Clean Install vs. Alternative Methods for Performance Improvement

Hello!
I’m seeking advice on whether I should perform a clean installation of Windows 11 or consider alternative methods to recover my system’s performance. I am about to start a long and intensive project that will last for 6 to 7 months, and I need my machine to perform at its absolute best.

System Information:

• OS Name: Microsoft Windows 11 Pro
• Version: 10.0.22631 Build 22631
• System Manufacturer: Acer
• System Model: ND-CN715-72P-76T6
• Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10750H CPU @ 2.60GHz (6 Core(s), 12 Logical Processor(s))
• BIOS Version/Date: Insyde Corp. V1.08, 05/08/2021
• Installed Physical Memory (RAM): 32.0 GB
• Virtualization-based Security: Running (Hypervisor enforced Code Integrity)
• Kernel DMA Protection: On
• Secure Boot State: Off

Current Situation:

I last performed a clean installation of Windows around 12-18 months ago. Over time, the system’s performance has noticeably slowed down, and I know from experience that a clean install could help improve responsiveness. However, I'm concerned about the time and effort required to reinstall my software and reconfigure all my settings. Given the extensiveness of my setup, I’m hesitant to start from scratch, especially with the long project I’m about to start.
Essentially, my dilemma is:

1. Performance Improvement: I need the system to perform better than it is now. A clean install would likely improve overall responsiveness.
2. Time-Consuming Procedure: I use many specific software tools, each with customized settings and preferences. Additionally, reconfiguring Windows preferences and setting everything up again feels daunting. I’m also worried about any downtime during the setup process.

Current Problems:

• High CPU: Over the past week, my CPU usage frequently spikes to around 70-80%, but I cannot identify any processes that are causing this.
• Thermal Throttling: The CPU temperature often gets very high, leading to thermal throttling. This seems to have worsened after a recent repair (keyboard issue), where the fans were cleaned and thermal paste reapplied. Since then, the fans run at high speed constantly.
• Keyboard Malfunction: There is an intermittent issue with the keyboard where letters do not space correctly (e.g., "ont he" instead of "on the"). Additionally, a strange bar with letters sometimes pops up on the screen while typing.

What I’ve Tried:

I’ve taken several steps to try to resolve these issues, which include:

1. Updating drivers and Windows.
2. svchost.exe diagnosis: Checked and monitored background services for anomalies.
3. Disabled startup programs and non-essential services.
4. Windows Defender scan: Ran a full scan to rule out malware or viruses.
5. DISM and SFC commands:
   • DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and sfc /scannow
   • Both commands completed successfully, but the issues remain.
6. chkdsk C: /r: Performed a disk check for file system errors.
7. Memory Diagnostic Tool: Ran mdsched.exe to check for memory issues, but no errors were found.
8. Get-PhysicalDisk: Used PowerShell to check the health status of the physical disks, which seem to be functioning properly.
9. Storage Sense: Enabled Storage Sense to automatically clean up temporary files.
10. Driver Verifier (verifier) to check for problematic drivers, but no issues were flagged.
11. Event Viewer (eventvwr): Checked system logs for critical errors but didn’t find anything definitive.
12. Performance Monitor (perfmon /report): Generated a performance report, which highlighted high CPU and thermal issues.
13. Full Virus and Threat Protection (Start-MpScan -ScanType FullScan).
14. Task Manager (taskmgr): Monitored system resource usage but could not pinpoint a particular process causing the CPU spikes.
15. Windows System Assessment Tool (winsat formal): Ran to assess overall system performance, but no significant issues appeared in the results.

Given the above, I’m torn between performing a clean installation of Windows or continuing with diagnostics and optimizations.

Any advice? Let me know if I should post additional details or if you need screenshots on my end.