How to Install Windows 10 on Your PC – How-To Geek
Installing Windows 10 on your PC involves a few steps, and it’s essential to have a valid Windows 10 license key. Here’s a general guide on how to install Windows 10 on your PC:
Step 1: Check System Requirements: Before starting the installation process, ensure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 10. You’ll need a compatible processor, enough RAM, sufficient storage space, and other hardware components that meet the requirements.
Step 2: Backup Your Data: Installing Windows 10 will format the system drive, which means all data on it will be deleted. Make sure to back up any important files and documents to an external drive or cloud storage before proceeding.
Step 3: Obtain Windows 10 Installation Media: You’ll need a bootable USB flash drive or DVD with the Windows 10 installation files. You can create one using the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website.
- Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
- Run the Media Creation Tool and select “Create installation media for another PC.”
- Choose your language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Select “USB flash drive” as the media type.
- Insert a USB flash drive (at least 8 GB in size) and select it in the tool.
- The tool will download Windows 10 and create a bootable USB flash drive with the installation files.
Step 4: Boot from the Installation Media: Insert the bootable USB flash drive or DVD into your PC and restart the computer. Access the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a specific key during boot, like F2, Del, F12, or Esc) and set the USB or DVD drive as the primary boot device.
Step 5: Start the Windows 10 Installation:
- Save the BIOS/UEFI settings and restart the PC. The Windows 10 installation screen will appear.
- Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and click “Next.”
- Click “Install Now” to start the installation.
- Enter your Windows 10 product key when prompted. Click “Next.”
- Accept the license terms and click “Next.”
- Choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
Step 6: Partition and Install Windows 10:
- Select the drive where you want to install Windows 10 and click “Next.” If you want to delete or create partitions, you can do so in this step.
- Windows 10 will begin the installation process. Your PC will restart several times during this process.
Step 7: Set Up Windows 10:
- After the installation completes, you’ll be prompted to set up Windows 10.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your region, language, user account, and other preferences.
- Once the setup is complete, you’ll be taken to the Windows 10 desktop.
Step 8: Activate Windows 10: Activate Windows 10 using your product key to ensure it is a genuine and licensed copy.
Step 9: Install Drivers and Software: After the installation, install drivers for your hardware components (if not automatically detected by Windows) and any software you need.
That’s it! You’ve successfully installed Windows 10 on your PC. Enjoy using the latest version of Windows!