One of the most common tasks for computer users is installing a new operating system. One popular option is Windows 10, which has a variety of installation methods. In this article, we will explore three methods for installing Windows 10: using a DVD, creating a bootable USB drive with Rufus, and performing a clean install using a USB drive.
Installing Windows 10 from a DVD
The most traditional method for installing Windows 10 is using a DVD. This requires an optical drive on your computer and a Windows 10 installation DVD. Here are the steps:
- Insert the Windows 10 installation DVD into your computer’s optical drive.
- Restart your computer.
- Press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS setup. This key may vary depending on the manufacturer of your computer, but it is often F2 or Delete. Consult your computer’s manual or search online for the correct key.
- Change the boot order to prioritize the DVD drive. This will allow your computer to boot from the Windows 10 installation DVD. Save and exit the BIOS setup.
- Follow the prompts to install Windows 10. You may need to enter your product key and choose your installation options.
- Wait for the installation process to complete. This may take some time.
- Restart your computer when prompted. Your computer should now be running Windows 10.
Creating a bootable USB drive with Rufus
If your computer does not have an optical drive or if you prefer not to use a DVD, you can create a bootable USB drive with Rufus. This is a program that allows you to create bootable USB drives from ISO image files. Here are the steps:
- Download Rufus from the official website: https://rufus.ie/
- Insert a USB drive into your computer. This drive should be at least 8GB in size.
- Open Rufus.
- Select your USB drive under “Device”.
- Select the Windows 10 ISO file under “Boot selection”.
- Click “Start” to begin the process.
- Wait for Rufus to create the bootable USB drive.
- Insert the USB drive into the computer you want to install Windows 10 on.
- Restart the computer.
- Press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS setup.
- Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
- Save and exit the BIOS setup.
- Follow the prompts to install Windows 10.
- Wait for the installation process to complete.
- Eject the USB drive and restart your computer.
Performing a clean install using a USB drive
If you want to perform a clean install of Windows 10, meaning you want to erase all the data on your computer and start fresh, you can use a USB drive to do so. Here are the steps:
- Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
- Run the Media Creation Tool.
- Select “Create installation media for another PC” and click “Next”.
- Choose your language, edition, and architecture.
- Select “USB flash drive” and insert a USB drive into your computer. This drive should be at least 8GB in size.
- Follow the prompts to create the installation media on the USB drive.
- Insert the USB drive into the computer you want to install Windows 10 on.
- Restart the computer.
- Press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS setup.
- Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
- Save and exit the BIOS setup.
- Follow the prompts to install Windows 10.
- Select the option to perform a clean install.
- Wait for the installation process to complete.
- Eject the USB drive and restart your computer.
FAQs
1. How do I know if my computer can run Windows 10?
You can use the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant to check if your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 10. You can download the Upgrade Assistant from the Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
2. Do I need a product key to install Windows 10?
If you are upgrading your computer to Windows 10 from a previous version of Windows, you may not need a product key. Windows 10 will automatically activate with the digital license from your previous version of Windows. If you are performing a clean install of Windows 10 or if you are installing Windows 10 on a new computer, you will need a product key.
How to Install Windows 10 – Video Tutorial
Check out this video tutorial for step-by-step instructions on how to install Windows 10:
