Installing Windows may be a cumbersome task, but it is essential for all computer users. There are various ways to install Windows, and one of the most popular ones is using a flash drive. In this article, we are going to show you how to install Windows using a flash drive, step by step.
Step 1: Get a Windows ISO file
The first step is to download a Windows ISO file. An ISO file is a disk image that contains all the necessary files to install Windows. There are many websites on the internet where you can download Windows ISO files, but we recommend downloading it directly from the Microsoft website to ensure authenticity and safety.
Step 2: Prepare the flash drive
After you have downloaded the Windows ISO file, you need to prepare the flash drive. The flash drive should have a minimum capacity of 8GB. Insert the flash drive into your computer and format it to NTFS file system. To format the flash drive, right-click on the drive and select “Format.”
After formatting the flash drive, you need to make it bootable. You can use a third-party software like Rufus to make the flash drive bootable. Download the Rufus software from their website and run it. Select the flash drive and the Windows ISO file you have downloaded earlier. Then click on “Start” to make the flash drive bootable.
Step 3: Boot from the flash drive
Now that you have made the flash drive bootable, it is time to boot from it. Turn off your computer and insert the flash drive into a USB port. Turn on your computer and press the Boot Menu key repeatedly to access the boot menu. The Boot Menu key varies depending on your computer manufacturer, but it is usually F12 or Esc.
Once you have accessed the boot menu, select the flash drive and press Enter. Your computer will now boot from the flash drive, and the Windows installation process will start.
Step 4: Install Windows
The Windows installation process is straightforward. The first thing you need to do is select the language, time, and currency format. Then click on “Install Now.”
Accept the license terms and click on “Next.” Then select the type of installation you want, either Upgrade or Custom. If you are installing Windows for the first time, select Custom.
Next, you need to select the partition where you want to install Windows. If you have only one partition, select it and click on “Next.” If you have multiple partitions, select the partition where you want to install Windows and click on “Next.”
The Windows installation process will now start, and it may take several minutes to complete depending on your computer’s speed.
FAQ
1. What if I don’t have a Windows ISO file?
You can create a Windows ISO file by using the Media Creation Tool provided by Microsoft. Download the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website and run it. Follow the instructions to create a Windows ISO file.
2. Can I use a CD instead of a flash drive?
Yes, you can use a CD instead of a flash drive. The process is similar, but instead of using Rufus to make the CD bootable, you need to use a CD burning software like ImgBurn to burn the Windows ISO file to the CD.
Video Tutorial
For those who prefer visual guidance, we have provided a Youtube video tutorial on how to install Windows using a flash drive:
Conclusion
Installing Windows using a flash drive is an easy and convenient way to reinstall or upgrade your operating system. Just follow the steps outlined in this article, and you will have a fresh installation of Windows in no time.
