Installing Windows 11: can be done in a few ways - RealAi

Installing Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

1. Method 1: Upgrade via Windows Update
2. 1. Prerequisites (Check Compatibility and Prepare)

Before installing Windows 11, ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements:

Requirement	Minimum Specification
Processor	1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC.
RAM	4 GB or greater.
Storage	64 GB or larger storage device.
System firmware	UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
TPM	Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
Graphics card	Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display	High definition (720p) display, greater than 9" diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
Internet & Microsoft Account	Required for Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use for initial device setup.

2. Method 1: Upgrade via Windows Update (Easiest Method for Windows 10 Users)

If your PC is running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, and meets the minimum requirements, this is the simplest method:

1. Open Windows Update: Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Check for Updates: Select the Check for updates button.
3. Start Download & Install: If your PC is ready, a message will appear indicating that Windows 11 is available. Select Download and install.
4. Accept Terms: Read and accept the Software License Terms.
5. Restart: The download and initial installation will happen in the background. Once ready, select Restart now to complete the installation.
6. Final Setup: Your PC will restart several times. Once complete, you'll see the Windows 11 sign-on screen. Sign in to complete the final configuration.

3. Method 2: Clean Installation using a USB Drive (For New PCs or Full Reinstall)

A clean install will erase all data on the drive where you install Windows, so ensure your data is backed up.

Part A: Create Windows 11 Installation Media

1. Get the Tool: Download the Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website on a working PC.
2. Run the Tool: Double-click the downloaded file (e.g., `MediaCreationTool.exe`) and select Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
3. Accept Terms: Accept the license terms.
4. Select Media: Choose the language, edition, and architecture, then select USB flash drive when prompted for media type. You will need a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB of space.
5. Select Drive: Select the correct USB flash drive from the list.
6. Create Media: The tool will download Windows 11 and create the bootable USB drive. This may take some time. Select Finish when done.

Part B: Perform the Clean Installation

1. Insert USB: Insert the bootable USB drive into the PC where you want to install Windows 11.
2. Boot from USB: Restart your PC. You will need to press a key (often F2, F10, F12, or Esc, depending on your PC manufacturer) to enter the boot menu or BIOS/UEFI settings. Change the boot order to boot from the USB drive.
3. Windows Setup: The Windows Setup screen will appear. Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click Next.
4. Install Now: Click Install now.
5. Product Key: If prompted, enter your product key or select I don't have a product key (if you have a digital license, Windows will activate automatically after installation).
6. License Terms: Accept the license terms.
7. Choose Installation Type: Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
8. Select Drive/Partition: Choose the hard drive or partition where you want to install Windows 11. For a true clean install, you may need to delete all existing partitions on the main drive until you have a single block of Unallocated Space, then select that space and click Next.
9. Installation Begins: Windows installation will start. The PC will restart several times. Do not turn it off.
10. Initial Setup: Once the main installation is complete, follow the on-screen prompts to set up your region, keyboard, Microsoft account, and other personal settings.