Are you planning to install Windows 10 on your PC or laptop? Whether you want to do a clean install or an upgrade from an older version of Windows, it is essential to have a reliable guide to follow. In this article, we’ll provide an easy-to-follow guide on how to install Windows 10 using a USB flash drive. But before we dive into the steps, let’s first understand the basics of clean install and upgrade, why you need a bootable USB drive and how to create one.
Clean Install vs. Upgrade
When you install Windows 10 on your device, you have two options: a clean install or an upgrade. A clean install involves wiping out everything on your hard drive and starting fresh with a new copy of Windows, while an upgrade allows you to keep your files and settings and simply install the latest version of Windows.
So, how do you decide which option to choose? A clean install is recommended if you’re experiencing significant issues on your computer or just purchased new hardware. By starting anew, you can ensure that any previous problems won’t carry over to your new installation. On the other hand, an upgrade is useful if you want to keep your installed programs and files. Upgrading will allow you to retain all of your settings and configurations, including your installed programs and custom settings.
Why Use a Bootable USB Drive?
Now that you understand the difference between clean install and upgrade, it’s time to discuss why you should use a bootable USB drive to install Windows 10. The primary advantage of a bootable USB drive is that it makes the installation process much faster than using DVD media that you have to burn before installation. Additionally, most computers today do not have DVD drives, so a bootable USB drive is the best way to install Windows on those machines.
Creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 is simple, and you’ll need an empty USB drive with at least 8GB capacity and a working computer with an internet connection. With that said, let’s dive into the steps to create a bootable USB drive.
How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for Windows 10
The process of creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 is straightforward with these steps:
- Go to the Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool
- Run the Media Creation Tool and select ‘Create installation media for another PC’
- Select the language, edition, and architecture of Windows 10 you want to install
- Choose the USB flash drive option and select the drive you want to use as the bootable USB drive
- Click on the ‘Next’ button and wait for the tool to download and copy the installation files to your USB drive
That’s it. You now have a bootable USB drive for Windows 10. Before moving to the installation process, ensure that all of your data on the computer is backed up and the flash drive is connected to the computer you want to install Windows on.
Installing Windows 10 Using a Bootable USB Drive
Now that you’ve created a bootable USB drive, you can install Windows 10 using these steps:
- Turn on your computer and boot it from the USB drive by pressing the boot key during startup. Typically, the boot key is F12; however, it may vary depending on the computer manufacturer. Refer to your computer’s user manual for the exact key.
- Once the installation screen appears, choose the language and other preferences for the installation process.
- Click on the ‘Install Now’ button. If you wish to do a clean install, select ‘Custom: Install Windows only’ option. Otherwise, choose the upgrade option to keep your files and settings.
- If you chose ‘Custom,’ select the drive where you want to install Windows.
- Wait for the setup to finish copying files and then restart your computer. Remove the USB drive before the computer restarts.
- Follow the prompts to personalize your computer and set up your account settings.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Windows 10 on your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10 for Free?
No. Microsoft ended its free upgrade program for Windows 10 in July 2016. However, you can still upgrade to Windows 10 by purchasing a copy of the operating system.
2. What If I Face Issues During Installation?
If you encounter issues during the installation process, make sure you have a stable internet connection and sufficient space on your computer’s hard drive. If you are still experiencing issues, try restarting the installation process from scratch or seek help from Microsoft’s support team.
Videos
For a visual guide to creating a bootable USB drive and installing Windows 10, check out this video:
Additionally, you can check out this video for troubleshooting common installation errors on Windows 10:
With the help of this guide, you can easily install Windows 10 on your computer and enjoy all of its features and benefits. Remember to back up your data before starting the installation process and follow the steps carefully to avoid any issues.
