Step-by-Step Guide- How to Install Windows 11 on Your PC Using a USB Drive

How to Install Windows 11 from USB: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing Windows 11 from a USB drive is a convenient and efficient way to set up your new operating system. Whether you’re upgrading from a previous version of Windows or installing it on a new PC, following these steps will help you get the job done smoothly. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Windows 11 from a USB drive, ensuring that you have a successful and hassle-free experience.

Step 1: Prepare Your USB Drive

Before you begin, you’ll need to prepare your USB drive. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Obtain a USB drive with at least 64GB of storage space.
2. Format the USB drive using the NTFS file system. This is the recommended file system for Windows installations.
3. Create a bootable Windows 11 ISO file. You can do this by downloading the Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft website and using a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Now that you have your USB drive formatted and an ISO file ready, it’s time to create a bootable USB drive. Follow these steps:

1. Download Rufus from the official website (rufus.ie).
2. Open Rufus and select your USB drive from the “Device” dropdown menu.
3. In the “Boot selection” section, click on “Select” and navigate to the Windows 11 ISO file you downloaded earlier.
4. Ensure that the “Partition scheme” is set to “MBR (Master Boot Record)” and the “File system” is set to “NTFS.”
5. Click on “Start” to begin the process. Rufus will format the USB drive and copy the Windows 11 ISO file to it.

Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive

With your USB drive now bootable, it’s time to boot your PC from it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Power off your PC and insert the USB drive into one of the USB ports.
2. Restart your PC and access the BIOS or UEFI settings. This can usually be done by pressing a key like F2, F10, or DEL during the boot process. The specific key may vary depending on your PC’s manufacturer.
3. In the BIOS or UEFI settings, navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Options” section.
4. Set the USB drive as the first boot device in the boot order. Save your changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings.
5. Your PC will now boot from the USB drive, and you’ll be prompted to begin the Windows 11 installation process.

Step 4: Install Windows 11

Follow these steps to install Windows 11 on your PC:

1. In the Windows 11 installation setup, select your preferred language, time, and keyboard layout.
2. Click on “Install Windows” to begin the installation process.
3. Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” when prompted.
4. Select the partition where you want to install Windows 11. If you’re installing it on a new PC, you can create a new partition by clicking on “New.”
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. This may take some time, so be patient.
6. Once the installation is complete, remove the USB drive and restart your PC.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows 11 from a USB drive. Enjoy your new operating system and explore the exciting features that Windows 11 has to offer.