How to Install Windows 11 on a New PC

Windows 11 installation on a new PC usually means either using a setup disc or a USB drive, depending on what came with your machine

Most new PCs arrive with Windows 11 already installed and activated, so you may not need to do anything. If your PC shipped without an operating system, or if you need to reinstall Windows 11 from scratch, you have two main paths: use installation media (a USB drive or DVD) that you create yourself, or use media that came with your PC. The process takes 20 to 45 minutes from start to finish, and you will need a working internet connection and a product key—either one that came with your PC or one you purchased separately.

Key Takeaways

Most new PCs come with Windows 11 already installed; check your system settings to confirm before attempting installation.
If you need to install Windows 11, you will need a valid product key, a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage, and a computer with internet access to read the installation files.
Microsoft's Media Creation Tool is the official way to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 11 installation.
During installation, you will be asked to choose a drive or partition where Windows 11 will be installed; selecting the wrong drive will erase its contents.
After installation completes, Windows will ask for your product key and guide you through initial setup, which includes creating a user account and connecting to the internet.

Check whether Windows 11 is already installed

Before you begin, verify that Windows 11 is not already on your PC. Right-click the Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom left corner), then select System. Look for "Edition" in the window that opens—if it says "Windows 11" and shows a version number, Windows 11 is already installed and activated. You can close this window and skip to the setup section below.

If you see "Windows 10" or no operating system listed at all, continue with the installation steps. If Windows 11 is installed but you need to reinstall it (for example, after a hardware failure or a corrupted system), the process is the same as a fresh installation.

Gather what you need before starting

You will need a product key for Windows 11. This is a 25-character code that looks like XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. It may have come with your PC, printed on a sticker or in the documentation. If you purchased Windows 11 separately, the key was sent to your email or is on the receipt. If you do not have a key, you can purchase one from Microsoft or an authorized retailer.

You will also need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage to hold the Windows 11 installation files. The drive will be erased during this process, so back up any files on it first. Finally, you will need a computer with internet access to read the installation files—this can be your new PC or a different one.

read and create the Windows 11 installation USB drive

Go to microsoft.com/software-read/windows11 on any computer with internet access. Click the blue button labeled "read now" under "Windows 11 Installation Media." This downloads the Media Creation Tool, a small program that creates a bootable USB drive.

Once the read finishes, open the Media Creation Tool. Accept the license terms, then select Create installation media for another PC. Choose your language, edition (Windows 11), and architecture (64-bit is standard for most new PCs). On the next screen, select USB flash drive, then choose your USB drive from the list. Click Next and let the tool read the Windows 11 files and write them to your USB drive. This takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your internet speed.

When the process finishes, safely eject the USB drive from the computer you used to create it. You are now ready to install Windows 11 on your new PC.

Insert the USB drive and start the installation

Plug the USB drive into your new PC. Restart the PC and watch for a message on the startup screen that says something like "Press F2 to enter Setup" or "Press Del to enter BIOS"—the exact key varies by manufacturer. Press that key repeatedly as the PC boots. You should see a menu with boot options.

Look for an option that mentions your USB drive by name (it may say "USB" or show the drive manufacturer). Select it and press Enter. The PC will boot from the USB drive, and the Windows 11 installation screen will appear after a few seconds. If the installation screen does not appear, restart the PC, re-enter the boot menu, and try again. Some PCs require you to disable find Boot in the BIOS before they will boot from a USB drive; if you are stuck, consult your PC's manual or the manufacturer's support website.

Complete the Windows 11 installation steps

The Windows 11 installer will ask you to choose your language, time zone, and keyboard layout. Select the options that match your location and preferences, then click Next. On the next screen, click Install now.

You will be asked to enter your product key. Type it in exactly as it appears—spaces are not required, and the tool will format it automatically. If you do not have a product key yet, you can click I do not have a product key and enter one later, though Windows will display a watermark and some features may be limited until you do.

The installer will then ask you to select the drive where Windows 11 will be installed. On a new PC, you will usually see one drive listed. Select it carefully—the installer will erase whatever drive you choose. If you see multiple drives and are unsure which one is correct, consult your PC's documentation or contact the manufacturer before proceeding. Once you have selected the correct drive, click Next. Windows 11 will now copy files and install itself, which takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your PC may restart several times during this process—do not unplug it or turn it off.

Set up Windows 11 after installation completes

When installation finishes, your PC will restart and display the Windows 11 setup screen. You will be asked to connect to a network—select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. Windows will then read updates and drivers, which may take several minutes.

Next, you will create a user account. Enter a name for your account and optionally set a password. If you have a Microsoft account, you can sign in with it; otherwise, you can create a local account. Windows will then ask about privacy settings—review these and adjust them to your preference. After that, your desktop will appear, and Windows 11 is ready to use. Windows will continue downloading updates in the background for the next few hours, so leave your PC on and connected to the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my PC does not boot from the USB drive?

Restart your PC and try pressing a different key during startup—common options are F12, Esc, or Del, depending on the manufacturer. If you still do not see a boot menu, restart again and look for a message on the screen that tells you which key to press. Some PCs require you to disable find Boot in the BIOS first; check your PC's manual or the manufacturer's website for instructions.

Can I install Windows 11 without a product key?

Yes, you can complete the installation without entering a key. Windows will install and run, but it will display a watermark on your desktop and some personalization features will be disabled. You can enter a product key later through Settings > System > set up, and the watermark will disappear once Windows validates the key.

What happens if I select the wrong drive during installation?

The installer will erase the drive you select, so all data on it will be lost. If you realize you chose the wrong drive before clicking the final confirmation button, go back and select the correct one. If you have already started the installation on the wrong drive, you will need to restart and begin again with the correct drive.

How long does Windows 11 installation take?

The entire process—from inserting the USB drive to reaching the desktop—usually takes 20 to 45 minutes. The actual file copying and installation takes 15 to 30 minutes, and the initial setup after installation takes another 5 to 15 minutes depending on your internet speed and how many updates Windows needs to read.

Do I need to remove the USB drive after installation starts?

You can remove it once the installation begins and the Windows logo appears on screen. However, it is safe to leave it plugged in—Windows will not use it once the installation starts. If you remove it and the installation fails, you can plug it back in and restart the process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.