Windows 11 comes pre-installed on most new PCs, but you can also install it yourself from a USB drive or ISO file

If you bought a new PC without an operating system, or you want to do a clean installation of Windows 11, you have two main routes: use the Windows 11 Installation Media (a USB drive you create yourself) or read an ISO file and burn it to a disc or USB drive. Microsoft provides both tools for free on their website. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes once you have the installation media ready, and you will need a product key — either one you already own or one you purchase from Microsoft.

Most new PCs sold today ship with Windows 11 already installed and activated, so you will only need to follow these steps if your PC arrived without an operating system, or if you are replacing Windows with a fresh copy. If your PC is already running Windows 11, you do not need to do anything.

Key Takeaways

  • New PCs usually come with Windows 11 pre-installed, so check your system settings before downloading anything.
  • To install Windows 11 yourself, you need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage space and a valid Windows 11 product key.
  • Microsoft's Windows 11 Installation Media tool is free and creates a bootable USB drive in about 10 minutes.
  • During installation, you will be asked to choose a drive to install Windows on — make sure you select the correct one, as this will erase all data on that drive.
  • After installation completes, you will need to enter your product key to set up Windows 11 and gain full access to all features.

Check if Windows 11 is already installed

Before you read anything, open Settings on your PC and look for your Windows version. On the keyboard, press the Windows key and type "About your PC" — the first result will show you which version of Windows is running. If it says Windows 11, you already have it and do not need to install it again.

If your PC shows an older version of Windows (like Windows 10) or no operating system at all, then you are ready to proceed with installation. Write down the product key for Windows 11 if you have one — you will need it during the setup process. If you do not have a key yet, you can purchase one from Microsoft's website or from authorized retailers.

Create a Windows 11 installation USB drive

The easiest way to install Windows 11 is to use Microsoft's Windows 11 Installation Media tool. Go to Microsoft's official Windows 11 read page and look for the "Create Windows 11 Installation Media" button. Click it and read the MediaCreationTool.exe file to your computer.

Plug in a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage space. Open the MediaCreationTool.exe file you just downloaded. The tool will ask you to accept the license terms, then choose "Create installation media for another PC." Select your language, edition (usually Windows 11), and architecture (64-bit for most modern PCs). On the next screen, choose "USB flash drive" and select your plugged-in USB drive from the list. The tool will read Windows 11 files and copy them to your USB drive — this takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed.

When the process finishes, safely eject the USB drive from your computer. This USB drive is now your Windows 11 installation media and can be used on any PC.

Boot from the USB drive and start installation

Plug the USB drive into the new PC where you want to install Windows 11. Turn on the PC and when ready start pressing a specific key to enter the boot menu — this key varies by manufacturer. Common keys are F2, F12, Delete, or Esc. If you are not sure which key to press, look at the screen when the PC first powers on; most manufacturers display the correct key for a few seconds. You may also see "Press [key] to enter Setup" or "Press [key] to select boot device."

Once you are in the boot menu, select your USB drive from the list of devices. The PC will restart and load the Windows 11 installation screen. You will see the Windows logo and a message saying "Windows is loading files." Wait for this to complete — it usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.

Follow the Windows 11 setup wizard

When the setup wizard appears, select your language, time zone, and keyboard layout. Click "Next" to continue. On the next screen, you will see "Install now" — click it to begin the installation process.

You will be asked to enter your Windows 11 product key. If you have one, type it in. If you do not have a key yet, you can click "I don't have a product key" and continue — you will be able to enter it later, though some features may be limited until you do. Next, you will see a list of drives on your PC. Select the drive where you want to install Windows 11 — this is usually the largest drive, often labeled as "Drive 0" or "C:". Be careful here: installing Windows will erase all data on the selected drive. If you have multiple drives and want to keep data on one of them, make sure you select only the drive you want to use for Windows.

Click "Next" and the installation will begin. Windows will copy files, install drivers, and configure settings. This process takes 10 to 20 minutes. Your PC may restart several times during this process — this is normal. Do not unplug the USB drive or turn off the PC during installation.

Complete setup and set up Windows 11

After installation finishes, your PC will restart and show the Windows 11 welcome screen. You will be asked to set up your user account, privacy settings, and other preferences. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete this setup. You can sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account — either option works.

Once you reach the Windows desktop, open Settings and go to "System" > "About." Scroll down to the "Windows set up" section. If you have not entered a product key yet, you will see an option to "Add a product key." Enter your Windows 11 key here. If your key is valid, Windows will set up automatically within a few minutes. You can check the set up status by returning to the same screen — it will say "Windows is activated" when complete.

Troubleshooting common installation problems

If your PC does not boot from the USB drive, restart the PC and try pressing the boot menu key again. Some PCs require you to hold the key down rather than tap it. If you still cannot access the boot menu, check your PC manufacturer's support website for the correct key for your specific model.

If the installation fails partway through with an error message, the most common cause is a corrupted USB drive. Try creating the installation media again on a different USB drive. If you see an error about "insufficient space," make sure your selected drive has at least 20 GB of free space available.

If Windows 11 installs but will not set up, double-check that you entered your product key correctly. Product keys are case-insensitive, but they cannot contain spaces or special characters. If you purchased a key from a third-party seller and it will not work, contact that seller for a replacement — Microsoft cannot issue refunds for keys purchased elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a product key before I start the installation?

No. You can install Windows 11 without a product key and enter it after installation is complete. However, some features like personalization and some security settings may be limited until you set up Windows. You can purchase a product key from Microsoft at any time.

Can I use the same USB drive to install Windows 11 on multiple PCs?

Yes. Once you create the installation media, you can use that same USB drive on as many PCs as you want. Each installation will require its own product key to set up, but the installation media itself can be reused.

What happens to my files if I install Windows 11?

Installing Windows 11 will erase all data on the drive you select during setup. If you have files you want to keep, back them up to an external drive or cloud storage before you begin installation. If you have multiple drives in your PC, you can install Windows on one drive and keep your files on another — just make sure you select the correct drive during setup.

How long does the entire process take?

Creating the installation USB drive takes 10 to 15 minutes. The actual installation on your PC takes 10 to 20 minutes. Setup and configuration after installation takes another 10 to 15 minutes. Total time is usually 30 to 50 minutes from start to finish.

Can I install Windows 11 without a USB drive?

You can read the Windows 11 ISO file directly from Microsoft and burn it to a DVD, but USB drives are faster and more reliable. If you want to use a DVD, you will need a DVD drive on your PC and blank DVDs. USB installation is the standard method and is recommended.