How to install Windows: complete step-by-step guide

1. Prepare before installing

Back up documents, photos and passwords. A clean install erases the selected drive. Write down your Wi‑Fi password and make sure the laptop is plugged in.

• USB flash drive of 8 GB or more
• Internet connection to download Windows
• Product key (optional — digital licenses activate automatically)

2. Boot from the USB drive

Insert the bootable USB, restart the PC and press the boot menu key right after power‑on. Common keys: F12 (Dell, Lenovo), F11 (MSI), F8 (ASUS), Esc or F9 (HP). Select the entry labeled UEFI: USB.

3. Run Windows Setup

Choose language, time format and keyboard, click Install now, then pick the edition (Home or Pro). Accept the license and choose Custom: Install Windows only for a clean installation.

4. Choose the disk and partitions

Delete old partitions on the target drive if you want a clean start, select the unallocated space and click Next. Setup creates the required EFI, MSR and recovery partitions automatically.

5. First setup (OOBE)

After several restarts, select your region, connect to the internet and sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account. Then run Windows Update and install drivers.