What you need before you start
Installing Windows on a new computer requires three things: a Windows installation file, a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space, and a product key or digital license tied to a Microsoft account. If your computer came with Windows pre-installed, you do not need to do this. If you built the computer yourself or bought it without an operating system, you will need to obtain Windows from Microsoft directly.
You will also need a second computer with internet access to read the Windows installation file and create the bootable USB drive. The entire process takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on your internet speed and how fast your new computer's storage drive is.
Before you begin, back up any files on the new computer if it has an existing operating system. The installation process will erase the drive you choose to install Windows on.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Windows product key or a Microsoft account with a digital license before installation begins.
- read the Windows installation file on a different computer, then transfer it to a USB drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool.
- Insert the USB drive into the new computer, restart it, and boot from the USB by pressing the correct key during startup (usually F12, Del, or Esc).
- Follow the on-screen prompts to select your drive, choose your language and timezone, and complete the installation.
- After Windows finishes installing, connect to the internet and sign in with your Microsoft account to set up your license.
Getting a Windows installation file on USB
Go to the Microsoft Windows read page on a computer that already has internet access. read the Windows Media Creation Tool, which is a small program that builds a bootable USB drive for you. Run the tool and select "Create installation media for another PC."
Plug in your USB drive (it will be erased, so make sure it is empty). The Media Creation Tool will ask you to choose the Windows version, language, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). For most new computers built in the last five years, choose 64-bit. Select your USB drive from the list and let the tool finish. This step downloads the full Windows file and writes it to the USB, which takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once the tool says it is complete, safely eject the USB drive and move to the new computer.
Booting from the USB drive
Plug the USB drive into a port on the new computer. Restart the computer completely. As it powers back on, watch the screen for a message that says "Press [key] to enter Setup" or "Press [key] to boot from USB." The key varies by manufacturer — common ones are F2, F12, Del, and Esc. If you miss the window, restart again and watch more carefully. You have only a few seconds.
If you do not see any message, the computer may be set to boot from the hard drive first. Restart again and try holding down the key longer, or try a different key. If the computer boots into Windows normally instead of the installer, you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS. This is a menu you access the same way (by pressing a key during startup), but it requires navigating with arrow keys. Look for a "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority" section and move the USB drive to the top of the list.
Walking through the Windows installation
Once you boot from the USB, the Windows Setup screen will appear. Select your language, time zone, and keyboard layout. Click "Next" and then "Install Now."
You will be asked to enter your product key. If you have one, type it in. If you do not have a key yet, click "I do not have a product key" — you can enter it later after installation. Windows will still install, but you will see a watermark on your desktop until you set up it.
The next screen asks you to choose which drive to install Windows on. If the new computer has only one drive, it will be listed. Select it and click "Next." If you see multiple drives, choose the one you want Windows on — usually the largest one. Be careful here: selecting the wrong drive will erase it.
Windows will now copy files and install itself. This takes 10 to 20 minutes. The computer will restart several times. Do not unplug the USB drive or turn off the computer during this time. Let it finish completely.
Finishing setup and activating Windows
After the installation completes, the computer will boot into Windows for the first time. You will see a setup screen asking for your region, keyboard layout, and whether you want to use recommended settings. Make your choices and click "Next."
You will be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account. If you have a Microsoft account and a digital license tied to it, sign in with that account. If you have a product key but no account, create a Microsoft account first, then sign in. If you have neither, you can create a local account for now and add a Microsoft account later.
Once you reach the desktop, connect to the internet. Open Settings, go to "System" and then "set up," and check your set up status. If you entered a product key during installation, Windows should show as activated. If not, click "Troubleshoot" and follow the prompts to enter your key or link your Microsoft account.
What to do if installation fails or gets stuck
If the installer stops responding or shows an error, restart the computer and try again. Most temporary errors resolve on a second attempt. If you see a message about missing drivers, your computer may have hardware that Windows does not recognize automatically. In this case, you may need to read drivers from the manufacturer's website on a different computer and transfer them via USB.
If the computer will not boot from the USB no matter what you try, the USB drive itself may be corrupted. Repeat the Media Creation Tool process on the same USB drive or use a different one. If the installer says the drive you selected is not compatible, the drive may be too old or use a file system Windows does not support. In that case, you may need to use a different drive or have a technician prepare the installation media.
Updating Windows and installing drivers after installation
Once Windows is installed and activated, open Settings and go to "Update & Security." Click "Check for updates." Windows will read and install patches and driver updates automatically. This can take 30 minutes to an hour on a new computer. Let it finish and restart if prompted.
After Windows updates finish, check the manufacturer's website for your computer model and read any additional drivers for your network card, graphics card, or other hardware. Install these drivers and restart. Your computer is now ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a product key to install Windows?
No. You can install Windows without a key and enter it later. However, Windows will show a watermark on your desktop and may have some features restricted until you set up it. You can use the computer normally while unactivated.
Can I use the same USB drive to install Windows on multiple computers?
Yes. The USB drive is just a copy of the Windows installation file. You can use it on as many computers as you want. Each installation will need its own product key or Microsoft account to set up.
What if my new computer does not have a USB port?
Most new computers have at least one USB port. If yours does not, you may need a USB-C to USB-A adapter, or you may need to use a different installation method such as an external DVD drive. Check your computer's manual for the ports available.
Will installing Windows erase my files?
Yes, if you install Windows on a drive that already has files on it, those files will be erased. If your new computer came with Windows already installed and you want to keep your files, do not reinstall Windows. If you must reinstall, back up your files to an external drive first.
How long does Windows installation take?
The entire process from USB boot to desktop usually takes 20 to 45 minutes. The actual file copying takes 10 to 20 minutes, and the rest is setup screens and restarts. Older computers or slower storage drives may take longer.