One of the most important things you need to be able to do on a computer is install an operating system. In this article, we’ll be discussing how to install Windows via a USB flash drive.
What You’ll Need
In order to install Windows via a USB flash drive, you’ll need a few things:
- A USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage capacity
- A computer with an optical USB drive or the ability to boot from USB
- A Windows ISO file
Creating a Bootable USB Drive
The first thing you need to do is create a bootable USB drive. Here’s how:
- Insert the USB flash drive into your computer.
- Download the Windows ISO file and save it to your computer.
- Download and install a program like Rufus or WinToUSB, which can create bootable USB drives.
- Open the program and select your USB flash drive.
- Browse to the location of the Windows ISO file and select it.
- Click the “Start” button to begin the process.
- Wait for the process to complete.
Booting from the USB Drive
Now that you have a bootable USB drive, you’ll need to boot your computer from it. Here’s how:
- Insert the USB drive into your computer.
- Reboot your computer.
- Before Windows begins to load, press the key that will bring up your computer’s boot menu. The key is usually F8 or F12, but it may vary depending on your computer.
- Select the USB drive from the boot menu.
- Press enter to boot from the USB drive.
Installing Windows
Once you’ve booted from the USB drive, the Windows installation process will begin. Here’s what you need to do:
- Select your language, time zone, and keyboard input method.
- Click the “Install Now” button.
- Enter your product key.
- Accept the license terms and click “Next.”
- Select the type of installation you want.
- Select the partition where you want to install Windows.
- Click “Next.”
- Wait for Windows to install.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my computer can’t boot from a USB drive?
If your computer can’t boot from a USB drive, you may need to change the boot order in your computer’s BIOS settings. To do this, reboot your computer and press the key that will bring up your computer’s BIOS settings. The key is usually F2 or Del, but it may vary depending on your computer. Once you’re in the BIOS settings, look for the option to change the boot order and make sure the USB drive is the first option.
What should I do if Windows won’t activate?
If Windows won’t activate, you may need to enter a different product key or contact Microsoft support for assistance. You can also try activating Windows by phone by clicking the “Activate by phone” option during the activation process and following the prompts.
Video Tutorial
For a more in-depth tutorial on how to install Windows via a USB flash drive, check out this video:
Conclusion
Installing Windows via a USB flash drive is a straightforward process that anyone can do. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to install Windows on your computer quickly and easily.