I am no superhero; I just fix computers.

How to Install Windows 10 or 11 from USB

Installing Windows from a USB drive is the most common way to set up a new computer or perform a clean installation on an existing one. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from creating the installation media to installing your final drivers.

Before You Begin, You Will Need:

A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage.
A working computer with an internet connection to create the installation media.
A valid Windows license key (or a digital license linked to your Microsoft account). You can also complete the installation without one and activate it later.
A full backup of your important data! The installation process will erase the target drive.

Part 1: Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool

On a working computer, navigate to the official Microsoft download page:
- Download Windows 11
- Download Windows 10
Find the “Create installation media” section and download the Media Creation Tool.
Run the tool and 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.
The tool will suggest recommended options for language and edition. You can leave these as is and click Next.
Choose USB flash drive as your media type and click Next.
Select your USB drive from the list. If you have multiple drives connected, double-check that you are selecting the correct one by its name and size.

CRITICAL WARNING: This next step will completely erase all data on the selected USB drive. Make sure you have backed up any files from it before proceeding.

Click Next. The tool will now download the latest version of Windows and make your USB drive bootable. This can take some time depending on your internet speed.

Part 2: Prepare Your Computer and Boot from the USB

Now you’ll configure the target computer to start (or “boot”) from the USB drive you just created.

Safety First: Shut down the target computer. Unplug all external drives, including other USB sticks, external hard drives, etc. Leave only the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and your new Windows installer USB connected. This prevents you from accidentally formatting the wrong drive.
Enter BIOS/UEFI: Turn the computer on and immediately press the key to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. This key is usually displayed on the startup screen and varies by manufacturer.
- Common Keys: Del, F2, F10, F12, or Esc.
- Common Brands:
  - Dell: F2 or F12
  - HP: Esc or F10
  - Lenovo: F1 or F2
  - ASUS / MSI: Del or F2
Set Boot Priority: In the BIOS/UEFI menu, find the “Boot” or “Boot Order” tab. Change the boot priority to make your USB drive the #1 boot device. It may be listed as “USB-HDD,” “Removable Device,” or by the brand name of your flash drive (e.g., “Sandisk Cruzer”).
Save and Exit: Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup. Your computer will restart and should now boot from the USB drive.

Part 3: The Windows Installation Process

You’re now in the Windows Installer.

The first screen will ask for your language, time format, and keyboard input. Make your selections and click Next.
Click Install now.
Activate Windows: You’ll be prompted for your product key.
- If you have it, enter it now.
- If you don’t have it, or if Windows was previously activated on this machine, click I don’t have a product key. Windows will often reactivate automatically once you’re online.
Choose the edition of Windows you have a license for (e.g., Home or Pro) and click Next.
Accept the license terms and click Next.
On the “Which type of installation do you want?” screen, choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). This option is required for a clean installation.
Choose Where to Install Windows: This is the most critical step. You will see a list of drives and partitions. Your goal is to install Windows on a completely clean drive.
- Identify your target drive (usually “Drive 0” or “Drive 1”). You can confirm it’s the correct one by its total size.
- Select each partition on that target drive one-by-one and click Delete.

FINAL WARNING: This is your last chance. Deleting these partitions will permanently erase all data on the drive, including old programs, files, and photos. Ensure you have selected the correct drive.

- After deleting all partitions on the target drive, you will be left with a single entry for that drive labeled Unallocated Space.
Select the Unallocated Space and click Next. Windows will automatically create the necessary partitions and begin installing.

The installation will now proceed automatically. Your PC will copy files and restart several times. Just let it run.

Part 4: Final Setup and Post-Installation

Once the core installation is done, Windows will guide you through the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE).

Region and Keyboard: Confirm your country and keyboard layout.
Network: Connect to your Wi-Fi or wired network. This is important for updates and activation.
Account: You will be prompted to sign in with a Microsoft account.
- Microsoft Account: Links your digital license, syncs settings across devices, and integrates with services like OneDrive.
- Local Account: If you prefer an offline account, look for a small link that says “Offline account” or “Sign-in options” to create one.
Privacy Settings: Configure your privacy settings and click Accept.
Let Windows Finish: Windows will apply your settings and prepare the desktop.

Congratulations! You are now at the Windows desktop. But you’re not quite done.

Part 5: Install Drivers and Updates

Run Windows Update: Go to Settings > Update & Security (Windows 10) or Settings > Windows Update (Windows 11). Click Check for updates. Let Windows download and install all available updates. This will usually include most of the essential hardware drivers for your system.
Check for Missing Drivers: If components like your network card, graphics card, or sound aren’t working correctly, you may need to manually install drivers. Visit the support website for your computer or motherboard manufacturer, find your specific model, and download the latest drivers for your version of Windows.
Remove the USB Drive: You can now safely remove the installation USB drive.

Your clean installation of Windows is now complete

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