diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 53c2e1a36..2431abfd0 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -30,6 +30,8 @@
 
 **Quick Install:**
 
+This assumes you don't have an existing Emacs setup and want to run Spacemacs as your config. If you do have one, first `mv ~/.emacs.d ~/.emacs.d.bak`, or look at the [full installation instructions](#install) for other options.
+
     git clone https://github.com/syl20bnr/spacemacs ~/.emacs.d
 
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