How to Install Windows on a New PC: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting up a new PC? Installing Windows is one of the first and most crucial steps to get your system up and running. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this guide will walk you through the entire process.

What You’ll Need

• A USB drive (at least 8GB)
• A working computer with internet access
• A valid Windows license key (optional, but recommended)

Step 1: Download the Windows Installation Media

1. Go to the Microsoft Windows Download page.
2. Click “Download now” under the Media Creation Tool.
3. Run the tool and select “Create installation media for another PC.”
4. Choose your preferred language, edition, and architecture (64-bit is recommended for most PCs).
5. Select “USB flash drive” and insert your USB drive.
6. Follow the prompts to create a bootable USB.

Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive

1. Insert the bootable USB into your new PC.
2. Turn on the PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI by pressing the designated key (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC) immediately after powering on.
3. Locate the Boot Order settings and set the USB drive as the first boot device.
4. Save changes and restart your PC.

Step 3: Install Windows

1. When the Windows setup screen appears, select your language, time, and keyboard preferences and click Next.
2. Click “Install now” and enter your Windows product key (if available). If you don’t have one, click “I don’t have a product key” to proceed.
3. Choose the edition of Windows that matches your license.
4. Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) when prompted for an installation type.
5. Select your storage drive and click Next. If needed, delete old partitions and create a new one.

Step 4: Complete the Setup

1. Your PC will restart multiple times during installation.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up Windows, including:
   • Connecting to Wi-Fi
   • Creating a user account
   • Adjusting privacy settings
3. Once setup is complete, your PC will boot into Windows.

Step 5: Install Drivers & Updates

1. Open Settings > Windows Update and install any available updates.
2. Download and install drivers from your motherboard and GPU manufacturer’s websites for optimal performance.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Windows on your new PC. Now, you can install essential software and start using your computer. If you encounter issues, double-check your BIOS settings and ensure your installation media is properly created.