Windows is one of the most popular operating systems in the world, and installing it on your computer can give you access to a variety of features and applications. However, installing Windows can also be a complex and challenging process, especially if you are not familiar with the steps involved. In this article, we will guide you through the basics of how to install Windows in computer, and provide some tips and tricks to make the process easier and smoother.
Before You Begin...
Before you start installing Windows, you need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the version of Windows that you want to install. You can check the system requirements for different versions of Windows on Microsoft’s website. Generally, you will need at least:
- A processor (CPU) that supports 32-bit or 64-bit architecture
- At least 4 GB of RAM (memory)(Recommend)
- At least 64 GB of free disk space(Recommend)
- A graphics card that supports DirectX 12 or later
- A monitor that supports at least 800 x 600 resolution
- A keyboard and a mouse
- An internet connection
Product Key
You also need to make sure that you have a valid product key for the version of Windows that you want to install. A product key is a 25-digit code that proves that you have purchased a genuine copy of Windows. You can find your product key on a sticker attached to your computer, on the packaging of your Windows installation media, or in an email confirmation from Microsoft if you bought Windows online. You will need to enter your product key during the installation process, or after the installation is complete.
Windows Installation Media
Also need to have a Windows installation media, which is a physical or digital device that contains the files needed to install Windows on your computer. You can use one of the following options as your installation media.
A DVD or a USB flash drive that has at least 8 GB of space and contains the Windows installation files. You can create your own installation media by downloading the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website and following the instructions.
Recovery drive that came with your computer or that you created yourself using the Windows Recovery Tool. A recovery drive is a special type of installation media that can help you restore your computer to its factory settings or troubleshoot problems with Windows.
A network location that has the Windows installation files. This option is usually used by organizations or professionals who want to install Windows on multiple computers at once.
Once you have your installation media ready, you need to back up your important data and files from your computer. Installing Windows will erase everything on your hard drive, so you need to make sure that you have a copy of your personal documents, photos, videos, music, and other files that you don’t want to lose. You can use an external hard drive, a cloud service, or another device to store your backup.
Disable Antivirus Software
You also need to disable any antivirus software or security programs that might interfere with the installation process. You can re-enable them after the installation is complete.
Installing Windows
Step: 1
To install Windows on your computer, you need to boot your computer from your installation media. This means that you need to tell your computer to start from the DVD, USB flash drive, recovery drive, or network location that has the Windows installation files, instead of from your hard drive. To do this, you need to change the boot order in your computer’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) settings. The BIOS or UEFI is a program that controls how your computer starts up and communicates with its hardware components.
The exact steps to access and change the boot order in your BIOS or UEFI settings may vary depending on your computer model and manufacturer. You can usually find instructions on how to do this in your computer’s manual or online support website. However, a common way to access the BIOS or UEFI settings is by pressing a specific key (such as F2, F10, F12, Esc, or Del) repeatedly as soon as you turn on your computer. You should see a message on your screen that tells you which key to press.
Step: 2
Once you are in the BIOS or UEFI settings menu, look for an option that lets you change the boot order or boot priority. You need to move your installation media (DVD, USB flash drive, recovery drive, or network location) to the top of the list, so that it becomes the first device that your computer tries to boot from. Save and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings menu.
Your computer should now restart and boot from your installation media. You should see a message on your screen that says “Press any key to boot from CD/DVD/USB” or something similar.
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Press any key on your keyboard to start the Windows installation process. You should see a screen that asks you to select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method. Choose the options that suit your preferences and click Next.
Step: 3
On the next screen, click Install now to begin the installation. You will be asked to enter your product key. Type the 25-digit code that you have and click Next. If you don't have a product key, you can click I don't have a product key to continue without one. However, you will need to activate Windows later using a valid product key.
You will then be asked to accept the license terms and conditions. Read them carefully and check the box that says I accept the license terms. Click Next to proceed.
On the next screen, you will be asked to choose the type of installation that you want. You have two options:
Upgrade:
This option will keep your files, settings, and programs from your previous version of Windows. This option is only available if you are installing Windows on a computer that already has a compatible version of Windows installed.
Custom:
This option will let you install a clean copy of Windows on your computer. This option will erase everything on your hard drive and give you the option to create and format partitions.
If you want to install a clean copy of Windows, choose Custom. You will see a screen that shows your hard drive and its partitions. A partition is a section of your hard drive that acts as a separate storage unit. You can have multiple partitions on your hard drive for different purposes, such as storing different types of files or operating systems.
Partition Selection
To install Windows on your hard drive, you need to select a partition where you want to install it. If you have an empty or unallocated space on your hard drive, you can create a new partition by clicking New and specifying the size that you want. You can also delete or format existing partitions by clicking Delete or Format, respectively. Be careful not to delete or format any partitions that contain important data or files that you want to keep.
Once you have selected a partition where you want to install Windows, click Next. The installation process will begin and may take several minutes or hours depending on your computer's speed and performance. You will see a progress bar and some messages on your screen that tell you what is happening.
During the installation process, your computer may restart several times. Do not turn off your computer or interrupt the installation process until it is complete.
Customize Settings
After the installation is complete, you will see a screen that asks you to customize some settings for your new Windows system. You can choose to use the express settings, which are the default and recommended settings for most users, or customize them according to your preferences. Some of the settings that you can change include:
- Your computer name and password
- Your network and internet connection
- Your privacy and security settings
- Your region and time zone
- Your Microsoft account and OneDrive settings
Follow the instructions on your screen to complete the setup process. You may also be asked to activate Windows using your product key if you haven't done so already.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows on your computer. You can now enjoy using your new Windows system and explore its features and applications.
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