Are you tired of using old and slow Windows versions? Do you want to experience the latest Windows 10? Do you want to know how to install Windows using a flash drive? Then, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to teach you the step-by-step guide on how to install Windows 7, 8, and 10 using a flash drive or CD.
Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Windows 7, 8, and 10 using a Flash Drive or CD
Before we start, let’s first prepare the things we need. We need a flash drive or CD with at least 4GB of storage. We also need a Windows installation file, which we can download from the Microsoft website. And of course, we need a working computer or laptop.
Installing Windows using a Flash Drive
Step 1: Create a Bootable Flash Drive
The first thing we need to do is to create a bootable flash drive. A bootable flash drive is a flash drive that can be used to start up a computer and install an operating system, in this case, Windows. To create a bootable flash drive, follow the steps below:
- Insert the flash drive into a USB port on your computer.
- Open the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool. This tool can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft website.
- Click the Browse button and locate the Windows installation file that you downloaded earlier.
- Click Next.
- Select USB device.
- Select the flash drive you inserted earlier.
- Click Begin copying.
- Wait for the process to finish.
Step 2: Boot from the Flash Drive
Now that we have a bootable flash drive, the next thing we need to do is to boot from it. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Insert the bootable flash drive into the computer where you want to install Windows.
- Restart the computer.
- Press the key that corresponds to the boot menu of your computer. For example, on some computers, you need to press F12. On others, you need to press F2 or Delete.
- Select the flash drive from the list of bootable devices.
- Press Enter.
Step 3: Install Windows
Once you’ve booted from the flash drive, the next thing you will see is the Windows setup screen. Follow the prompts to install Windows.
Installing Windows using a CD
Step 1: Burn the Windows Installer to a CD
To install Windows using a CD, you need to burn the Windows installer to a CD. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Insert a blank CD into your CD/DVD drive.
- Right-click on the Windows installation file you downloaded earlier.
- Select Burn disc image.
- Select your CD/DVD drive in the dropdown list.
- Click Burn.
- Wait for the process to finish.
Step 2: Boot from the CD
Now that we have a bootable CD, the next thing we need to do is to boot from it. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Insert the bootable CD into the computer where you want to install Windows.
- Restart the computer.
- Press the key that corresponds to the boot menu of your computer. For example, on some computers, you need to press F12. On others, you need to press F2 or Delete.
- Select the CD/DVD drive from the list of bootable devices.
- Press Enter.
Step 3: Install Windows
Once you’ve booted from the CD, the next thing you will see is the Windows setup screen. Follow the prompts to install Windows.
FAQs
Q: Can I install Windows without a product key?
A: Yes, you can install Windows without a product key. During the installation process, you will be asked to enter a product key, but you can choose to skip this step and continue with the installation. However, if you don’t enter a product key, Windows will be in trial mode, and you will have 30 days to activate it. To activate it, you need to enter a valid product key.
Q: How do I activate Windows?
A: To activate Windows, follow the steps below:
- Click the Start button.
- Click Settings.
- Click Update & Security.
- Click Activation.
- Click Change product key.
- Enter your product key.
- Click Next.
- Follow the prompts to activate Windows.
