Windows 10 is a popular operating system that is widely used today, and if you are a beginner and have not installed it before, don’t worry because in this article we will guide you step by step on how to install Windows 10 on your computer. Before that, let’s first understand what is Windows 10 and what are its key features.
What is Windows 10?
Windows 10 is a personal computer operating system developed and released by Microsoft Corporation. It is the successor to Windows 8.1 and was released globally in July 2015. Windows 10 introduces many new features and improves on existing ones, making it faster, more secure, and more user-friendly than its predecessors.
Key Features of Windows 10
- Start menu – Windows 10 brings back the Start menu that was missing in Windows 8 and 8.1, making it easier for users to navigate and find what they need.
- Cortana – Cortana is a personal assistant that can help you find what you need, set reminders, and do much more. She can be activated by voice or by typing commands.
- Microsoft Edge – Microsoft Edge is the new default web browser in Windows 10. It is faster, safer, and more efficient than Internet Explorer.
- Virtual desktops – Windows 10 allows you to create and switch between multiple virtual desktops, making it easier to organize your work.
- Action Center – The Action Center is a one-stop shop for notifications, quick actions, and settings. It can be accessed by clicking on the notification icon in the taskbar.
- Device compatibility – Windows 10 is compatible with a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
How to Install Windows 10
Now that we know what Windows 10 is and its key features, let’s move on to the installation process. Installing Windows 10 is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. To make the process smoother, we recommend that you back up your important files, programs, and data before proceeding with the installation.
Step 1: Download Windows 10
The first step in the installation process is to download Windows 10 from the Microsoft website. To do this, go to the Microsoft website and click on ‘Download now’. The website will automatically detect that you are trying to download Windows 10 and will guide you through the process.
Once the download is complete, you will have an ISO file. You will need to burn this ISO file to a DVD or USB drive in order to install Windows 10 on your computer.
Step 2: Create Bootable Media
After downloading Windows 10, you will need to create bootable media to install it on your computer. You can create bootable media with either a DVD or a USB drive.
To create a DVD
- Insert a blank DVD into your DVD drive.
- Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the location where you saved the Windows 10 ISO file.
- Right-click on the ISO file and select ‘Burn disc image’.
- Select the DVD drive and click on ‘Burn’ to start the process.
- When the process is complete, the DVD will be ready to use as bootable media.
To create a USB drive
- Insert a blank USB drive into your computer.
- Download and install the ‘Windows USB/DVD Download Tool’ from the Microsoft website.
- Open the tool and select ‘USB device’ as the media type.
- Select the USB drive you want to use as the bootable media.
- Click ‘Begin copying’ to start the process.
- When the process is complete, the USB drive will be ready to use as bootable media.
Step 3: Install Windows 10
Once you have created bootable media, you can proceed with the installation of Windows 10. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Insert the bootable media into your computer and restart the computer.
- Press any key to boot from the media when prompted.
- The Windows setup wizard will appear. Select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method.
- Click ‘Next’ to proceed.
- Click ‘Install now’ to begin the installation process.
- Accept the license agreement and click on ‘Next’.
- Choose ‘Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)’
- Select the partition on which you want to install Windows 10, and click on ‘Next’.
- The installation process will now begin.
- Once the installation process is complete, configure your settings, create a user account, and you’re done!
FAQ
1. What are the system requirements for Windows 10?
The system requirements for Windows 10 are as follows:
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor or SoC
- RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
- Hard disk space: 16 GB for 32-bit OS or 20 GB for 64-bit OS
- Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
- Display: 800×600
2. How do I upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10?
To upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.
- Run the tool and select ‘Upgrade this PC now’.
- Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.
- Your files and settings will be preserved after the upgrade is complete.
Video Tutorial
For a step-by-step video tutorial on how to install Windows 10, check out the video below:
