How to Install Windows 11 on New PC Without Operating System

Installing Windows 11 on a new PC without an operating system might sound like a daunting task, but fear not! It’s actually quite straightforward. Essentially, you’ll need to create a Windows 11 installation media on a separate device, change your new PC’s boot order to boot from this media, and then simply follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11. With a bit of patience and the right preparation, you’ll have your new PC up and running in no time.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Install Windows 11 on New PC Without Operating System

Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming to achieve. By the end of this process, you will have successfully installed Windows 11 on your new PC, which originally had no operating system. You’ll be able to boot up your PC and start personalizing your new Windows environment.

Step 1: Create a Windows 11 Installation Media

First things first, you need to create a bootable installation media for Windows 11.

To do this, you’ll need another computer with internet access and a USB drive with at least 8GB of space. Head over to Microsoft’s official website and download the Media Creation Tool. Once downloaded, run the tool and follow the prompts to create your installation media.

Step 2: Insert Installation Media into New PC

With your bootable USB drive in hand, it’s time to plug it into your new PC.

Make sure your PC is completely turned off before you insert the USB drive into an available USB port. This step is crucial because your PC will need to boot from this USB drive to start the installation process.

Step 3: Enter the PC’s BIOS or UEFI Settings

Now, you need to enter the PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings to change the boot order.

Turn on your PC and press the necessary key to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. This key varies depending on the manufacturer but is typically one of the function keys (like F2, F10, or F12), the Esc key, or the Delete key. You should see a message indicating which key to press when you first power on your PC.

Step 4: Change Boot Order to Boot from USB

Within the BIOS or UEFI settings, navigate to the boot order or boot priority section.

You’ll want to arrange the boot order so that the USB drive is the first option. This will allow your PC to boot from the installation media instead of looking for an operating system on its internal drives (which it won’t find because there isn’t one yet).

Step 5: Save Changes and Reboot

After setting the USB drive as the primary boot device, save your changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings.

Your PC will restart, and if everything was done correctly, it should boot from the USB drive and launch the Windows 11 installation process.

Step 6: Follow On-Screen Instructions to Install Windows 11

Once the installation starts, simply follow the on-screen instructions.

You’ll be asked to select your language, time, and currency format, and keyboard or input method. Then, click ‘Install Now’ and enter your Windows 11 product key when prompted. If you don’t have a product key, you can choose to enter it later. Follow the prompts to choose the installation type, partition your hard drive if necessary, and begin the installation.

After completing the installation, your PC will reboot again. Once it’s back up, you’ll go through the initial setup process, creating a user account, and adjusting settings to your preference.

What Happens After Installation

Once the installation is complete and your PC reboots, you’ll be greeted with the initial setup screen for Windows 11. Here, you’ll configure your preferences, connect to the internet, and sign in with a Microsoft account. After these steps, you’ll land on the Windows 11 desktop, ready to explore and enjoy your new operating system!

Tips for Installing Windows 11 on New PC Without Operating System

• Ensure your new PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 before attempting the installation.
• Use a reliable USB drive for the installation media, as a corrupt drive could lead to installation issues.
• Keep your new PC’s user manual handy in case you need help accessing the BIOS or UEFI settings.
• Be patient during the installation process; it can take some time for Windows 11 to install completely.
• Make sure to backup any important data on the USB drive before creating the installation media, as it will be formatted during the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my PC doesn’t boot from the USB drive?

Make sure you’ve set the USB drive as the primary boot device in the BIOS or UEFI settings. If it still doesn’t work, try re-creating the installation media or using a different USB port.

Can I install Windows 11 without a product key?

Yes, you can install Windows 11 without a product key, but some features will be locked until you activate it with a valid product key.

What system requirements does my PC need to meet for Windows 11?

Your PC must have a compatible 64-bit processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM version 2.0, a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card, and a high-definition display.

How do I find the key to enter BIOS or UEFI settings?

The key to enter BIOS or UEFI settings is typically displayed on the screen during the initial boot sequence. It’s often one of the function keys, Esc, or Delete.

Can I use an external hard drive instead of a USB drive for the installation media?

Yes, you can use an external hard drive, but it must be formatted correctly, and the PC must be able to boot from it.

Summary

1. Create a Windows 11 installation media.
2. Insert the installation media into the new PC.
3. Enter the PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings.
4. Change the boot order to boot from the USB.
5. Save changes and reboot.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 on a new PC without an operating system is a process that requires a bit of prep work, but it’s entirely achievable with the right guidance. From creating the installation media to accessing the BIOS or UEFI settings and following through with the installation prompts, each step is a move towards a fresh operating system ready for your customization and use. Remember to check if your PC meets the system requirements and always back up your data before proceeding. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll be navigating through the sleek interface of Windows 11 in no time. So go ahead, give your new PC the operating system it deserves, and embrace the new features and improvements that Windows 11 has to offer.