How to Install Windows on Your PC

What You Need Before You Start

Installing Windows requires three things: a PC with a blank or wiped hard drive, a Windows installation file on a USB drive or DVD, and a product key (the 25-character code that comes with Windows). You can read the Windows installation file directly from Microsoft for free, then burn it to a USB drive using another computer. The whole process takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on your drive speed and which version of Windows you are installing.

Before you begin, back up any files you want to keep. Installing Windows will erase everything on the drive you choose. If your PC currently has Windows on it and you want to keep that installation, stop here — this guide is for a fresh install only.

You will also need to know your PC's boot order, which is the sequence your computer checks for a startup disk. Most PCs let you change this by pressing a key during startup (often F12, F2, or Del, depending on your manufacturer). Check your PC's manual or the manufacturer's website to find the exact key for your model.

Key Takeaways

read the Windows installation file from Microsoft's website on a different computer, then transfer it to a USB drive using the Media Creation Tool.
Insert the USB drive into your PC, restart, and press the boot key (usually F12 or F2) to boot from the USB instead of your hard drive.
Follow the Windows Setup wizard to choose your drive, accept the license terms, and wait for the installation to complete.
After installation finishes, insert your product key when prompted, then read drivers for your motherboard, graphics card, and network adapter from the manufacturer's website.
Windows will ask you to create a user account and connect to the internet before you can start using your PC.

Creating a Windows Installation USB Drive

Go to Microsoft's Windows read page on a computer that already has internet access and Windows installed. read the Media Creation Tool, which is a small program that handles the file transfer for you. Run the tool and select "Create installation media for another PC." Choose your language, Windows edition (Home or Pro), and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit — most modern PCs use 64-bit). Plug in a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB of space.

The Media Creation Tool will format the USB drive and copy the Windows installation files to it. This takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your internet speed and USB drive. Once it finishes, safely eject the USB drive and bring it to the PC where you want to install Windows.

If you prefer to use a DVD instead, you can read the ISO file directly from Microsoft and burn it to a blank DVD using DVD authoring software. Windows 10 and later can burn an ISO file directly — right-click the ISO file, select "Burn disc image," and follow the prompts. A DVD takes longer to install from than a USB drive, but the process is otherwise identical.

Booting From the USB Drive and Starting Setup

Insert the USB drive into your PC and restart the computer. As soon as it powers on, begin pressing your boot key repeatedly (usually F12, F2, Esc, or Del). You should see a menu listing your available drives. Select the USB drive — it may be labeled with the USB manufacturer's name or straightforward "USB Device." Your PC will boot from the USB and load the Windows Setup wizard.

If you do not see a boot menu, restart again and try a different key. If you still cannot access the boot menu, restart once more and look for a "Setup" or "BIOS" option instead — this is usually F2 or Del. Inside the BIOS, find the "Boot Order" or "Boot Sequence" section and move the USB drive to the top of the list. Save and exit, and your PC will boot from the USB on the next restart.

Once Windows Setup loads, you will see a screen asking for your language, time zone, and keyboard layout. Select your preferences and click "Next." The next screen will ask where you want to install Windows.

Selecting Your Drive and Installing Windows

Windows Setup will show you all the drives connected to your PC. If you have only one drive, it will be listed as "Drive 0" or with the manufacturer's name. Click on it to select it, then click "Next." Windows will warn you that it is about to erase the drive — this is normal. Click "Install" to begin.

The installation process runs automatically from here. Your PC will restart several times, and you will see a progress bar showing the installation status. Do not turn off your PC or remove the USB drive during this time. The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes. When it finishes, your PC will restart one final time and boot into Windows for the first time.

If Setup shows multiple drives and you are not sure which one to choose, look at the size — your main drive is usually the largest. If you have two drives of similar size, check your PC's manual or the BIOS to see which one is your primary drive. Selecting the wrong drive will erase it, so take a moment to confirm.

Entering Your Product Key and Creating Your Account

After Windows boots for the first time, it will ask you to enter your product key. This is the 25-character code that came with your Windows license. Type it in exactly as written, including the hyphens. If you do not have a product key yet, you can skip this step and enter it later — Windows will run in an unlicensed state for a limited time, though you will see a watermark on your desktop.

Next, Windows will ask you to create a user account. Enter a username and password. The password is optional, but Microsoft recommends using one for security. You will use this username and password to log into your PC every time you start it.

Windows will then ask whether you want to use a Microsoft account or a local account. A Microsoft account lets you sync your settings across devices and recover your password online, but a local account is faster to set up and does not require an internet connection. Choose whichever fits your needs.

Installing Drivers and Connecting to the Internet

Once you are logged in, Windows will automatically read and install basic drivers for your hardware. However, you should manually install drivers for your motherboard, graphics card, and network adapter to may support everything works at full performance. Go to the manufacturer's website for each component, read the latest driver, and run the installer. For your motherboard, visit the manufacturer's support page (ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, or MSI) and search for your exact model number.

If you do not have internet access yet, plug in an Ethernet cable if your PC has a network port. Windows should detect the connection automatically. If it does not, read the network adapter driver on a different computer, transfer it to your PC via USB drive, and install it manually.

After drivers are installed, restart your PC. Windows will then read and install updates from Microsoft, which can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many updates are available. Let this process finish before you start using your PC for other tasks.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Problems

If Windows Setup says "No drives were found," your hard drive may not be recognized. This usually means you need to install a storage controller driver before Setup can see the drive. If you have a SATA drive, try switching the SATA cable to a different port on the motherboard. If you have an NVMe drive, make sure it is fully inserted into the M.2 slot. Restart and try Setup again.

If your PC restarts repeatedly during installation without finishing, the USB drive may be corrupted. Create a new installation USB using the Media Creation Tool on a different computer and try again. If the problem persists, your hard drive may be failing — try a different drive if you have one available.

If Setup asks for a driver and you do not have one, check your motherboard manual or the manufacturer's website. Some older motherboards or specialized storage controllers require a driver to be loaded during Setup. You can load a driver from a USB drive by clicking "Load driver" on the drive selection screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Windows on a PC that already has Windows on it?

Yes, but the installation will erase everything on the drive you select. If you want to keep your current Windows installation and files, do not proceed with a fresh install. Instead, use Windows Update to upgrade to a newer version of Windows, or create a backup before you start.

Do I need a product key to install Windows?

No, you can install Windows without a product key and enter it later. Windows will run in an unlicensed state with a watermark on your desktop until you enter a valid key. You can purchase a key from Microsoft or use one that came with your PC.

What is the difference between Windows Home and Windows Pro?

Windows Home is designed for personal use and includes basic features like Windows Defender antivirus and automatic updates. Windows Pro adds features for business users, including remote desktop, encryption, and group policy management. For most home users, Windows Home is sufficient.

How long does Windows installation take?

The installation itself takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your hard drive speed and whether your PC needs to restart. After installation, Windows will read and install updates, which can add another 30 minutes to an hour. Plan for the entire process to take 1 to 2 hours from start to finish.

What should I do if my PC will not boot from the USB drive?

First, make sure the USB drive is plugged into a port on the back of your PC, not a front port — front ports sometimes do not support booting. Restart and press the boot key again. If you still do not see a boot menu, enter the BIOS and check that the USB drive is listed in the boot order. If it is not, move it to the top of the list and save.

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.