Installing Windows 11 might seem like a complex task, but with the right steps, it’s quite manageable. Whether you’re upgrading from an older version or setting up a new system, this guide will help you through the process.
Step 1: Prepare the Installation Media
To begin, you’ll need a Windows 11 Installation Media, such as a Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive. If you need help 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 settings. Adjust the boot priority to boot from the USB drive, or access the boot menu directly to select the USB drive. For detailed instructions 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 choose 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 Microsoft Software 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 might see options like Drive 0, Drive 1, etc., depending on how many storage drives are connected.
For a brand new drive, it will be shown as unallocated space. Select the correct drive and 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—don’t worry, 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.
Step 10: Name Your Device
Type a name for your device and click Next, or you can skip this step. The system may restart.
Step 11: Set Up for Personal Use
Select "Set up for personal use" and click Next.
Step 12: Sign In and Configure Settings
You can sign in with your Microsoft account or bypass the Microsoft Online Account and create an offline account (local account). To do this, press Shift + F10 to open the command prompt and type ncpa.cpl, then hit Enter. This will open the Network Connections. Right-click the Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection and click Disable to disconnect the PC from the internet.
Next, type oobe\bypassNRO and hit Enter. The PC will restart. Choose the country and keyboard layout again, and you will see a new option appear: "I don’t have Internet." Click on it, then click on "Continue with limited setup." Type a name for your account and click Next. You can set a password or leave it blank and click Next.
Step 13: Finalize Setup
Disable all privacy settings for security reasons and click Accept. Finally, from the Windows desktop, press the Windows key + R to open Run, then type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter. This will open the Network Connections. Right-click the Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection and click Enable to reconnect the PC to the internet.
And that’s it! You’ve successfully installed Windows 11. Enjoy your new operating system!