What is Ghost Win? How does it work?

Whenever a computer or laptop has an error, we are often advised to reinstall the computer or ghost Windows. So what is ghost Windows? Is it like reinstalling Windows? Let's find out in the article below!

What is Ghost win?

Ghost win is the concept of extracting an operating system, copying software data, and the contents of a computer's hard drive from a compressed file of files commonly known as an image. In another sense, the concept of ghost win can also originate from the use of Norton Ghost software to partition the hard drive. 

For computer technicians, ghosting Windows will help save a lot of time reinstalling the computer. Normal ghost Windows versions will include all the drivers for the computer and necessary software. Therefore, a few years ago, the concept of ghost Windows became popular with most computer users. 

What is the difference between Ghost Win and installing Windows?

As mentioned above, a complete ghost win will clone all settings, software or data saved on the hard drive. Therefore, ghost win will help you quickly return the computer to a complete installation state, ready to use as quickly as possible.

Instead, if we install Windows in the usual way, we only reset the data about the operating system and default software. For example, with normal working computers and laptops, we will have to start downloading and reinstalling software such as Unikey, Winrar, Microsoft Office,. 

Pros and Cons of Using Ghost

Advantages of ghosting Windows

Ghost win brings speed and convenience every time you need to reinstall your computer. Normally, extracting a ghost file is quite fast, it only takes about 15-20 minutes for a complete ghost version instead of having to reinstall for hours compared to installing win.

Ghost versions, if integrated with all-in-one driver or full software, when released, you will not need to install anything else but can start working and use immediately.

Disadvantages of ghost

Most of the ghost versions shared online have been edited, added and removed a lot of data, personalized according to the author's preferences.

There is a risk of minor errors. The author added or removed a few elements on the ghost version that may be compatible with their device. But when used on your configuration, if it is not compatible, it will cause the device to slow down, have problems, and operate sluggishly.

Easily infected with viruses and spyware if you download ghost versions from unreliable sources.

David Pac

Update 16 January 2025