How to install Windows without a USB drive

Method 1: Reset this PC with Cloud download

Open Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC. Choose 'Keep my files' or 'Remove everything', then select 'Cloud download'. Windows downloads about 4–5 GB of fresh system files from Microsoft and reinstalls itself.

This is the easiest method and gives you an almost clean installation without any external media.

Method 2: Mount the ISO and run setup

Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's website, right-click it and choose Mount. Open the new virtual drive and run setup.exe.

You can keep files and apps (in-place upgrade) or keep nothing for a fresh start. This is the best way to repair a damaged system.

• Keep personal files and apps
• Keep personal files only
• Keep nothing

Method 3: Windows 11 Installation Assistant

On a compatible Windows 10 PC, download the Installation Assistant from Microsoft. It checks compatibility and upgrades to Windows 11 while keeping your files.

Method 4: Manufacturer recovery partition

Many laptops (HP, Dell, Lenovo, ASUS) include a hidden recovery partition. Press the recovery key at startup (F11 on HP, F12/Novo button on Lenovo, F9 on ASUS) to restore factory Windows.

When you still need a USB drive

If Windows does not start at all, the disk was replaced, or you want to change partitions, you need a bootable USB drive — see our bootable USB guide.