How to install a Windows OS on a new PC?

Step 1: Create Windows Installation Media

This step requires a separate, working computer.

Download the Windows Media Creation Tool:

For Windows 11: Go to the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows-11

For Windows 10: Go to the official Microsoft Windows 10 download page: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows-10

Under the "Create Windows Installation Media" section, click "Download now".

Run the downloaded tool (e.g., MediaCreationToolW11.exe or MediaCreationTool22H2.exe).

Accept the license terms.

On the "What do you want to do?" screen, select "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC" and click Next.

Select Language, Edition, and Architecture: The tool usually recommends options based on your current PC. Uncheck "Use recommended options for this PC" if you need to choose a different version (e.g., 64-bit). Click Next.

Choose Media Type: Select "USB flash drive" and click Next.

Select your USB flash drive from the list. Make sure it's the correct drive as all data on it will be erased. Click Next.

The tool will now download Windows files and create the bootable USB drive. This process can take some time depending on your internet speed.

Once complete, click "Finish". Safely remove the USB drive.

Step 2: Prepare Your New PC

Insert the created Windows installation USB flash drive into an available USB port on your new PC.

Ensure your PC's power is connected.

Step 3: Boot from the USB Installation Media

You need to tell your PC to start from the USB drive instead of looking for an OS on its internal storage.

Turn on your new PC.

Immediately and repeatedly press the "Boot Menu Key" or "BIOS/UEFI Setup Key" to access the boot options or BIOS/UEFI settings. Common keys include:

F2, F10, F12, Del, Esc

Consult your motherboard or PC manufacturer's manual if you're unsure which key to press.

From the Boot Menu: Select your USB drive from the list of bootable devices (it might appear as "UEFI: [USB Drive Name]" or "USB HDD").

From BIOS/UEFI Setup (if no boot menu):

Navigate to the "Boot" or "Boot Options" tab.

Change the "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority" to put your USB drive at the top.

Save and Exit (often F10).

Your PC should now boot from the USB drive, and you'll see the Windows setup screen.

Step 4: Install Windows

Windows Setup Screen:

Select your Language, Time and currency format, and Keyboard or input method. Click Next.

Click "Install now".

Activate Windows:

If you have a product key, enter it.

If you don't have one or plan to activate digitally later, click "I don't have a product key". You can activate Windows after installation.

Choose Operating System: If you have multiple editions on your media (e.g., Windows 11 Home, Pro), select the one you want to install. Click Next.

License Terms: Read and accept the license terms. Click Next.

Choose Installation Type:

Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)". Do NOT choose "Upgrade."

Where do you want to install Windows?

This is the most critical step. You'll see a list of drives and partitions.

For a truly new PC with a blank drive: You'll likely see "Drive 0 Unallocated Space." Select this and click "New" to create a partition, then "Apply" and "OK" to let Windows create necessary system partitions. Then select the primary partition you just created and click Next.

For reinstalling on an existing PC (clean install): You'll see existing partitions. Select each partition related to your main drive (e.g., "Drive 0 Partition 1", "Drive 0 Partition 2," etc.) and click "Delete" until your main drive shows as "Drive 0 Unallocated Space." Then proceed as above: select "Drive 0 Unallocated Space" and click "New", "Apply", "OK", then select the primary partition and click Next.

Caution: Deleting partitions will erase all data on them. Ensure you have backed up any important files before proceeding.

Windows Installation: Windows will now begin copying files and installing. Your PC will restart several times during this process. Do NOT remove the USB drive until the initial setup (where you configure user accounts) begins.

Step 5: Initial Windows Setup and Configuration

After the final restart, Windows will guide you through the initial setup:

Region and Keyboard Layout: Select your region and keyboard layout.

Network Connection: Connect to your Wi-Fi network or plug in an Ethernet cable. An internet connection is usually required to proceed with modern Windows installations.

Microsoft Account/Local Account:

You'll be prompted to sign in with or create a Microsoft Account. This is generally recommended for full Windows features and cloud syncing.

If you prefer a local account (offline account), there's usually an option like "Offline account" or "Skip for now" (the wording varies and can sometimes be hidden in smaller text).

Privacy Settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings.

Cortana, OneDrive, etc.: Make choices about these integrated services.

Create User Account: Set up your username and password for the PC.

Step 6: Post-Installation Steps

Run Windows Update: Once you're on the desktop, immediately go to Settings > Windows Update and check for and install all available updates. This is crucial for security and performance.

Install Drivers: Windows Update often installs many drivers, but for optimal performance (especially for graphics, chipset, and specific peripherals), visit your PC manufacturer's website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) or your motherboard manufacturer's website (e.g., ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte) and download the latest drivers for your specific model.

Install Essential Software: Install your web browser, antivirus, and other necessary applications.