How to Install Windows 11 on a New PC (with or without USB)?

Windows 11 is the second most widely used operating system, following closely behind Windows 10. Statistics show that the user base of Windows 11 is continually increasing due to the impending end of support for Windows 10 in 2025. If you've just bought a new PC and intend to install Windows 11 on it, or if you want to upgrade your old computer to Windows 11 but are unsure of the process, don't worry. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to install Windows 11 on a new PC using the best and most common methods. Quickly learn the steps!

Before installing Windows 11 on your PC, there are several important steps you should take to ensure a smooth and successful transition. Here's a checklist of tasks to complete: 1. **Check System Requirements**: Make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. This includes having at least an Intel Core i3 8th Gen or AMD Ryzen 3000 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and a compatible TPM 2.0 chip. You can use the [Microsoft PC Health Check app](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/pc-health-check) to verify compatibility. 2. **Backup Data**: Create a backup of all important files, documents, photos, and other data stored on your computer. This ensures that you have a copy of everything in case anything goes wrong during the installation process. 3. **Update Windows 10**: Ensure your current Windows 10 is up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click "Check for updates." 4. **Install Manufacturer Updates**: Visit your computer manufacturer's website and check for any available firmware or driver updates for your device. These updates might be necessary for optimal performance with Windows 11. 5. **Disable Antivirus Software**: Temporarily disable your antivirus software to prevent potential conflicts during the installation. However, remember to re-enable it after the upgrade is complete. 6. **Create a System Restore Point**: Create a system restore point so you can revert to your current Windows 10 setup if needed. In Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, click "Create a restore point." 7. **Free Up Disk Space**: Make sure you have enough free disk space for Windows 11. The installation typically requires around 20-30 GB of available space. 8. **Disconnect External Devices**: Remove any non-essential external devices such as USB drives, printers, and scanners to avoid potential compatibility issues during the upgrade. 9. **Download Installation Assistant**: If you're not eligible for a free upgrade, download the [Windows 11 Installation Assistant](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11) from the official Microsoft website. 10. **Prepare for Installation**: Close all running applications and save any unsaved work before starting the installation process. By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared for a seamless transition to Windows 11. Remember to stay connected to the internet during the installation for updates and activation.

Not all computers are compatible with Windows 11, so if you intend to install it on your device, there are certain requirements you need to meet. Here's what you should prepare:

1. Verify compatibility/PC Health Check. Windows 11 is not compatible with all computers. Hence, if you plan to install it on your device, make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
2. Backup your data. If you're using a pre-owned PC, it's advisable to backup your data in case of any issues. We recommend using free backup software like Todo Backup.
3. Prepare a USB drive (Optional). You will need an empty USB drive with at least 8GB of space to create a Windows 11 bootable USB.
4. Ensure a stable Internet connection. A good Internet connection is crucial for a smooth Windows installation process.

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How to Install Windows 11 on a New PC Without Using a USB Drive

The simplest and fastest way to install Windows 11 on a new computer is to migrate Windows 11 to a new hard drive instead of installing it from a USB flash drive. This process is called cloning, which allows you to copy your Windows installation to an SSD or HDD. Since Windows does not have built-in cloning options, you will need to use third-party cloning tools for this purpose.

Luckily, Disk Copy, a dedicated and renowned cloning tool, can cater to all your needs. This ultimate cloning software provides comprehensive solutions for hard drive cloning.

Hard drive cloning software allows you to clone your system, disk, partition, etc., and transfer data from one SSD to another without any loss. It enables you to upgrade to a larger hard drive and efficiently migrate data from one computer to another. Furthermore, it lets you replace an old SSD with a new one effortlessly through simple clicks. Some notable features of cloning software include:

Disk cloning software tools enable you to clone, upgrade, replace, or backup your hard drive effortlessly. It can conveniently assist you in transferring the operating system to a new hard drive without needing to reinstall the system or applications. Make sure to download it on your computer today to facilitate moving your Windows 11 to another computer. Here's how to proceed:

Prior Notice:

• "Sector by sector copy" requires the destination disk to be the same size or larger than the source disk. If you want to clone a larger hard disk to a smaller one, do not check this option. • All data on the destination disk will be completely wiped out, so please proceed with caution.

Step 1. To begin copying/ cloning an entire disk to another, select this disk as the source disk under "Disk Mode" and click "Next".

Step 2. Select the other disk as the destination disk.

Step 3. Check the disk layout of the two disks. You can manage the disk layout of the destination disk by selecting "Autofit the disk", "Copy as the source" or "Edit disk layout".

• "Autofit the disk" makes some default adjustments to the destination disk layout to optimize its performance.
• "Copy as the source" does not modify the destination disk and maintains the same layout as the source disk.
• "Edit disk layout" enables you to manually resize or move partitions on the destination disk according to your preference.

Select the "Check the option if the target is SSD" to optimize your SSD's performance.

A message will now appear warning you that data will be lost. Confirm this message by clicking "OK," then click "Next."

Step 4. Click "Proceed" to officially execute the task.

How to Install Windows 11 from USB on a New PC

If you're looking to learn how to install Windows 11 on a new PC build from a USB drive without cloning, you can find your answer here as well. In this section, you'll discover how to install Windows 11 on a new computer using a USB drive through the Media Creation Tool. Here's a step-by-step guide to installing Windows 11 on a fresh PC from a USB drive: 1. Download the Media Creation Tool: Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool. 2. Run the Media Creation Tool: Double-click the downloaded executable file to launch the tool. 3. Accept the License Terms: Read and accept the terms and conditions. 4. Choose "Create installation media for another PC": Select this option to create a bootable USB drive for a new PC. 5. Select Language, Edition, and Architecture: Choose the appropriate options for your Windows 11 installation. 6. Choose USB Flash Drive: Insert the USB drive into your current PC and select it from the list of available drives. 7. Format the USB Drive (optional): If necessary, the tool may prompt you to format the USB drive. Confirm if prompted. 8. Start the Process: Click "Next" and then "Start" to begin creating the bootable USB drive. This process may take some time. 9. Eject the USB Drive: Once the process is complete, safely eject the USB drive from your current PC. 10. Boot from USB: Insert the USB drive into the new PC and change its BIOS settings to boot from USB (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Del during startup). 11. Enter Setup: Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the Windows 11 installation. 12. Accept the License Agreement: Read and accept the terms for Windows 11. 13. Choose Installation Type: Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" to install on a new PC. 14. Select Partition: Choose the hard drive where you want to install Windows 11 and click "Next." 15. Install Windows 11: Wait for the installation process to complete, which may take several minutes. 16. Create a User Account: Set up your user account, password, and other preferences. 17. Finish Setup: Complete any additional setup steps and wait for your new PC with Windows 11 to be ready. Once the installation is finished, you'll have a fully functional Windows 11 system on your new PC.

Part 1. Create a Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive

First, you'll need to create Windows 11 installation media, like a bootable USB drive, to install Windows 11 from a USB. For this purpose, you can utilize three free bootable USB creation tools: OS2Go, Rufus, or the Windows Media Creation Tool.

It's worth mentioning that you need to download a Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft's website to create a bootable USB using Rufus or Media Creation Tool. In this case, tool OS2Go stands out as it enables you to create a bootable USB with or without an ISO file. You can refer to the following article to create a Windows bootable USB drive.

How to Create a Windows Bootable USB Drive

This article explains two straightforward methods to create Windows bootable USB installation media. If you're unsure about how to make a Windows bootable USB, you've come to the right place. Read more >>

Part 2. Boot Your New PC from the Bootable USB

To boot your PC from the Windows 11 bootable USB, follow these steps:

< strong >< strong >Step 1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the computer you want to install Windows 11 on.

Step 2. Restart your computer and press the BIOS key (usually F1, F2, F10, ESC, or DEL) to access the BIOS settings.

Step 3. Under the Boot tab, select USB as the first boot drive.

Select USB as the boot drive

Step 4. Save the changes, exit the BIOS settings, and restart your computer.

Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

Your PC will successfully boot from the bootable USB.

Part 3. Clean Install Windows 11 on a New PC

Once your computer boots from the USB, you can begin installing Windows 11 on a new PC from the ground up. This is referred to as a clean install or a fresh install. The steps for installing Windows 11 on a new hard drive are as follows:

Step 1. When you see the Windows 11 Setup window after your PC restarts, set your Windows 11 preferences and click Next.

Set the Windows 11 preferences

Step 2. Tap Install Now.

Step 3. Select I don't have a product key. (You can also enter a product key if you have one.)

Select "I don't have a product key" option.

Step 4. Choose the version of Windows 11 you want to install and click Next.

Select the edition of Windows 11 you want to install.

Step 5. Click I accept the Microsoft License Terms, and then tap Next.

Click "I accept the Microsoft License Terms" and proceed with the installation. Here's the translated text for the image caption: Click "I accept the Microsoft License Terms" and proceed with the installation on your new PC.

Step 6. Click Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" and proceed with the installation.

Step 7. Select the hard drive on which you wish to install Windows 11, click Next, and then proceed with the on-screen instructions to finish the Windows 11 installation.

Select a hard drive to install Windows 11 on

Here's also a video tutorial on how to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 directly from Microsoft's official website.

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To conclude

How to Install Windows 11 on a New PC: Got it? This article outlines the two most common methods for installing Windows 11 on a new computer: cloning the operating system to another drive or performing a clean installation. Choose the method that suits your requirements best.

It's worth mentioning that if you aim to save time and effort, migrating your Windows 11 to a new computer will be more convenient and faster. Cloning enables you to transfer everything from one hard drive/computer to another without the need to reinstall Windows and applications. All you require is a trustworthy disk cloning utility like **Tools Disk Copy** to assist you. Make sure to download it on your PC to facilitate smooth installation of Windows and cloning of your hard drive!

Frequently Asked Questions on Installing Windows 11 on a New PC

1. How to install Windows 11 without the current operating system?

How to install Windows 11 on a new PC without an operating system? To achieve this, you can attempt to clone your Windows 11 to another computer or perform a universal restore to install Windows 11 on a PC.

2. How can I install Windows 11 on a new hard drive?

The most convenient and straightforward method to install Windows 11 on a new drive is to clone your existing Windows 11 installation from your PC to the new drive. The advantage of this approach is that you won't need to reinstall Windows or your applications, thus saving both time and effort.

3. How do I install Windows 11 on my secondary drive?

To install Windows on a secondary hard drive, you can use the Windows Media Creation Tool to perform a clean installation or clone your Windows 11 to the second drive.