Course Desscription
Installing Windows can be done in several ways depending on the version of Windows you're installing (e.g., Windows 10, Windows 11, or even earlier versions) and the installation media you're using. Here's a general guide for installing Windows 10 or 11, which are the most common versions.
Requirements Before Installation
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A PC that meets the system requirements:
- Windows 11: 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot.
- Windows 10: 1 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit), 16 GB storage (32-bit) or 20 GB storage (64-bit), DirectX 9 or later.
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Installation Media:
You can use a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) or a DVD. USB installation is more common nowadays.
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A valid product key (for retail versions):
- Windows 10/11 can be installed without a key, but it may limit customization options until activated.
Steps to Install Windows 10 or 11
1. Download the Windows ISO
- Go to the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 or 11 ISO (depending on your choice).
2. Create a Bootable USB Drive
- Use the Windows Media Creation Tool to make a bootable USB drive.
- Download and run the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website.
- Choose "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)" and follow the instructions to select the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Insert a USB drive into your computer, select it as the destination, and let the tool create the bootable drive.
3. Prepare the PC for Installation
- Backup any important files from the computer you're installing Windows on, as the installation process will erase all data on the drive.
- Plug the bootable USB drive into the computer you wish to install Windows on.
- Restart the computer and access the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key during startup (usually F2, F12, ESC, or DEL).
- Set the boot order to boot from the USB drive first.
4. Install Windows
- After rebooting, your computer will boot from the USB drive, and the Windows installation process will begin.
- Select the language, time, and currency format, and click Next.
- Click Install Now.
- Enter your Product Key if prompted, or click "I don’t have a product key" to skip (you can activate later).
- Accept the license terms and click Next.
- Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) if you are performing a clean installation. If you are upgrading, choose the upgrade option.
- Select the partition on which you want to install Windows. If you're doing a clean install, you may want to delete the old partition (this will erase everything on it) and then create a new one.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
5. Complete the Setup
- Windows will copy files and install features. Your computer may restart several times during this process.
- After installation, you will be prompted to set up preferences like:
- Region and language settings
- Microsoft account or local account (You can create a Microsoft account or use an offline local account)
- Privacy settings (adjust according to your preferences)
- Wi-Fi connection (for online setup)
- Windows will finish installing updates, drivers, and other necessary components.
6. Finalize Settings and Install Drivers
- Once Windows is installed, go through the final configuration options.
- Ensure your device drivers (graphics, audio, network, etc.) are installed. You can use Windows Update to automatically download and install many drivers or visit the manufacturer’s website for specific drivers.
- Install your preferred applications.
7. Activate Windows
- After installation, you will be prompted to activate Windows using a valid product key. You can also activate later from Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
Alternative Installation Methods
Using an ISO File with Virtual Machine
- You can install Windows on a virtual machine (e.g., using VirtualBox or VMware) for testing or development purposes.
- Download the ISO, create a virtual machine, attach the ISO to the virtual CD/DVD drive, and start the installation.
Upgrading from a Previous Version of Windows
- If you are upgrading from a previous version of Windows, simply run the Windows Setup tool from within the old version.
- During the installation process, choose to keep your files and apps (if you want to upgrade and not lose your data).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Boot Device Not Found: Double-check the boot order in the BIOS and ensure your USB drive is properly connected.
- Windows Installation Freezes: This can happen due to faulty installation media or hardware issues. Try recreating the bootable USB drive or using a different USB port.
- Missing Drivers: Ensure all drivers are downloaded, especially for devices like the network adapter, which might be needed to access the internet during installation.