Are you planning to install Windows 10 on your PC but do not know how to go about it? You have come to the right place, as this article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to install Windows 10 using a USB flash drive. We have also included frequently asked questions to clear any doubts you may have about the process. So, let us get started!
How to Install Windows 10 on a PC using a Flash Drive
The process of installing Windows 10 using a flash drive is pretty straightforward if you follow the steps below carefully:
Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Flash Drive
The first step in installing Windows 10 on a PC using a flash drive is to create a bootable USB drive. To create a bootable USB drive, you will need a USB flash drive with a minimum of 8GB storage capacity, and a working PC with an internet connection. Here are the steps to create a bootable USB flash drive:
- Download the Windows 10 Media Creation tool from Microsoft’s website. Click here to access the website.
- Once the download is completed, run the tool.
- Click on the ‘Accept’ button to agree to the terms and conditions of the software.
- Select the ‘Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC’ option and click ‘Next’.
- Choose your preferred language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) of Windows 10 that you want to install.
- Select the ‘USB flash drive’ option and click ‘Next’.
- Select the USB flash drive that you want to use for the installation and click ‘Next’.
- Allow the tool to download the required files and create a bootable USB flash drive. The process may take a few minutes to complete.
- Once the process is complete, you will have a bootable USB flash drive that you can use to install Windows 10 on your PC.
Step 2: Change the Boot Order in BIOS Settings
After creating a bootable USB flash drive, the next step is to change the boot order in BIOS settings to allow your PC to boot from the USB flash drive. Here are the steps to change the boot order:
- Insert the bootable USB flash drive into your PC.
- Restart your PC. As it restarts, press the key (usually F2, F12, Del or Esc) to access the BIOS settings.
- Locate the ‘Boot’ or ‘Boot Order’ section in the BIOS settings.
- Select the USB flash drive as the first boot device in the boot order list. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to the manual that came with your PC.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings. Your PC will now boot from the USB flash drive.
Step 3: Install Windows 10
Now that you have created a bootable USB flash drive and changed the boot order in BIOS settings, you are now ready to install Windows 10 on your PC. Here are the steps to install Windows 10:
- When your PC boots from the USB flash drive, the Windows 10 setup screen will appear. Select your preferred language, time, and currency format, and click ‘Next’.
- Click on the ‘Install Now’ button to start the installation process.
- Enter the product key when prompted. If you do not have a product key, you can skip this step and proceed with the installation process.
- Select the edition of Windows 10 that you want to install.
- Read and accept the license terms and conditions.
- Select the ‘Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)’ option.
- Select the hard drive or partition where you want to install Windows 10 and click ‘Next’.
- Allow the installation process to complete. The process may take a few minutes to several hours, depending on your PC’s hardware specifications.
- Once the installation process is complete, your PC will automatically restart, and you will be prompted to set up Windows 10 with your preferences.
FAQs
1. Can I install Windows 10 without a product key?
Yes, you can install Windows 10 without a product key. During the installation process, you will be prompted to enter the product key. If you do not have a product key, you can skip this step and proceed with the installation process. However, you will need to activate Windows 10 later to access all the features of the operating system.
2. Can I upgrade to Windows 10 from an older version of Windows?
Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 10 from an older version of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. To do so, you can use the Windows 10 Media Creation tool to upgrade your PC to Windows 10. However, you will need a valid product key to activate Windows 10 after the upgrade is complete.
Video Tutorial: How to Install Windows 10 using a USB Flash Drive
If you prefer to learn how to install Windows 10 using a USB flash drive by watching a video, we have included a step-by-step video tutorial below:
Conclusion
Installing Windows 10 on a PC using a USB flash drive is a simple process that anyone can do with the right instructions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can install Windows 10 on your PC in no time. If you have any questions or encounter any issues during the installation process, refer to the FAQs or seek help from a professional.
