Installing Windows 10 can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it’s straightforward and hassle-free. Whether you're upgrading from an older version, doing a fresh install, or setting up a brand new system, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process.
Step 1: Prepare the Installation Media
To start, you'll need a Windows 10 Installation Media, such as a Windows 10 Bootable USB Drive. If you need assistance creating a bootable USB drive, check out our article tutorial on how to do it using Rufus.
Step 2: Insert the USB Drive and Boot from It
Insert the USB drive into your computer. Restart your PC and access the BIOS or UEFI. Adjust the boot priority settings to boot from the USB drive, or you can access the boot menu directly to select the USB drive. For more details on booting from a USB flash drive, refer to our article tutorial.
Step 3: Begin Windows Setup
When you see the "Press any key to boot" screen, press Enter.
Step 4: Configure Windows Setup
On the Windows setup screen, you can select your preferred time and currency format, and keyboard or input method, then click Next. Alternatively, you can leave the default values and click Next, followed by Install Now.
Step 5: Enter Product Key (If Available)
If you have a product key, enter it and click Next. If you don't have a product key, leave the field blank and click on "I don’t have a product key." Then, select the Windows version you want to install (e.g., Home, Pro) and click Next.
Step 6: Accept License Terms
Check the "I accept the License Terms" box and click Next, then select "Custom: Install Windows Only."
Step 7: Select Installation Drive
Choose the drive where you want to install Windows. You'll see options like Drive 0, Drive 1, etc., depending on how many storage drives are connected.
If you're using a brand new drive, it will be shown as unallocated space. Make sure to select the correct drive, then click Next.
If you're reinstalling Windows, you'll see the Windows drive with its partitions (e.g., Drive 0 Partition 1, Drive 0 Partition 2). For a fresh install, delete all partitions to show the space as unallocated. Select the correct drive and click Next. Wait for the installation to complete.
Step 8: Initial Setup and Configuration
The system will restart automatically during the process, and the screen may flash black—this is normal.
Step 9: Complete Out-of-box Experience
On the Out-of-box experience screen, choose your country and click Yes, then choose your keyboard layout and click Yes. You can add another layout or click Skip.
Select "Set up for personal use" and click Next.
Step 10: Sign In and Configure Settings
You can sign in with your Microsoft account or choose an Offline Account for a limited experience. Enter a name for your account, and click Next. You can set a password or leave it blank and click Next.
Step 11: Finalize Setup
Click on "Not Now," disable everything for privacy reasons, and click Accept. Then click Skip and Not Now, and wait until you reach the desktop.
You're all set! Enjoy your new Windows 10 installation.