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- Making an Install Drive (Windows 10)
- Making an Install Drive (Windows 8.1)
- Changing Your Computer’s Boot Order
- Installing Windows
- Video
- Expert Q&A
- Tips
- Warnings
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This wikiHow teaches you how to use a USB flash drive to install a version of the Windows operating system onto a Windows computer. Using a USB flash drive is useful when your computer doesn’t have a CD drive or when you don’t have an operating system installation disc.
Installing Windows from a USB: Quick Steps
- Create a bootable USB drive with the Windows OS you’re using.
- Insert the flash drive into the computer you’re installing Windows on.
- Restart the computer and press the BIOS button.
- Change the boot order of your computer so it launches from the USB drive.
- Restart your computer.
- Follow the installation instructions on the screen to finish the installation.
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Check the computer’s architecture number. Before you download an installation tool for your preferred operating system, you’ll need to know whether the computer on which you want to install Windows runs a 32-bit system or a 64-bit system.
- Make sure that you do this on the computer on which you’re going to install Windows.
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Windows needs at least eight gigabytes of space for its installation file.
- Flash drives are fairly cheap; you can get a 16-gigabyte flash drive—twice times the space you need—for less than $10.
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The flash drive should fit into one of your computer’s rectangular USB ports.
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Format the flash drive to FAT32 or exFAT. When formatting your flash drive, click the File system drop-down box, then click FAT32 or exFAT in the drop-down menu.
- Formatting your flash drive will erase everything on it.
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Open the Windows 10 download page, then click Download tool now at the bottom of the page.
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Double-click the «MediaCreationTool» EXE file, click Yes when prompted, accept any terms, and fill out any on-screen sections until you get to the installation section.
- As part of the installation tool, you’ll be prompted to select a language, an edition of Windows, and an architecture for the setup process. Make sure to use the same architecture here as you found in step two of this part.
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Once the installation section of the Media Creation Tool window opens, click the «Create installation media» checkbox, click Next, select your computer’s language, edition, and architecture, click Next, click the flash drive’s name, and click Next.
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This may take several minutes. Once all of the setup files have downloaded (or pasted) into the flash drive, you can proceed with changing your computer’s boot order.
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Check the computer’s architecture number. Before you download an installation tool for your preferred operating system, you’ll need to know whether the computer on which you want to install Windows runs a 32-bit system or a 64-bit system.
- Make sure that you do this on the computer on which you’re going to install Windows.
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Windows needs at least four gigabytes of space for its installation file.
- Flash drives are fairly cheap; you can get a 16-gigabyte flash drive—four times the space you need—for less than $10.
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The flash drive should fit into one of your computer’s rectangular USB ports.
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Format the flash drive to FAT32 or exFAT. When formatting your flash drive, click the File system drop-down box, then click FAT32 or exFAT in the drop-down menu.
- Formatting your flash drive will erase everything on it.
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Open the Windows 8.1 download page, scroll down and select a version of Windows 8.1, click Confirm, select a language and click Confirm, and click either 32-Bit Download or 64-Bit Download in the middle of the page. This will prompt the disk image (ISO) file to download.
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Make the flash drive bootable. If you’re installing Windows 8.1, you’ll need to use Command Prompt or another bootable USB method to ensure that your computer will recognize your USB flash drive as a software installation location.
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Copy the downloaded ISO file by selecting it and pressing Ctrl+C, then open your formatted, bootable flash drive and press Ctrl+V. The ISO file will appear on the flash drive after a few minutes, after which point you can proceed with changing your computer’s boot order.
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If you’re merely trying to install a new version of Windows on your existing computer, skip this step.
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Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port on the computer.
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Click Start
, click Power
, and click Restart. Your computer will begin to restart.
- If the computer is off, press its power button to turn it on, then move to the next step. If the computer turns on when you open its lid or move the mouse, you’ll still need to restart it before proceeding.
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As soon as the computer’s startup screen appears (the screen right after the computer shuts down and is beginning to restart), begin pressing the BIOS key. Your computer’s BIOS key will vary depending on the manufacturer, but it will usually be one of the function keys (e.g., F2), Esc, or Del.[1]
- You can check your computer’s BIOS key online or in the manual that came with your computer.
- Many computers will flash a «Press [key] to enter setup» (or similar) message at the bottom of the screen as your computer is starting up. This is the key that you should press.
- If you miss your opportunity and the computer finishes the restart cycle, you’ll need to restart it and try again.
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This section is usually in the Advanced or Advanced Options tab, but each BIOS menu is different. The «Boot Order» section will have a list of different startup locations, including your hard drive’s name and your CD drive.[2]
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Using the arrow keys, move the highlight bar down until it’s covering the flash drive’s name.[3]
- On some computers, you’ll instead select Removable Storage or Removable Drives (or something similarly titled).
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You’ll usually do this by pressing the + key until the flash drive is at the top, but check the legend at the bottom or on the side of the BIOS screen to see if your controls are different.[4]
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There’s usually a key that you can press to do this, so check the legend to see what it is and then press it.
- You may have to press another key to confirm this decision.
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If your computer doesn’t greet you with a «Press any key» screen and instead finishes the restart cycle, restart it again to boot from the flash drive. This will launch the Windows setup process.
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When you see the «Press any key» line of text, press any key on your computer’s keyboard to proceed with the Windows installation.
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When the Windows installation window pops up, select a language, region, and any other preferences listed there.
- You may also be prompted to select keyboard settings here.
- On Windows 7, you’ll check the «I agree» box here instead, then skip ahead to the «Select a partition» step.
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It’s in the lower-right corner of the page.
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When prompted, type in the product key that came with your computer or installation disc, then click Next.
- On Windows 10, you must first click Install now. You can also skip the product key entry for now by clicking the Skip option.
- On Windows 7, you won’t be asked for your product key until after the installation is complete.
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Check the «I agree» box, then click Next.
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Check the «Custom» box, then click Next
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Double-click the partition on which you want to install Windows, then confirm your choice when prompted. You may also need to select the empty partition and click Next to prompt the installation process to begin.
- On Windows 7, you’ll select the partition that you want to use, click Delete, confirm the decision when prompted, click the empty hard drive, and click Next to begin the installation process.
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Your computer may restart several times during this process, and the installation may take several minutes to over an hour depending on your computer’s speed.
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After Windows is installed on the computer, you’ll be asked to set up a few more preferences (e.g., your language, account name, email address, etc.) before you can begin using Windows.
- On Windows 7, you’ll be asked to enter your product key here.
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-
Question
How do I change my computer’s boot order?
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.
Computer & Tech Specialist
Expert Answer
You’ll have to change this in the system’s BIOS. Restart your computer and before it fully boots up, press the BIOS key, which is one of the function keys on your keyboard’s top row. On the BIOS screen, you can then go into the settings and change the priority order so that your flash drive loads Windows first.
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Question
I want to install Windows but am being prompted that there is a missing operating system. What now?
Have you put the OS on the drive? If not, install it on there. You can also try to install an *.iso file on the drive.
-
Question
What if I’m putting in a brand new hard drive?
If you are installing from scratch, you will still need to create the boot media using one of the above steps on a working computer. Once the boot media is created, you will use it on the computer that has a new hard drive. Just remember that with a new hard drive and installation, you need to get a registration code to activate Windows.
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Navigating the BIOS can be extremely frustrating since no two BIOS pages are identical. To negate this frustration, find your computer’s manual and look up the BIOS information there.
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Last Updated :
22 Nov, 2024
Installing Windows 10 from a USB flash drive is one of the most efficient ways to set up or upgrade your operating system. Whether you’re installing Windows 10 on a new PC or performing a clean installation on your existing device, using a bootable USB drive simplifies the process. This method allows you to bypass the need for physical discs and offers faster installation times.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a bootable USB drive, set it up as your primary boot device, and install Windows 10 step by step.
Table of Content
- How to Install Windows 10 From USB Flash Drive — 8 Steps
- Steps to Configure Your Computer to Boot from the USB Drive
- Finish Setting up Windows 10
Windows 10 Hardware Requirements:
Here are the minimum system specifications needed to properly run Windows 10:
- Processor: 1GHz or faster
- RAM: 1GB for 32-bit or 2GB for 64-bit
- Storage Space: 16GB for 32-bit or 20GB for 64-bit
- Graphics Card: DirectX 9 or later with a WDDM 1.0 driver
- Display: 800×600
How to Install Windows 10 From USB Flash Drive — 8 Steps
It’s not always possible to install Windows 10 using a disc because the majority of modern computers do not have a CD or DVD drive. Luckily, discs are no longer necessary—all you need is a USB drive.
Step 1: Visit the Windows 10 website Official site
Browse to the Official Website of Windows 10 & download the ISO File for configuration purposes.
Step 2: Create Windows 10 Installation Media
Click on Download Tool Now. Insert the USB Drive into the device which has a minimum of 8 GB of free memory.
Step 3: Accept the License Agreement
Open the installed file & click on the Accept button to move ahead. It is advisable to read all the items & conditions before moving ahead.
Step 4: Select the Installation Media
Choose «Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC» and click «Next.»
Step 5: Choose Language
Now, in the next window, mark the Checkbox which will get all the device-related information. Click Next to move ahead.
Step 6: Select USB Flash Drive
Now, click on the USB Drive option & click Next.
Step 7: Select the USB Drive to Initiate
Now, the USB Drive will be shown, click Next to start processing.
Step 8: Finish the Setup
After waiting a bit, click on Finish to complete the process.
Hence, we have successfully configured the USB drive for installing Windows 10 on a desktop or laptop.
Steps to Configure Your Computer to Boot from the USB Drive
The steps to install Windows 10 from USB are as follows:
Step 1: Insert the Bootable USB Drive and Restart the Device
To boot Windows 10 with USB, restart the device & enter the boot menu option. On the screen, click on Next by leaving all the options as it is.
Note: The method to enter the boot menu is different for different devices. Sometimes, pressing the F2 key can lead to the boot menu. It is advisable to search for the key on the internet along with the name of the motherboard. Because the key depends upon the type of motherboard installed in the device.
Step 2: Proceed to Install
Now, click on the Install Now button.
Step 3: Proceed ahead with or without Product Key
In the next window, it will ask for the Product Key. Click on the option below to move ahead without Product Key.
Step 4: Choose Installation Type
On the next page, so many options will be present for Windows 10. Select the Default one & click Next.
Step 5: Proceed with the License
Click on the Checkbox as consent for the terms & conditions. And click on the Next button. It is advisable to read all the items & conditions before moving ahead.
Step 6: Begin the Installation by clicking on the «Upgrade» option
Now, click on the Upgrade option to move all the files & supported applications to Windows 10 without occurring any error.
Finish Setting up Windows 10
Now, the installation process is started. Wait till the installation is completed.
Hence, we have successfully installed Windows 10 operating system using a USB drive on any computer or laptop.
By following these steps, you can successfully install Windows 10 from a USB flash drive, providing a fresh and efficient operating system experience.
Steps to Install Windows 11 via Bootable USB Drive
Published
6 min read
How To Install Windows 11 Using a Bootable USB Drive
Installing a new operating system can be an exciting yet intimidating task, especially if it involves an entirely new version like Windows 11. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps for installing Windows 11 using a bootable USB drive. This method is not only efficient but also ensures that you are setting everything up correctly without relying on your existing operating system. We aim to cover everything in detail, so even if you’re a beginner, you should be able to follow along without any issues.
Understanding Windows 11
Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft and comes with a variety of new features, improved interface aesthetics, and enhanced performance. It introduces a redesigned Start Menu, a focus on productivity with Snap Layouts, and many gaming optimizations. Before diving into the installation process, make sure your hardware meets the minimum system requirements.
Minimum System Requirements
Before you prepare your USB drive, check that your computer meets the following requirements to run Windows 11:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
- RAM: 4 GB or more.
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
- Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x.
- Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p).
- Internet Connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates and to download certain features.
Ensure that you have backed up any important data on your existing operating system, as the installation may lead to data loss if not correctly managed.
Preparing the Bootable USB Drive
To install Windows 11, you will first need to create a bootable USB drive. This process involves downloading the Windows 11 ISO file and using it to prepare a USB flash drive.
Step 1: Download Windows 11 ISO
- Visit the Microsoft Website: Navigate to the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page.
- Select Download Option: Here, you will find several options. You can choose to either directly upgrade your PC or download the installation media. Click on «Download Now» under «Create Windows 11 Installation Media.»
- Run the Media Creation Tool: Once downloaded, run the tool. It will guide you through preparing the bootable USB drive.
Step 2: Connect USB Flash Drive
- Insert USB Drive: Connect a minimum 8 GB USB flash drive into your computer. Ensure that it does not contain important data, as the process will format the drive.
Step 3: Create the Bootable USB Drive
- Open Media Creation Tool: After running the tool, accept the license terms.
- Choose ‘Create installation media’: Select this option and press ‘Next.’
- Select Language, Edition, and Architecture: Choose your preferences. It’s generally a good idea to use the default settings recommended for your PC.
- Choose USB Flash Drive: When prompted, select “USB flash drive” and click ‘Next.’
- Select Your USB Drive: Choose the appropriate drive from the list (ensure you are selecting the correct one to avoid data loss).
- Wait for Creation: The tool will start downloading Windows 11 and create the bootable USB drive. This process may take some time, depending on your internet speed.
Once the process is complete, you now have a bootable USB drive ready to install Windows 11.
Installing Windows 11 from Bootable USB
With the bootable USB drive prepared, the next step is to install Windows 11. Below are the detailed steps to follow.
Step 1: Change Boot Order
- Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. Common keys to enter BIOS include F2, F10, Del, or Esc (it varies by manufacturer).
- Navigate to Boot Options: Look for a tab or section labeled ‘Boot’ or ‘Boot Options.’
- Change Boot Order: Ensure that the USB drive is set to boot before the hard drive. Use the prompts on-screen to change the boot order.
- Save and Exit: Save the changes you have made (usually via the F10 key) and exit the BIOS/UEFI.
Step 2: Boot from USB Drive
- Insert USB Drive: Make sure your USB drive is still connected to your computer.
- Restart Your Computer: Your system should boot from the USB drive you created.
Step 3: Start Windows 11 Installation
- Choose Language and Preferences: Once booted, you’ll see the Windows Setup screen. Choose your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and click ‘Next.’
- Install Now: Click on the ‘Install now’ button.
- Enter Product Key: If prompted, enter your Windows 11 product key. If you don’t have one, you can choose the option “I don’t have a product key,” and Windows will allow you to continue the installation.
- Choose Installation Type: Select the type of installation you want. If you’re upgrading from a previous version of Windows, you can choose the ‘Upgrade’ option. For a clean installation, choose ‘Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).’
Step 4: Disk Partitioning
If you selected a clean installation, you’ll need to choose where to install Windows 11.
- Select Disk: You will see a list of partitions available on your hard drive.
- Delete/Format Partitions (If Necessary): If you want to completely overhaul your system, you can delete the current partition and select unallocated space for installing Windows 11.
- New Partition Creation: If you choose to delete the old partition, the setup will automatically create new partitions required by Windows for going forward.
- Select Partition and Click Next: After suitable adjustments, select the partition where you want to install Windows and click ‘Next.’ The installation will begin, and your PC may restart several times during this process.
Step 5: Completing Windows 11 Installation
- Personalize Settings: After the installation is complete, you will be greeted with several personalized settings, including the option to connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with a Microsoft account, or create a local account.
- Choose Privacy Settings: Windows 11 features a variety of privacy options. Review these settings carefully and customize them according to your comfort.
- Finalizing Setup: Once you’re done configuring all the settings, Windows will finalize the installation. You’ll see a welcome screen, logs you in, and helps set up your desktop.
Step 6: Install Drivers and Updates
- Check for Updates: Once at the desktop, ensure your system is up to date. Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.
- Install Drivers: It’s essential to download and install drivers for your hardware to ensure optimal performance. Visit your manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers, including graphics, audio, and network drivers.
Post Installation Steps
Now that you’ve successfully installed Windows 11, there are a few more steps worth considering.
Step 1: Customize Your Environment
- Taskbar and Start Menu Configuration: Customize your taskbar and Start Menu according to your preferences. Windows 11 allows you plenty of personalization options.
- Adjust Settings: Go through the settings menu to adjust the appearance, privacy settings, and system preferences.
Step 2: Install Essential Software
- Web Browsers: Consider installing your preferred web browser, such as Chrome or Firefox.
- Antivirus Software: Although Windows 11 comes with Windows Defender built-in, you may want to install an additional antivirus solution for more robust protection.
- Productivity Software: Download any productivity tools that you typically use, such as Microsoft Office or alternatives.
Step 3: Set Up Backup and Recovery
- Create a System Restore Point: After you have customized your system and installed all the software you need, create a restore point. This allows you to revert to this state if anything goes wrong in the future.
- Back Up System Files: Consider backing up important files on an external drive or using cloud storage solutions.
Conclusion
Installing Windows 11 using a bootable USB drive is a straightforward task that provides you with more control over the installation process. By following the steps outlined in this guide closely, you can successfully upgrade or perform a clean installation of Windows 11 on your machine. Whether it’s to take advantage of the new features or improve performance, Windows 11 has something for everyone.
Make sure to maintain good security practices and keep your system updated for a secure and efficient computing experience. Happy computing!
Компания Microsoft с выпуском Windows 10 практически полностью нивелировала необходимость использовать сервисные центры и различных мастеров для установки операционной системы на ПК или ноутбук. Теперь пользователь при наличии флешки всего за несколько минут может создать загрузочную флешку, загрузиться из-под неё из BIOS и установить ОС минут за десять (в зависимости от типа накопителя). Для этого вовсе не нужно быть опытным пользователем или знать какие-то хитрые команды — весь процесс в пошаговом формате описан ниже, нужно лишь всё делать по гайду. Более того, в конце статьи имеется перечень самых популярных проблем и варианты их решений.
Как создать загрузочную флешку Windows 10
- Вам понадобится флешка на 8 ГБ или больше. В процессе загрузки Windows 10 все данные с неё сотрутся.
Перед тем, как устанавливать операционную систему, пользователю сначала нужно сделать загрузочную флешку Windows 10 (или DVD-диск при помощи программы Rufus или Ultra ISO и ISO-образа). Лучше всего для создания загрузочной флешки использовать официальную утилиту компании Microsoft, которую можно скачать с официального сайта — синяя кнопка «Скачать средство сейчас».
После загрузки утилиты её нужно запустить и выполнить несколько простых шагов:
- Принимаем условия пользовательского соглашения, после чего выбираем пункт «Создать установочный носитель» и нажимаем «Далее».
- На этапе предварительной настройки Windows 10 программа автоматически выберет язык и архитектуру. Если вы хотите изменить их, снимите галочку напротив пункта «Использовать рекомендуемые параметры для этого компьютера» и выберите нужные параметры вручную.
- На третьем шаге система предложит установить образ на USB-носитель или создать ISO-файл. Вставляем флешку в USB-порт компьютера или ноутбука, выбираем первый пункт, после чего в списке носителей кликаем на флешку, на которую вы хотите записать ОС.
- Теперь нужно подождать, пока утилита скачает все необходимые файлы с сервера Microsoft и сформирует всё необходимое для установки операционной системы.
Внесение изменений в BIOS, чтобы компьютер загружался с флешки
Имея на руках загрузочную флешку, приступать к установке Windows 10 пока что рано, так как сначала нужно сделать так, чтобы ваш ПК понимал, что загружаться нужно именно с неё, а не с другого накопителя, который уже есть в системе. Для этого нужно внести некоторые изменения в Boot Menu, чтобы система понимала, что флешка должна загружаться первой. Не стоит бояться данного пункта, так как на самом деле ничего сложного в нём нет, да и у всех современных версий BIOS довольно понятный интерфейс с функцией восстановления заводских настроек — даже если вы что-то ненароком нажмёте, это можно будет легко восстановить.
Процесс внесений изменений в Boot Menu:
- Перезагрузите компьютер и сразу после начала его включения многократно нажимайте одну из следующих клавиш или комбинаций:
ПК — F1, F2, Del;
Ноутбук Acer — F1, F2, Ctrl+F2, Ctrl+Alt+Esc, Ctrl+Alt+Del;
Ноутбук ASUS — F2, F9, Del;
Ноутбук Dell — F1, F2, F10, Del, Esc, Insert;
Ноутбук HP — F1, F8, F10, F11, Esc, Del;
Ноутбук Lenovo — F2, Fn+F2, F8, Del;
Ноутбук Samsung — F2, F8, F12, Del, Fn+F2, Fn+F8, Fn+F12;
Ноутбук Sony — F1, F2, F3, Del, ASSIST.
- В самом BIOS нужно открыть меню Boot Menu (оно может располагаться на первом экране, либо выведено в отдельное меню) и поставить на первое место выбранную вами флешку с приставкой UEFI в названии, после чего сохранить изменения и выйти из BIOS (Save and Exit). Или же, если ваша система это поддерживает, можно просто выбрать флешку, и загрузка ПК начнётся с неё.
Установка Windows 10
В первом окне установки пользователю предлагают выбрать язык, формат денежных единиц и раскладку клавиатуры. Если при загрузке ОС на флешку вы выбрали русский язык, то во всех пунктах автоматически будут установленные стандартные параметры и менять их не нужно — смену раскладки, например, можно будет изменить позже. Кроме того, стоит уточнить, что размер окна, шрифты и разрешение на вашем экране будут не совсем привычными. Это нормально — пока что драйвера для графического процессора на ПК ещё нет, так что используется универсальный формат, бояться этого не стоит.
Процесс установки Windows 10:
- После непродолжительной загрузки на экране появится большая кнопка «Установить», нажав на которую, собственно, начинается процесс установки ОС Windows 10.
- Сразу после этого на экране появится меню с предложением активировать Windows. Если у вас имеется ключ активации, то его можно ввести прямо здесь, в специальное поле. Если ключа нет или вам сейчас его неудобно вводить, то можно нажать в нижней части окна «У меня нет ключа продукта» и активировать операционную систему позже, уже после установки.
- На экране появится окно с выбором редакции операционной системы, которую вы хотите установить. Если у вас куплен ключ специально для какой-то из версий, то стоит её и выбирать, если же ключ вы планируете купить после установки, то можно выбрать любую из версий — ключи для активации продаются, включая Pro-версию ОС.
- Прочитав условия пользовательского соглашения и нажав «Далее», пользователь увидит окно выбора типа установки — «Обновление» или «Выборочная». В нашем случае стоит выбирать «Выборочная» для установки операционной системы начисто.
- На экране появится меню выбора накопителя, на который нужно устанавливать операционную систему. Если у вас один накопитель, и он новый, то просто выбираете его и нажимаете «Далее». Если накопителей несколько — выбирайте тот, который вам необходим (определить нужный диск можно по объёму свободной памяти). Если вы хотите произвести чистую установку Windows 10, стерев все данные, выберите нужный накопитель и нажмите на «Форматировать».
- Начнётся процесс непосредственной установки Windows 10. В ходе установки ничего нажимать или делать не нужно, просто дожидаемся окончания.
- После завершения процесса установки на экране пользователя появится экран выбора языка и региона (изначально установлен русский язык и Россия), плюс нужно будет выбрать способ настройки (для личного использования или организации — выбираем «Для личного использования»);
- Система предложит войти из-под учётной записи Microsoft, создать новую учётную запись или запустить автономный аккаунт. При наличии аккаунта Microsoft можно его ввести, если его нет — выбираем «Автономная учётная запись», в следующем окне в левом нижнем углу нажимаем «Ограниченные возможности»;
- Вводим имя пользователя, потом задаём для него пароль и выбираем три контрольных вопроса (они нужны на тот случай, если вы забудете пароль — не рекомендуется ими пренебрегать);
- Система предложит выбрать параметры конфиденциальности — распознавание речи, геолокация, диагностика данных. Можно отключить всё или оставить, все эти параметры можно настроить уже после установки Windows 10;
- Система выполнит последние настройки, это может занять несколько минут — не отключайте компьютер в этот момент;
- Операционная система Windows 10 установлена.
Возможные трудности и ошибки при установке Windows 10
1. Перед установкой загрузочного образа ОС на флешку её можно отформатировать в FAT32, чтобы процесс прошёл корректно.
2. В случае, если вы не можете найти меню загрузки накопителей в BIOS своего компьютера или ноутбука, стоит открыть инструкцию к материнской плате или ноутбуку, где указана данная информация, либо найти данные на сайте производителя по названию модели, либо вписать в поисковую систему запрос «Название материнской платы/ноутбука + boot menu».
3. В ходе выбора накопителя у вас может вылететь ошибка о том, что в системах Windows можно использовать только GPT-диск. Устранить данную проблему предельно просто:
- нажмите Shift + F10 (ПК) или Shift + Fn + F10 (ноутбук) на клавиатуре;
- в окне командной строки пишем команду diskpart;
- после запуска дисковой утилиты вписываем команду list disk для вывода списка дисков;
- из полученного списка дисков выберите номер того, который необходим для установки (в данном случае — Диск 0);
- напишите команду select disk 0;
- напишите команду clean для очистки диска (теряются все данные на нём);
- напишите команду convert gpt;
- в командной строке должно появится сообщение «Выбранный диск успешно преобразован к формату GPT»
- вписываем команду exit и закрываем командную строку;
- в окне выбора диска нужно нажать на кнопку «Обновить» для обновления параметров накопителей.
- теперь установить ОС можно.
(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)
When preparing to install a fresh copy of Windows 10, you typically use a USB flash drive to launch the «Windows Setup» wizard to continue with the process. However, on a device that has a Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) instead of the legacy Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), it is crucial to use the correct media for the firmware type to start and complete the installation successfully.
On Windows 10, you can use at least two tools to create a bootable USB flash drive. You can use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to download the files onto a removable drive with support for both firmware types (UEFI and legacy BIOS). You can also use Rufus, a third-party tool that makes creating a flash drive installer easy with support for UEFI.
In this how-to guide, I will walk you through creating a Windows 10 USB flash drive with support for UEFI using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool and Rufus.
How to create Windows 10 UEFI boot media with Media Creation Tool
The Media Creation Tool is the best option for creating a bootable USB media for performing an in-place upgrade or clean installation of Windows 10.
To create a Windows 10 USB media, connect a flash drive of at least 8GB of space, and then use these steps:
- Open the Windows 10 download page.
- Click the Download now button to save the file under the «Create Windows 10 installation media» section.
- Double-click the MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe file to launch the setup.
- Click the Accept button to agree to the licensing terms.
- Select the «Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC» option.
- Click the Next button.
- (Optional) Clear the «Use the recommended options for this PC» option.
- Select the correct language, architecture, and edition of Windows 10 (if applicable).
- Quick tip: If you plan to install Windows on multiple computers running 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, use the «Architecture» drop-down menu and select the «Both» option to create a media that will work on both systems.
- Click the Next button.
- Select the «USB flash drive» option.
- Click the Next button
- Select the flash drive from the list. (If you do not see the device, click the «Refresh drive list» option.)
- Click the Next button.
- Click the Finish button.
Once you complete the steps, the Media Creation Tool will download the files and will create a bootable USB flash drive that you can use to install Windows 10 on computers with support for UEFI and BIOS.
How to create Windows 10 UEFI boot media with Rufus
If the Media Creation Tool does not work or you do not want to use it, you can try Rufus, a popular free third-party tool that allows you to create installation media with support for UEFI devices. The utility offers two ways to create the installation media, including using an existing ISO file or downloading the image from the Microsoft servers directly from the app.
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Create a flash drive with existing Windows 10 ISO
To create a USB media with an existing Windows 10 ISO file, connect a flash drive of at least 8GB of space and use these steps:
- Open Rufus download page.
- Click the latest release (first link) and save the file under the «Download» section.
- Double-click the Rufus-x.xx.exe file to launch the tool.
- Under the «Device» section, select the USB flash drive.
- Under the «Boot selection» section, click the Select button on the right.
- Select the Windows 10 ISO file from the folder location.
- Click the Open button.
- Use the «Image option» drop-down menu and select the «Standard Windows installation» option.
- Use the «Partition scheme» drop-down menu and select the GPT option.
- Use the «Target system» drop-down menu and select the UEFI (non CSM) option.
- Continue with the default settings under the «Show Advanced drive properties» section (as necessary).
- Confirm a name for the drive (for example, «Windows 10 USB») under the «Volume label» setting.
- Do not change the default settings in the «File system» and «Cluster size» options.
- Click the «Show advanced format options» setting.
- Check the Quick format option.
- Check the «Create extended label and icon files» option.
- Click the Start button.
- Clear the available settings in the «Windows User Experience» page.
- Click the OK button to confirm.
- Click the Close button.
After you complete the steps, Rufus will create a USB flash drive to install Windows 10 on a device using UEFI.
Create flash drive downloading Windows 10 ISO
The tool also has a feature to download the Windows 10 ISO file, which you can then use to create a USB flash drive to install Windows 10.
To create an install media with UEFI support with Rufus, use these steps:
- Open Rufus download page.
- Click the latest release (first link) of the tool to save the file under the «Download» section.
- Double-click the Rufus-x.xx.exe file to launch the tool.
- Click the Settings button at the bottom of the page.
- Choose the «Check for updates» drop-down menu and select the Daily option under the «Settings» section.
- Click the Close button.
- Close the Rufus tool.
- Double-click the Rufus-x.xx.exe file to reopen the utility.
- Select the USB flash drive from the list under the «Device» section.
- Click the arrow button next to the «Select» option and choose the Download option.
- Click the Download button.
- Use the «Version» drop-down menu and select the Windows 10 option.
- Click the Continue button.
- Select the 22H2 (Build 19045.xxx — xxxx.xx) option to download the latest version of Windows 10.
- Click the Continue button.
- Select the Windows 10 Home/Pro/Edu option from the «Edition» menu.
- Click the Continue button.
- Choose the installation language in the «Language» menu.
- Quick note: If you are in the United States, select the «English» option. Otherwise, select the «English International» option or the language that applies to you.
- Click the Continue button.
- Select the 32-bit or 64-bit option (recommended) in the «Architecture» menu.
- Quick tip: You can check your computer’s architecture on Settings > System > About, and under the «Device specifications» section, confirm whether the «System type» is 64-bit or 32-bit.
- Click the Download button.
- Select a folder to save the ISO file.
- Click the Save button.
- Use the «Image option» drop-down menu and select the «Standard Windows installation» option.
- Use the «Partition scheme» drop-down menu and select the GPT option.
- Use the «Target system» drop-down menu and select the UEFI (non CSM) option.
- Continue with the default settings under the «Show Advanced drive properties» section (as necessary).
- Confirm a name for the drive (for example, «Windows 10 USB») under the «Volume label» setting.
- Do not change the default settings under the «File system» and «Cluster size» sections.
- Click the «Show advanced format options» button.
- Check the Quick format option.
- Check the «Create extended label and icon files» option.
- Click the Start button.
- Clear the available settings on the «Windows User Experience» page.
- Click the OK button.
- Click the Close button.
Once you complete the steps, Rufus will run the automated script to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the Microsoft servers and create a bootable media to install the operating system on a UEFI device without needing the Media Creation Tool.
When you have the USB boot media with support for UEFI systems, you can launch the «Windows Setup» wizard to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 or an in-place upgrade.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
- Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
- Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.