How to Install Windows 11 from a USB Drive

Learn how to easily install Windows 11 from a USB drive with step-by-step instructions. Upgrade your system hassle-free with this guide.

  Operating System   Jul 4, 2024   0   50  Add to Reading List
How to Install Windows 11 from a USB Drive

1. Preparing the USB Drive

1.1. Requirements:

  • A USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage.
  • A PC that meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements.
  • A valid Windows 11 license.

1.2. Download the Windows 11 ISO:

  1. Go to the Windows 11 download page.
  2. Scroll down to the Create Windows 11 Installation Media section and click Download now.
  3. Run the downloaded MediaCreationToolW11.exe.
  4. Accept the license terms and follow the prompts to download the Windows 11 ISO file.

1.3. Create a Bootable USB Drive:

You can use tools like the Media Creation Tool or third-party software like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.

Using the Media Creation Tool:

  1. In the Media Creation Tool, choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
  2. Select your language, edition, and architecture (64-bit is recommended).
  3. Choose USB flash drive and select your USB drive.
  4. The tool will download Windows 11 and create the installation media on the USB drive.

Using Rufus:

  1. Download and install Rufus.
  2. Open Rufus and select your USB drive in the Device section.
  3. Click Select and choose the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded.
  4. Set Partition scheme to GPT (for UEFI-based systems) or MBR (for BIOS/Legacy systems).
  5. Click Start to create the bootable USB drive.

2. Configuring the PC to Boot from USB

2.1. Accessing BIOS/UEFI:

  1. Insert the USB drive into your PC.
  2. Restart the PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. This is typically done by pressing a key like F2, F10, Delete, or Esc during the initial boot screen. The specific key varies by manufacturer.
  3. In the BIOS/UEFI, navigate to the boot order settings.
  4. Set the USB drive as the first boot device.

2.2. Booting from USB:

  1. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.
  2. Your PC should now boot from the USB drive.
  3. If prompted, press any key to boot from the USB.

3. Installing Windows 11

3.1. Starting the Installation:

  1. Once the PC boots from the USB drive, you’ll see the Windows 11 setup screen.
  2. Select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method. Click Next.
  3. Click Install now.

3.2. Entering the Product Key:

  1. Enter your Windows 11 product key if prompted. If you don’t have one, you can choose I don’t have a product key and enter it later.
  2. Select the edition of Windows 11 you purchased. Click Next.

3.3. Accepting the License Terms:

  1. Read and accept the license terms. Click Next.

3.4. Choosing the Installation Type:

  1. Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) to perform a clean installation.

3.5. Partitioning the Drive:

  1. Select the drive or partition where you want to install Windows 11. If the drive has existing partitions, you can delete them to create unallocated space.
  2. Click Next. Windows 11 will start the installation process.

4. Completing the Installation

4.1. Initial Setup:

  1. The PC will restart several times during the installation. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the initial setup.
  2. Choose your region, keyboard layout, and connect to a network.

4.2. Setting Up Your Account:

  1. Sign in with your Microsoft account or create a local account.
  2. Set up a PIN for quick sign-in if prompted.

4.3. Customizing Settings:

  1. Choose your privacy settings for Windows 11.
  2. Select whether you want to use Cortana and set up other features according to your preference.

4.4. Finalizing the Setup:

  1. Windows 11 will finalize the setup and take you to the desktop.

5. Post-Installation Steps

5.1. Installing Drivers:

  1. Update drivers for your hardware through Windows Update or your manufacturer’s website.

5.2. Installing Software:

  1. Install any necessary applications and restore your files from backups if needed.

5.3. Configuring Settings:

  1. Personalize your settings and preferences in the Windows 11 Settings app.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1. Boot Issues:

  • Ensure the USB drive is correctly configured as the boot device.
  • Check if the USB drive is functioning properly.

6.2. Installation Errors:

  • Verify that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
  • Try re-downloading the ISO file or recreating the bootable USB drive.

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