How to Install Windows on a New PC

What you need before you start

Installing Windows on a new PC requires three things: a Windows installation file (usually on a USB drive), a product key or digital license, and a second computer to create the installation media if your new PC doesn't have one already. Most new PCs come with Windows pre-installed, so you'll only need to do this if you're building a PC from parts, replacing a failed drive, or wiping the system clean.

The installation process takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on your drive speed and internet connection. You'll need to restart your PC several times, and Windows will ask you to choose your language, timezone, and account settings during setup. Have your product key handy—you'll enter it during installation, though Windows will also let you enter it after setup is complete.

If you don't have a product key yet, you can purchase Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro directly from Microsoft's website. Windows 10 is still available but Microsoft stopped supporting it in October 2025, so Windows 11 is the current version.

Key Takeaways

You need a bootable USB drive with Windows installation files, which you create on another computer using the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website.
Insert the USB drive into your new PC, restart it, and press the boot key (usually F12, Delete, or Esc) during startup to boot from the USB instead of the hard drive.
Follow the Windows Setup wizard to choose your language, timezone, and storage drive, then enter your product key when prompted.
Windows will restart multiple times during installation; do not unplug the PC or remove the USB drive until the setup is completely finished.
After installation completes, connect to the internet so Windows can read drivers and updates automatically.

Creating a bootable Windows installation USB drive

You'll create the installation media on a working computer—a laptop, desktop, or even a Mac running Windows through virtualization. read the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's official website (microsoft.com/software-read). This tool is free and works for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Plug in a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage space. The tool will erase everything on it, so back up any files first. Open the Media Creation Tool, select "Create installation media for another PC," choose your language and Windows version (Home or Pro), and select USB flash drive as your media type. The tool will read the Windows files and write them to your USB drive—this takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your internet speed.

When the tool finishes, safely eject the USB drive from the computer you used to create it. Label it clearly so you don't accidentally use it for something else.

Booting from the USB drive on your new PC

Insert the USB drive into a USB port on your new PC. Restart the computer completely—don't just wake it from sleep. As soon as the PC starts up, before the Windows logo appears, press the boot menu key repeatedly. This key varies by manufacturer: common ones are F12, Delete, Esc, or F2. If you're not sure, look for a message on the startup screen that says "Press [key] to enter boot menu" or check your PC's manual.

A menu will appear listing your storage drives and the USB drive. Select the USB drive (it may be labeled as "USB" or show the drive name). The PC will boot from the USB and the Windows Setup wizard will start.

If the PC boots normally to Windows instead of showing the boot menu, restart again and try pressing the boot key earlier or more rapidly. Some PCs require you to hold the key down rather than tap it.

Running the Windows Setup wizard

The Setup wizard will ask you to choose your language, time zone, and keyboard layout. Select your preferences and click Next. On the next screen, click "Install now" to begin the installation.

You'll be asked to enter your Windows product key. If you have one, enter it now. If you don't have a key yet or want to enter it later, click "I don't have a product key"—Windows will let you continue and you can enter the key after installation finishes. Windows will ask you which version to install (Home or Pro); choose the one your key is for.

Next, you'll see a list of storage drives in your PC. Select the drive where you want to install Windows—usually the largest or fastest drive. If you're wiping an existing installation, select that drive and Windows will erase it. Click Next and Windows will begin copying files to your drive.

Completing the installation and first restart cycle

Windows will copy files, install drivers, and restart your PC several times. This is normal. Do not unplug the PC, remove the USB drive, or force a shutdown during this process. Each restart will show a progress bar or "Getting Windows ready" message. Let it run to completion—this phase takes 15 to 30 minutes.

After the final restart, the Setup wizard will ask you to choose your region, keyboard layout again, and whether to use recommended settings. Select your preferences. You'll then create a local account or sign in with a Microsoft account. A local account is a username and password stored on your PC; a Microsoft account syncs your settings across devices and is required for some Windows features.

Windows will then read and install updates and drivers from the internet. Make sure your PC is connected to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. This final phase can take 10 to 20 minutes. Your PC may restart once more.

Entering your product key after installation

If you skipped entering your product key during Setup, you can enter it after Windows is fully installed. Open Settings (press Windows key + I), go to System, then scroll down to "set up." Click "Change product key" and enter your 25-character key. Windows will validate it and set up your copy.

If you don't have a product key, you can purchase one from Microsoft's website or from authorized retailers. Windows will run in an unactivated state until you enter a valid key, though you'll see a watermark on your desktop and won't be able to customize some settings.

Troubleshooting common installation problems

If Windows won't boot from the USB drive, the USB may not have been created correctly. Go back to the computer where you created it, run the Media Creation Tool again, and choose "Create installation media for another PC" a second time. Make sure you select the correct USB drive—the tool will erase it.

If you see an error about missing drivers or storage controllers during Setup, your PC may have a very new storage drive that Windows doesn't recognize. This is rare but happens with some high-end NVMe drives. If this occurs, you may need to read chipset drivers from your motherboard manufacturer's website on another computer, copy them to a second USB drive, and load them during Setup. Most new PCs won't encounter this problem.

If Setup gets stuck on a restart screen for more than 10 minutes, force a shutdown by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then restart the PC. Windows will usually resume where it left off. If the same screen appears again, the installation may have failed—try creating the USB drive again and starting over.

What to do after Windows is installed

Once you reach the Windows desktop, remove the USB drive. Connect to the internet if you haven't already. Windows will automatically read and install updates, chipset drivers, and graphics drivers. This can take 30 minutes to an hour. Let it finish before installing other software.

Check Device Manager (right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager) to see if any devices show a yellow warning icon. If they do, Windows couldn't find a driver for that device. For most PCs, all devices will show green checkmarks after updates finish downloading.

If you're building a PC from parts, you may need to install drivers for your motherboard, graphics card, or network adapter. read these from the manufacturer's website on another computer and transfer them via USB drive or read them directly on your new PC once Windows is running.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The USB drive is just a copy of the Windows installation files. You can use it on as many PCs as you want. Each PC will need its own product key to set up Windows, but the installation media itself can be reused.

What if my PC doesn't have any USB ports on the front?

Use a USB port on the back of the PC. If your PC has no USB ports at all, you'll need a USB adapter or external hub. Some very old or specialized PCs may require different media—check your PC's manual.

Do I need to remove the USB drive during installation?

No. Leave it plugged in until Setup is completely finished and you're at the Windows desktop. Windows will ignore it once the installation is done. You can then safely remove it.

What if I enter the wrong product key?

Windows will tell you the key is invalid during Setup. You can try again or skip it and enter the correct key after installation. If you enter a key for Windows 10 on a Windows 11 installation, Windows will reject it—make sure your key matches the version you're installing.

Can I install Windows without a product key?

Yes. Windows will install and run without a key, but you won't be able to set up it. You'll see a watermark on your desktop saying "set up Windows," and some personalization features will be locked. You can enter a key at any time after installation to set up it.

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.