How to Install Windows 11: The Complete Guide
Whether you're doing a fresh install on a new PC, upgrading from Windows 10, or reinstalling to fix problems — this guide walks you through every step.
Before You Begin
Installing Windows 11 is straightforward once you know what you're doing. This guide covers three scenarios: clean install (starting fresh), upgrade install (keeping your files), and the Windows 11 Installation Assistant for the easiest upgrade path.
The whole process takes about 30-60 minutes depending on your hardware. Grab a coffee, back up your important files, and let's get started.
System Requirements
Windows 11 has stricter requirements than Windows 10. Here's what you need:
Processor
1 GHz or faster with 2+ cores on a 64-bit processor
RAM
4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
Storage
64 GB or larger
TPM
Trusted Platform Module version 2.0
Graphics
DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display
HD (720p) display larger than 9 inches
Internet
Required for Windows 11 Home setup
Check Your PC
Download Microsoft's PC Health Check app to verify compatibility:
Download PC Health CheckIf your PC doesn't meet requirements (especially TPM 2.0), check our bypass guide — though Microsoft may limit updates on unsupported hardware.
Backup Your Data
Don't skip this step — seriously
A clean install erases everything on your drive. Even an upgrade can go wrong. Back up anything you can't afford to lose:
- Documents, photos, and videos
- Browser bookmarks and saved passwords
- Game saves (check each game's save location)
- Application settings and license keys
- Email data if using a desktop client
- Any files on your Desktop
Backup Options
Pro tip: Take screenshots of your current settings, installed programs, and desktop layout. You'll thank yourself later.
Download Windows 11
Three official ways to get Windows 11
Installation Assistant
Easiest way to upgrade from Windows 10. Downloads and installs automatically while keeping your files.
Best for: Upgrading from Windows 10
Media Creation Tool
Creates a bootable USB drive or ISO file. Best for clean installs or installing on multiple PCs.
Best for: Clean installs, multiple PCs
ISO Download
Direct download of the Windows 11 ISO file. For advanced users who want full control.
Best for: Virtual machines, manual USB creation
All downloads are free. You'll need a product key to activate Windows after installation.
Create a Bootable USB Drive
What you'll need
- USB drive with at least 8 GB capacity (will be erased)
- Windows PC to create the USB
- 30-60 minutes for download and creation
Using Media Creation Tool
Download and run Media Creation Tool
Accept the license terms when prompted
Select 'Create installation media'
Choose this option, not 'Upgrade this PC'
Choose language, edition, and architecture
Usually just keep the recommended settings for this PC
Select 'USB flash drive'
Make sure your USB is plugged in and selected
Wait for download and creation
This takes 15-45 minutes depending on your internet speed
Done!
Your bootable Windows 11 USB is ready
Alternative: Rufus (Advanced)
Rufus offers more options, including TPM bypass for unsupported PCs:
Download RufusBIOS/UEFI Settings
You need to enter BIOS to change boot order. The key varies by manufacturer:
| Brand | BIOS Key |
|---|---|
| Dell | F2 or F12 |
| HP | F10 or Esc |
| Lenovo | F1, F2, or Fn+F2 |
| ASUS | F2 or Del |
| Acer | F2 or Del |
| MSI | Del |
| Gigabyte | Del |
BIOS Steps
- 1Restart your PC and repeatedly press the BIOS key during startup
- 2Navigate to Boot menu (use arrow keys)
- 3Set USB drive as first boot priority
- 4Enable UEFI mode (not Legacy/CSM) if available
- 5Enable Secure Boot if it's disabled
- 6Save and Exit (usually F10)
TPM and Secure Boot
Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Look for these settings in BIOS:
- • TPM: Usually under Security or Advanced > Trusted Computing
- • Secure Boot: Usually under Boot or Security menu
- • UEFI Mode: Disable CSM/Legacy mode
Windows 11 Installation Steps
The main event — follow along carefully
Boot from USB
With USB inserted, restart your PC. If BIOS is configured correctly, you'll see 'Press any key to boot from USB' — press any key quickly.
If Windows starts normally, go back to BIOS and check boot order.
Language and Region
Select your language, time format, and keyboard layout. Click 'Next' then 'Install now'.
You can change these later in Windows Settings.
Enter Product Key
Enter your Windows 11 product key, or click 'I don't have a product key' to enter it later. Installation works without a key.
You can activate after installation in Settings > System > Activation.
Select Edition
Choose Windows 11 Home, Pro, or whichever edition matches your product key. If you entered a key, this is selected automatically.
If unsure, Pro gives you more features. You can't easily downgrade.
Accept License Terms
Read (or scroll past) the license agreement and check 'I accept the license terms'. Click Next.
Choose Installation Type
For a clean install, select 'Custom: Install Windows only'. For an upgrade keeping files, select 'Upgrade'.
'Custom' erases everything but gives the cleanest result.
Select Drive
Choose where to install Windows. For a clean install on an existing Windows PC, delete all partitions on your main drive, then select the unallocated space.
WARNING: Deleting partitions erases all data on that drive permanently.
Wait for Installation
Windows copies files, installs features, and configures the system. Your PC will restart several times. This takes 15-30 minutes.
Don't turn off your PC during this process.
Initial Setup (OOBE)
After installation, Windows walks you through initial setup (Out of Box Experience):
Region and Keyboard
Confirm your country and keyboard layout
Network Connection
Connect to Wi-Fi. Windows 11 Home requires internet for setup. For Pro, you can click 'I don't have internet' to use a local account.
Windows Updates
Let Windows check for and install initial updates
Name Your PC
Choose a name for your computer (letters, numbers, hyphens only)
Microsoft Account
Sign in with a Microsoft account (required for Home, optional for Pro). This syncs settings and enables OneDrive.
Create PIN
Set up a PIN for faster sign-in. This is required even with a password.
Privacy Settings
Toggle location, diagnostics, and ad settings. You can change these later in Settings > Privacy.
Device Usage
Optionally tell Microsoft how you'll use this PC. Skippable.
Want a Local Account Instead?
Windows 11 pushes Microsoft accounts, but you can bypass this:
- • Disconnect from internet during setup (Pro only)
- • Use command: OOBE\BYPASSNRO in Command Prompt during setup
- • Sign in, then switch to local account in Settings > Accounts
Activating Windows 11
Windows works without activation but has limitations (watermark, no personalization). Here's how to activate:
- 1Open Settings (Windows + I)
- 2Go to System > Activation
- 3Click 'Change product key'
- 4Enter your 25-character product key
- 5Click 'Activate'
Digital License Activation
If you upgraded from Windows 10 or your motherboard has an embedded key, Windows may activate automatically when connected to internet.
Don't Have a Product Key?
Get a genuine Windows 11 key from authorized sellers like us. Instant delivery, real activation.
Post-Installation Checklist
Get your new Windows 11 ready for action
Windows Update
Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates. Restart when prompted.
Install Drivers
Check Device Manager for missing drivers. Visit your PC/motherboard manufacturer's website for latest drivers.
Graphics Drivers
Download latest GPU drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel — don't rely on Windows Update for these.
Restore Your Data
Copy back your files from backup. Sign into cloud services to sync data.
Install Applications
Reinstall your essential programs. Consider using winget or ninite.com for bulk installs.
Configure Settings
Set up power plan, display scaling, default apps, and personalization.
Create Recovery Drive
Search for 'Create a recovery drive' — useful if Windows breaks later.
Set Up Backup
Configure Windows Backup or your preferred backup solution. Don't get caught without backups again.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
You Did It!
Installing Windows 11 might seem intimidating, but you've got this. The key is preparation — backup your files, create proper installation media, and take your time during setup.
If something goes wrong, don't panic. Most issues have straightforward solutions, and you can always start fresh. That's the beauty of a clean install.
Welcome to Windows 11. Now go explore Snap Layouts, widgets, the new Start menu, and all the other features waiting for you.
Related Windows 11 Guides
Need a Windows 11 Product Key?
Get a genuine license key for instant activation. Works with Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions.
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