


Next, you can add a second keyboard layout or skip this step.Ĭhoose a name for your computer. Now that Windows 11 is installed, you need to verify a few settings. Your computer might restart a couple of times, so remove the thumb drive on the first restart. Installing Windows can take some time (5-30 minutes) to download updates, etc., so if you need a break, you can walk away now. Windows will now begin installing Windows 11. Windows will create the required partitions for you next. Click on the one partition left, and click Next. In the next step, you want to delete all the partitions until you see only one partition named Unallocated Space or Primary.

Windows has hidden operating system partitions. On the next screen, click on Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). Click Next.Ĭheck the box and click Next to accept the Microsoft License Terms. The most common operating system for home users is, you guessed it, Windows 10 or 11 Home. Otherwise, your product key might be on a sticker on your computer, or if purchased digitally, you hopefully wrote it down or backed it up somewhere.Ĭhoose what operating system you want to install. In this scenario, Windows will activate after installation. Most newer computers have the key stored in your BIOS if you don't have a product key. Click Next.Įnter your product key, or click on I don't have a product key to enter it later. Select your language, time, and keyboard method if needed. Watch for the press a key prompt, or Windows will try to boot from your hard drive after about ten seconds. Modern (UEFI) computers should see the flash drive and boot automatically. Look up your computer manufacturer or motherboard for directions on getting into the BIOS and making sure the flash drive can boot. If your computer doesn't boot from the flash drive, you need to enable it in your BIOS. Leave your flash drive inserted once the above steps are complete, and reboot. Click Finish when prompted and wait a few seconds for the clean-up to complete. You don't need to be present for most of it, and you can continue using your computer. This step could take an hour due to the large file size. The process will delete all of the files on the thumb drive.

Select Create Installation media, then click on USB flash drive. Insert a thumb drive that has at least 8GB of space. The download page also has a video tutorial if you need it.ĭownload the Media Creation Tool. The app is free, portable, and easy to use for any skill level. The easiest way to do this is to use Microsoft Media Creation Tool. The first thing you need is a Windows 11 ISO and then create a bootable thumb drive. If you're having problems with your current installation and want to keep your files, you might consider How to Reset or Reinstall Windows 10 & 11 Using the Cloud. TIP: Hard to fix Windows Problems? Repair/Restore Missing Windows OS Files Damaged by Malware with a few clicks
