With the release of Windows 11, many users are eager to upgrade their operating system. While some may choose to upgrade through the Windows Update feature, others may prefer a clean installation using a USB drive. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of installing Windows 11 from a USB drive.
System Requirements
Before attempting to install Windows 11, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements. These include a 1 GHz or faster processor, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage space. Additionally, your system must have a UEFI firmware and a graphics card that supports DirectX 12 or later.
Create a Bootable USB Drive
The first step in installing Windows 11 from a USB drive is to create a bootable USB drive. You can use the Windows Media Creation Tool to do this. Simply download the tool from the Microsoft website and follow the instructions to create a bootable USB drive. Make sure to use a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage space.
Change Boot Order
Once you have created the bootable USB drive, you will need to change the boot order in your system’s BIOS settings. This will allow your system to boot from the USB drive instead of the internal hard drive. The steps to access the BIOS settings may vary depending on your system, but it is usually done by pressing a key (such as F2 or Delete) during the boot process.
Begin Installation
After changing the boot order, restart your system and it should boot from the USB drive. You will see the Windows 11 installation screen, where you can select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method. Click “Next” to continue.
Enter Product Key
Next, you will be prompted to enter your product key. If you have a digital license, you can click “I don’t have a product key” and continue with the installation. If you have a physical product key, enter it in the designated field.
Select Installation Type
You will then be asked to select the type of installation you want. Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” to perform a clean installation. This will erase all data on your system, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.
Complete Installation
The installation process will begin and may take some time to complete. Once it is finished, your system will restart and you will be prompted to set up your user account and other settings. Follow the instructions to complete the installation.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues during the installation process, you can try using the Windows 11 installation assistant. This tool can help troubleshoot and fix any problems that may arise during the installation.
Conclusion
Installing Windows 11 from a USB drive is a simple process that can be done by following these steps. Make sure to back up your data and check for system compatibility before proceeding with the installation. With these instructions, you can easily upgrade to the latest version of Windows and enjoy its new features and improvements.
