Installing Windows on a New PC: Step-by-Step

What you need before you start

Installing Windows on a new PC requires three things: a Windows installation file, a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage space, and another computer to create the installation media. You will also need your Windows product key — a 25-character code that comes with your Windows license, either printed on a card or sent to your email.

If you are building a PC from parts, you will need to install Windows before the system is fully usable. If you bought a pre-built PC, Windows is usually already installed. This guide covers the case where you are starting from scratch or replacing Windows on an existing machine.

Before you begin, back up any files on the PC you want to keep. The installation process will erase the drive you install Windows to, so anything stored there will be lost.

Key Takeaways

You need a USB drive, a Windows product key, and access to another computer to download the Windows installation file from Microsoft's website.
The Media Creation Tool turns a blank USB drive into a bootable Windows installer in about 15 minutes.
During installation, you will choose which drive to install Windows to — make sure you select the correct one, as it will be erased.
After Windows installs, you will need to enter your product key and download drivers for your motherboard, graphics card, and network adapter.
Windows Update will then download and install security patches and other updates, which can take 30 minutes to an hour.

Download the Windows installation file on another computer

Go to Microsoft's Windows download page on a computer that already has internet access. Select the Windows version you have a license for — Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, or Windows 10, depending on your product key. Click the download button for the Media Creation Tool.

Save the Media Creation Tool file to your desktop or Downloads folder. You will run this tool to turn your USB drive into a bootable installer.

Create the installation media using a USB drive

Plug an empty USB drive (8 GB or larger) into the computer where you downloaded the Media Creation Tool. Open the Media Creation Tool file you just downloaded. The tool will ask whether you want to upgrade the current PC or create installation media for another PC — select "Create installation media for another PC."

The tool will ask you to choose a language, edition, and architecture. Select the same Windows version and edition that your product key is for. For architecture, choose 64-bit unless you have a specific reason to use 32-bit (most modern PCs use 64-bit). The tool will then format your USB drive and copy the Windows files to it, which takes 10 to 15 minutes.

When the process finishes, safely eject the USB drive from the computer. This USB drive is now your Windows installer.

Insert the USB drive and start the new PC

Plug the USB drive into the new PC you want to install Windows on. Turn on the PC and immediately press the key that opens the boot menu — this is usually F12, F2, Esc, or Del, depending on your motherboard. The correct key often appears on the screen for a second or two when you first power on. If you miss it, restart and try again.

When the boot menu appears, select the USB drive from the list. The PC will boot from the USB and load the Windows installer. This takes a minute or two.

Run the Windows installation and choose your drive

The Windows Setup screen will appear. Select your language, time zone, and keyboard layout, then click "Next." On the next screen, click "Install now."

You will be asked to enter your product key. Type it in exactly as it appears — it is 25 characters with hyphens. If you do not have your key yet, you can skip this step and enter it later, though Windows will remind you to do so.

The installer will ask which type of installation you want. Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" — this is the option for a fresh install on a new PC.

The next screen shows all the drives connected to your PC. This is the most important step. Select the drive where you want to install Windows. If you have only one drive, it will be the only option. If you have multiple drives, make sure you select the correct one — the installer will erase whatever drive you choose. Click "Next" to begin the installation.

Wait for installation to complete and enter your product key

Windows will copy files and install itself. This process takes 10 to 20 minutes and the PC will restart several times. Do not turn off the PC during this time. When installation finishes, the PC will restart and ask you to set up Windows — choose your region, keyboard layout, and whether to connect to a network.

Windows will then ask for your product key if you did not enter it during installation. Type it in and click "Next." Windows will activate and you will be taken to the desktop.

Install drivers and run Windows Update

After Windows is installed, you need to install drivers for your hardware. Drivers are software that let Windows communicate with your motherboard, graphics card, network adapter, and other components. Without the correct drivers, some hardware may not work properly.

Visit the website of your motherboard manufacturer and download the chipset driver and any other drivers listed for your specific motherboard model. Install them in the order the manufacturer recommends. If you have a dedicated graphics card from Nvidia or AMD, download the latest driver from their website as well.

After drivers are installed, open Windows Update by pressing the Windows key and typing "Update." Click "Check for updates." Windows will download and install security patches and other updates. This can take 30 minutes to an hour, and the PC may restart several times. Let it finish completely before using the PC for anything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my PC does not boot from the USB drive?

Make sure you pressed the boot menu key immediately after powering on — the window to press it is only a few seconds. If you missed it, restart and try again. If the USB drive does not appear in the boot menu, try a different USB port. If it still does not appear, the USB drive may not have been created correctly — try running the Media Creation Tool again on a different USB drive.

Can I install Windows without a product key?

Yes, you can skip entering the product key during installation and enter it later. Windows will work without a key, but you will see a watermark on the desktop and some personalization features will be limited. You can enter your key at any time by going to Settings, then System, then Activation.

What if I choose the wrong drive during installation?

If you realize before clicking "Next" that you selected the wrong drive, go back and select the correct one. If you have already started the installation, you cannot undo it — the selected drive will be erased. This is why it is important to double-check the drive name and size before proceeding.

Do I need to install drivers for everything?

Windows includes basic drivers for most hardware, so your PC will work without downloading additional drivers. However, installing drivers from the manufacturer ensures all features work correctly and you get the latest performance improvements and security patches. At minimum, install the chipset driver for your motherboard and the driver for your graphics card.

How long does the whole process take?

Creating the installation media takes about 15 minutes. The actual Windows installation takes 10 to 20 minutes. Installing drivers and running Windows Update can take 30 minutes to an hour. Plan for about two hours total from start to finish.

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.