Installing Windows 11

Note: This is a clean-install

Caution

All files on the drive you plan to install Windows to will be deleted if you follow this guide - this is intended. Please ensure you have an adequate backup policy in place before proceeding if you have files of value.

Prerequisites

• An internet connection.

• A working computer to run the Windows Media Creation Tool.

• A USB flash drive that is at least 8GB or greater.

# Steps

1

Creating installation media

There are two ways you can use to create an installation media. If you're new to this, you should probably use MCT (Media Creation Tool).

Rufus is another choice for advanced users with a lot more configurable options for your installation

Microsoft Media Creation Tool

1. Create a bootable USB flash drive using the Create Windows 11 Installation Media download from Microsoft. It can be found under the headline “Create Windows 11 Installation Media”

Warning

Save MCT to Desktop or Downloads folder. MCT must be saved and run from outside the USB flash drive. Just moving an ISO file to the USB flash drive will not make it bootable.

1. Run MCT by double clicking it. You will be greeted with Windows Terms Of Service. Press Accept.

2. Keep this as default, press next.

1. Select create installation media for another PC, and then click next.

1. Select USB flash drive, then press next.

6. Select the USB you want to use, press next.

Caution

This step will wipe the selected USB Flash drive, so ensure you have nothing important on the USB drive, and back up all important documents.

7. Wait until MCT finish its job. this may take some time.

1. After MCT finishes, shutdown your PC.

Rufus

1. Download and run Rufus.

2. Select “ISO Image” and then browse for the ISO image.

3. Select which flash drive you want to put the installer on.

4. Select the Partition scheme (GPT/MBR) depending on your motherboard’s capabilities.

5. Click “Start” and wait for it to finish.

6. Eject the USB flash drive.

2

Boot into your USB

Plug in the Windows USB installer and spam Esc when booting the laptop.

Change the BIOS boot order to have USB media as the first priority (this can usually be found under the boot tab) or simply look for the words “boot menu” when you see your BIOS boot screen. Press the corresponding function key and choose the USB flash drive to boot from it.

3

Installing Windows

1. Click “Install now”

Warning

If you do not see an installer like the below screenshot, click next twice, then click “Previous version of Setup” near the bottom left corner of the installer window.

1. Continue on until you hit the license key screen. Here you can either enter your license code, or if Windows has been installed to this computer before, click on the I don't have a product key link.

1. Continue on until you reach the “Which type of installation do you want?” screen. Click “Custom”.

1. Select the largest "primary" partition (should be at least 500GB). Click format. Make sure you have the right one selected. At this point click Next

Caution Do not delete any partitions, especially the smaller ones. They contain OEM image

1. After formatting completes, click on the same "primary partition" again, then continue.

2. Windows will now install. When it finishes it will automatically restart your machine, when your screen goes black pull out your installation USB drive.

Congratulations!

You have successfully installed Windows 11. Once the computer has rebooted, you will be greeted with the Out-of-the-Box Experience and you can start setting up your new installation of Windows.

4

Windows OOBE (Out Of the Box Experience)

The laptop will boot into the OOBE setup. Please proceed according to the steps.

You may or may not have WiFi at this stage. If so, please use an ethernet cable

5

Base Windows Setup

• Windows Updates Open Windows Updates and update everything. Reboot when needed. Repeat until updates are gone. If updates are "stuck," click pause updates then resume updates and repeat above steps.

• Graphics Driver Updates Open the 'NVIDIA' and 'AMD Adrenalin' app to update your graphics drivers. This is crucial for optimal performance. Avoid updating graphics drivers from Windows Update/GHelper as they can be pretty old. Additionally, install GHelper and make sure Armoury Crate is not installed. Don't know what GHelper is or how to install? Click here for the tutorial - Installing GHelper

• Windows Store Updates Open Microsoft Store -> click library on bottom left -> update everything. Uninstall any apps you don't want. Don't uninstall Realtek Audio Console or Dolby Access