Installing or reinstalling an operating system is something that needs to be done from time to time, whether it’s because of a hardware failure or performance issues. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to install or reinstall Windows 10 using a flash drive or DVD. This guide is suitable for users in the US, and we will assume that you have the necessary hardware and software to create a bootable flash drive or DVD.
How to Create a Bootable Flash Drive or DVD
The first step in the installation or reinstallation process is to create a bootable flash drive or DVD. Here’s how to do it:
Creating a Bootable Flash Drive
To create a bootable flash drive, you’ll need a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage space. Follow the steps below:
- Download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website by clicking on this link.
- Insert the USB flash drive into your computer’s USB port.
- Open the downloaded file, and click on the ‘Accept’ button.
- Select the ‘Create installation media for another PC’ option and click on the ‘Next’ button.
- Choose the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) for your Windows 10 installation, and click on the ‘Next’ button.
- Select the ‘USB flash drive’ option, and click on the ‘Next’ button.
- Select the USB flash drive that you inserted earlier, and click on the ‘Next’ button.
- Wait for the installation media to be created, which may take some time depending on your internet connection speed and computer’s specifications.
Creating a Bootable DVD
To create a bootable DVD, you’ll need a blank DVD and a DVD burner. Follow the steps below:
- Download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s website by clicking on this link.
- Insert the blank DVD into your DVD burner.
- Right-click on the downloaded file, and select the ‘Burn disc image’ option.
- Select the DVD burner that you inserted earlier, and click on the ‘Burn’ button.
- Wait for the installation media to be created, which may take some time depending on your DVD burner’s speed and computer’s specifications.
How to Install or Reinstall Windows 10
Once you’ve created a bootable flash drive or DVD, you’re ready to install or reinstall Windows 10. Here’s how to do it:
- Insert the bootable flash drive or DVD into the computer where you want to install or reinstall Windows 10.
- Restart the computer.
- When the computer starts, press the key that opens the boot device selection menu. The key may vary depending on the computer’s manufacturer, but common keys are F2, F10, F12, or Del. Look for instructions on the screen to know which key to press.
- Select the bootable flash drive or DVD from the menu, and press Enter.
- Wait for the Windows Setup screen to appear.
- Select the language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method that you want to use, and click on the ‘Next’ button.
- Click on the ‘Install now’ button.
- Enter the product key if prompted, or click on the ‘I don’t have a product key’ option if you don’t have one.
- Select the edition of Windows 10 that you want to install, and click on the ‘Next’ button.
- Read and accept the license terms, and click on the ‘Next’ button.
- Select the ‘Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)’ option.
- Select the drive where you want to install Windows 10, and click on the ‘Next’ button.
- Wait for Windows 10 to be installed, which may take some time depending on your computer’s specifications.
- Once Windows 10 is installed, you’ll be prompted to set up your user account with a name and password. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a product key to install or reinstall Windows 10?
If you’re reinstalling Windows 10 on a computer that already had it, you don’t need a product key, as long as you’re reinstalling the same edition of Windows 10 (Home or Pro). Windows 10 will automatically activate itself using the digital license that was previously stored in your computer’s firmware. However, if you’re installing Windows 10 on a new computer or upgrading from a previous version of Windows, you’ll need a valid product key to activate Windows 10.
2. Can I install Windows 10 on multiple computers using the same product key?
No, you can’t install Windows 10 on multiple computers using the same product key, unless you have a volume license agreement with Microsoft. Each computer requires its own unique product key to be activated.
Video Tutorial: How to Install or Reinstall Windows 10
For those who prefer video tutorials, here’s a helpful video on how to install or reinstall Windows 10:
Conclusion
Installing or reinstalling Windows 10 can be a daunting task, but with this guide, you should be able to do it on your own without the need for professional help. Remember to create a backup of your important files before installing or reinstalling Windows 10, as the installation process will erase all data on the drive where Windows 10 will be installed. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Good luck!
