How to Clean Install Windows 11 from USB.
This tutorial contains step-by-step instructions on how to perform a clean installation of Windows 11 from USB.
Windows 11 was released on 5 October 2021 and many users are looking for the right way to install the new operating system on their systems. (I hope this article will help them…)
Before installing Windows 11 on your computer for the first time, ensure that your system meets the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11* and, most importantly, supports Secure Boot & TPM version 2.0. **
- Secure Boot. To find out if your computer supports Secure Boot and to enable it, enter in BIOS settings and set the Secure Boot to Enable. (In some computer models the "Secure Boot" is located under the "Security Settings" menu).
- TPM: To find out if your computer supports TPM and to enable it, enter in BIOS settings and check if there is an option named: Intel Platform Trusted Module, Intel TPM, Intel Platform Trust Technology, Intel PTT, Security Device, Security Device Support, TPM State, AMD fTPM switch, AMD PSP fTPM. ***
* If your device is already running Windows 10, download and run the PC Health Check app to verify that your system is capable to run Windows 11.
** If your computer supports TPM version 1.2 instead of TPM version 2.0, read the instructions on this article: How to Install Windows 11 from USB on TPM v1.2 devices.
***Â If your computer does not support TPM (TPM v1.2 or TPM v2.0), read the instructions on this article: How to Update to Windows 11 without any TPM.
How to Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11 from USB.
Important: Before proceeding to the installation process:
1. Backup your Files: If you already use your computer, backup your personal files to another storage device. (e.g. an external USB disk).
2. Product key: If you install Windows 11 for first time, you must have a valid product key to activate Windows during or after the installation. If you have previously installed and activated Windows 11, or Windows 10, to the same computer you don't need a key. Windows 11 will be automatically activated after installation (after you connect to the internet).
3. Disconnect all the peripheral devices that you don't need (e.g. USB Drives, SD Cards, USB Wireless Mouse or Keyboard Receiver, USB Wireless Network Card, Printer etc.). Optionally: if you have more than one physical disk on your system, disconnect them and keep only the hard disk on which you will install Windows to avoid accidental deletion.
STEP 1. CREATE A WINDOWS 11 INSTALLATION MEDIA (USB).
In order to do a fresh install of Windows 11 on your computer you need a Windows 11 USB installation media.
If you don't have a Windows 11 installation media, you can create one by following the instructions in method-2 of this article: How to Download Windows 11 ISO or USB.
STEP 2. MODIFY BOOT ORDER IN BIOS SETTINGS.
1. Plug the Windows 11 USB installation media on an empty USB port.
2. Power On your computer enter in BIOS settings by pressing one of the following keys:Â DEL or F1 or F2 or F10. *
* Note: The way to enter into BIOS Settings depends on the computer manufacturer. If you cannot enter in BIOS settings after pressing one of the above mentioned keys, see the manual of your laptop/desktop computer.
3. In BIOS, go to Boot Order settings and set the USB as the first boot device. *
* Note: The 'Boot Order' settings, commonly are found under "Advanced Settings" menu.
4. Save and exit from BIOS settings.
STEP 3. INSTALL WINDOWS 11.
1. When prompted press Enter to boot from CD or DVD…
2. Finally, click Install now to start the installation of Windows 11.
3. Type your Windows 11 product key, or click I don't have a product key (to type it later, after installation). *
* Note: if you have previously installed and activated Windows 10 on the same computer, there is no need to type the product key again. Windows 11 should be activated automatically once installed and connected to the Internet (Microsoft Servers).
4. At the next choose the Windows 11 Edition that you want to install and click Next.
5. Accept the license terms and click Next.
6. Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
8. At the next screen, perform one of the following actions:
- Action 1. If you have previously installed Windows on the same disk that you are going to install Windows 11, then select one by one all the listed partitions and press Delete to remove all partitions. *
* Attention: By deleting all partitions, you'll delete all the files on the drive. So before you continue, make sure you have backed up all your files to another storage device.
- Action 2. If the disk is empty select the Unallocated Space and click Next.
9. Wait until the Windows 11 installation is complete.
10. During the setup process Windows will restart a few times to complete the necessary actions required to complete the installation. Wait while this happens without shutting down your computer.
11. At Country/Region options, choose your country and click Yes.
12. Type a computer name and press Next.
13. If you want to Sign-in to Windows 11 with your Microsoft Account,* type your Microsoft Account email and click Next to continue. (At the next screen type your MS account's password and click OK).
* TIP: If you don't want to sign-in to Windows 11 with a Microsoft account and want to sign-in with a local account instead, do not connect your computer to the Network at this time. (Choose "I don't have Internet" when asked to connect to a Wireless Network, or don't connect the Ethernet cable.)
14. At next screen modify the privacy settings according your wish and click Accept.
15. Wait a few minutes for the Windows 11 installation to complete.
16. Enjoy the new OS…(?)
That's it! Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
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