the steps Repairing your computer. Browse to the Back up files section. The Repair option enables you to diagnose and troubleshoot common issues that may occur before your computer boots to the operating system. It checks and fixes the partition table, boot files, and the health of the Windows operating system.

Click or touch Repair on the Repair software tile (Figure 6). NOTE: If software encryption is enabled on your computer, you are prompted to unlock your computer before you start the repair process. You need the Microsoft account login email or phone number and account password. OS Repair Page Figure 6: OS Repair Page. Image available in English only. Click or touch START REPAIR. The repair process starts, and the progress of the repair is displayed. When the issue is fixed successfully, the Everything looks good status is displayed. Click DONE (Figure 7). Repair successful Page Figure 7: Repair successful Page. Image available in English only. When the issue cannot be fixed or if the repair is unsuccessful, an error message is displayed. Goto the Reset your computer section.

Fix 4: Reset your computer.

CAUTION: Ensure to back up your files and other personal data before you proceed with the steps Repairing your computer. Browse to the Back up files section.

From the SupportAssist OS Recovery page, click or touch Start Reset.

NOTE: Before proceeding, you might be prompted to connect to your wireless network. If prompted, click Set up network and follow the instructions to connect. Depending upon which computer you have and the state of the OS, the following options may be available:

Reset to factory settings — Install the operating system and software to the state it was in when your computer was shipped from the Dell factory. For instructions see the Reset to factory settings section.

NOTE: If your computer is irreparable or SupportAssist OS Recovery is unable to detect the factory installed operating system on your computer, only the Reset and update option is displayed.

NOTE: Resetting your computer using the Reset to factory settings option permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and uninstalls any programs or drivers that you installed, and will require you to enter product or license keys for software such as Microsoft Office 365 and other licensed software.

Reset and update — Downloads and install the latest operating system on your computer along with the critical drivers and applications. For instructions see the Reset and update section.

NOTE: Resetting your computer using the Reset and update option permanently deletes all data on the hard drive and uninstalls any programs or drivers that you installed, and will require you to enter product or license keys for software such as Microsoft Office 365 and other licensed software.

Reset to factory settings

Click or touch Reset to factory settings, and then click NEXT (Figure 8). Reset options in SupportAssist OS Recovery Figure 9: Reset options in SupportAssist OS Recovery. Image available in English only. The option to back up your files is displayed: If you want to back up your files, select Yes, back up my files, and then click NEXT, and perform the following steps: Look in the upper right corner of the file list box to see what the total backup size is. You must use or buy a USB flash or external drive that is bigger than the total listed. NOTE: USB Flash or external drives can be purchased from the Dell Technologies website, or any major retailor. Touch or click NEXT to accept backing up the recommended files, or clear any checkbox next to a folder you do not want to back up. Select which USB flash or external drive you want your files backup to, and then click NEXT. Once the backup has been completed, click CONTINUE. On the Confirm your reset page, select the I understand that the reset will delete all of my system data and personal files check box, and then click NEXT. The factory reset process begins and may take several minutes to complete. NOTE: Optionally, from the Select reason list, select a reason for resetting your computer. After the process is complete, click RESTART to restart your computer. The Transferring your system data and setting process begins. Once finished, the computer restarts. NOTE: Connect to your wireless network before signing in. Click the Internet icon in the bottom right. You must select a PIN and may be asked for other settings. NOTE: You must also reinstall all the applications (including third-party applications) that were not originally installed on your computer. If you have already created a backup of your files or you do not want to back up your files, select No, do not back up my files, and then click NEXT, and perform the following steps: On the Confirm your reset page, select the I understand that the reset will delete all of my system data and personal files check box (Figure 10), a confirmation page appears, select YES, CONTINUE. NOTE: Optionally, from the Select reason list, select a reason for resetting your computer. Confirm Your Reset Page Figure 10: Confirm Your Reset Page. Image available in English only. Click NEXT The factory reset process begins and may take 45 or more minutes to complete. After the process is complete, click RESTART to restart your computer. Recovery process guide screen in SupportAssist OS Recovery Figure 11: Recovery process guide screen in SupportAssist OS Recovery. Image available in English only. The Transferring your system data and setting process begins. Once finished, the computer restarts. NOTE: Connect to your wireless network before signing in. Click the Internet icon in the bottom right. You must select a PIN and may be asked for other settings. NOTE: You must also reinstall all the applications (including third-party applications) that were not originally installed on your computer.

Reset and update

Click Reset and update (if not your only option), and then click NEXT (Figure 12). Reset options in SupportAssist OS Recovery Figure 12: Reset options in SupportAssist OS Recovery. Image available in English only. The option to back up your files is displayed: If you want to back up your files, select Yes, give access and transfer my settings and personal file, and perform the following steps: Click to check the box next to I accept the MicroSoftware License Terms and the Dell’s End User License Agreement, and then click NEXT. When BitLocker (Device Encryption) is enabled you are asked to provide the BitLocker key. Follow the prompts to provide it. Accept the account or accounts that you want to transfer, or clear any checkbox next to an account you do not want to back up. NOTE: Using the Advanced Transfer Options you can select which files to backup. Enter a Password (if wanted or if offered) to protect your backup from anyone else accessing it, and then click BEGIN TRANSFER. NOTE: You may receive a message that the amount of data selected exceeds the storage available on your local drive. You must use or buy a USB flash or external drive that is bigger than the total listed. USB Flash or external drives can be purchased from the Dell Technologies website, or any major retailer. Once the backup has been completed, click CONTINUE. On the Confirm your reset page, select the I understand that the reset will delete all of my system data and personal files check box. NOTE: Optionally, from the Select reason list, select a reason for resetting your computer. Click NEXT The factory reset process begins and may take 45 or more minutes to complete. After the process is complete, click RESTART to restart your computer. The Transferring your system data and setting process begins. Once finished, the computer restarts. NOTE: Connect to your wireless network before signing in. Click the Internet icon in the bottom right. You must select a PIN and may be asked for other settings. NOTE: You must also reinstall all the applications (including third-party applications) that were not originally installed on your computer. If you have already created a backup of your files or you do not want to back up your files, select No, do not transfer my settings and personal files, and then click NEXT, and perform the following steps: On the Confirm your reset page, select the I understand that the reset will delete all of my system data and personal files check box (Figure 13), a confirmation page appears, select YES, CONTINUE. NOTE: Optionally, from the Select reason list, select a reason for resetting your computer. Confirm Your Reset Page Figure 13: Confirm Your Reset Page. Image available in English only. Click NEXT The factory reset process begins and may take 45 or more minutes to complete. After the process is complete, click RESTART to restart your computer (Figure 14). Recovery process guide screen in SupportAssist OS Recovery Figure 14: Recovery process guide screen in SupportAssist OS Recovery. Image available in English only. The Transferring your system data and setting process begins. Once finished, the computer restarts. NOTE: Connect to your wireless network before signing in. Click the Internet icon in the bottom right. You must select a PIN and may be asked for other settings. NOTE: You must also reinstall all the applications (including third-party applications) that were not originally installed on your computer. Additional Information For SupportAssist OS Recovery troubleshooting and more, see the SupportAssist OS Recovery User’s Guide.

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Article Properties Article Number: 000177401 Article Type: How To Last Modified: 11 Nov 2024 Version: 29