How to Install a New Windows Operating System

Step 1: Prepare Installation Media

To begin installing Windows, you need to create installation media. Here’s how:

• Download the Windows ISO: Go to the official Microsoft website and download the version you wish to install (Windows 10 or Windows 11).
• Create a Bootable USB Drive: Use the Media Creation Tool provided by Microsoft to make a bootable USB drive. You’ll need at least 8GB of space on your USB drive.
• Alternatively, use a DVD: If your PC has a DVD drive, you can burn the installation ISO to a DVD.

Once the media is prepared, you are ready to proceed with the installation.

Step 2: Boot from USB or DVD

Now that your installation media is ready, follow these steps:

1. Insert the installation media: Plug in your bootable USB or insert the installation DVD.
2. Restart your PC: Restart your computer and immediately press the designated key (usually F2, F12, or ESC) to access the boot menu.
3. Select the boot device: From the boot menu, select your USB drive or DVD drive as the primary boot device.

Step 3: Install Windows

Once the installation media is loaded, the Windows setup screen will appear. Follow these steps:

1. Select your language: Choose your preferred language, time, and keyboard layout, then click “Next.”
2. Click “Install Now”: To start the installation process.
3. Enter your product key: If prompted, enter your Windows product key. You can skip this step and activate later if you’re upgrading or reinstalling.
4. Select installation type: Choose **Custom (advanced)** for a fresh installation. This option will wipe your system partition, so be sure you have backups of your files.
5. Choose a partition: Select the partition where you want to install Windows. If needed, delete or create a new partition.
6. Proceed with the installation: Windows will now begin installing. The process may take some time and your PC will reboot multiple times.

Step 4: Set Up Windows

Once the installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to set up your new Windows installation. Here’s what you need to do:

• Region and Keyboard: Select your region and language, then click “Next.”
• Sign in to your Microsoft account: You’ll need a Microsoft account to sign in (this is optional for Windows 10 but required for Windows 11).
• Choose privacy settings: Configure your privacy settings according to your preferences.
• Create a password or PIN: Set up a secure password or PIN for your account.

Step 5: Install Drivers and Updates

Once Windows is set up, the next step is to install the necessary drivers and updates:

• Install device drivers: Windows should automatically detect and install most of the drivers. However, you may need to manually install some drivers, such as for your graphics card, sound, and network adapters.
• Check for updates: Go to Settings > Update & Security and click Check for Updates to ensure your system is up to date.

Step 6: Restore Your Files (Optional)

If you have a backup, now is the time to restore your files to the new installation:

• Use Windows Backup: If you used OneDrive or File History, you can restore your files easily from there.
• Manually transfer files: If you backed up your files to an external drive, simply plug it in and copy your files back to your system.