How to install Windows 11 (step-by-step instructions)

Whether you're upgrading or installing from scratch, Windows 11 is guaranteed to turn heads with its modern interface, features and unrivalled performance. Setting up Windows 11 for the first time or upgrading from an older version can be a challenge. Don’t worry, I'm here for you.

I'll guide you through the entire configuration process so you can start using Windows 11 right away. You can sit back and relax while we prepare your computer, make system customisations and adjust settings.

Preparations for the installation

Before you start the installation, you should make sure that everything is in order, as the installation can become more complicated if it is not planned from the start. If you take a few steps in advance, you can avoid complications later on.

Backup your Data
First and foremost, make sure your important files are backed up. Whether it’s family photos, work documents or even your beloved cat videos, store them on an external hard drive or in the cloud. It's always better to be safe than sorry, don't you think?

System Requirements
Windows 11 includes special features, so it's very important to make sure your PC is compatible. You can check this with the PC Health Check Tool from Microsoft. The most important specifications are:

• 64-bit compatible processor
• 4 gigabytes of RAM
• 64 gigabytes of memory unlocked
• TPM version 2.0 activated
• Secure boot capability.

Genuine product key
Make sure you have a valid product key for Windows 11 Pro before you start. To minimise problems during subsequent activation, you can obtain the product key for Windows 11 Pro from reliable sources such as Microsoft Softwares.

Create a bootable USB drive
If you want to create a bootable USB flash drive, follow the instructions below.

• Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
• Start the tool and click on Create installation medium (USB flash drive).
• Select the language, edition and architecture according to your requirements.
• Insert an empty flash drive with at least 8 gigabytes.
• Follow the instructions below to complete the process.

Step-by-step installation procedure
Once you have prepared the bootable USB stick and backed up important data, you can now proceed with the installation of Windows 11.

Step 1: USB boot
Restart the PC and press the key, which is normally F12, Esc or Del, to display the boot menu. Select the USB flash drive as the primary boot device. The system will then retrieve the Windows setup files from the USB flash drive.

Step 2: Selecting the region and language
At the beginning of the installation, you must select the preferred language, regional time and keyboard layout. Make sure that the selection corresponds to your wishes and click Next.

Step 3: Enter the product key
Please enter the original Windows 11 Pro product key when prompted. It is important that you enter the product key during installation so that your copy can be activated during the installation process. If no key is available, please select the option "I do not have a product key" and activate Windows later.

Step 4: Select the type of installation
You must select Custom: Install Windows Only (Advanced). With this option, the installation type can be set to Custom, which is recommended for the best performance due to the clean installation.

Step 5 Select the partition.
A new window will appear with a list of all available drives. Click on the primary partition (containing the operating system), which is marked as drive 0 Unallocated space. Continue with the installation by clicking Next.

Step 6 Installation
The system will begin installing; this may require your PC to reboot a few times. No need to panic – this is how it should work in any case. Allow the system to complete the installation without interruption.

Step 7: Customise your settings.
Once the installation is complete, you will need to customise the settings. This step includes the following:

• Configuring the country and language options;
• Configuring the wireless network;
• Logging in with the Microsoft email ID;
• Set up the desktop;
• You can customise all settings to improve your workflow.

Step 8: Connect to the Internet
When you activate the Internet, Windows 11 automatically checks for updates and prompts you to restart. The system ensures that the latest version is installed, including all updates.

Further steps
Your system is now equipped with Windows 11, but further adjustments still need to be made in order to use the device properly.

Updating the system drivers

• Resolving compatibility issues with the device should be the first priority. Proceed as follows:
• Open the Device Manager via the Start menu by right-clicking on it.
• Update the drivers by checking for updates online. To do this, expand the categories in the Device Manager and right-click on any device.
  

Once your system is ready, reinstall the important software you use every day, such as web browsers, productivity tools and antivirus programmes.

Activate Windows.
If you have not yet entered your product key, go to: Settings > Update & Security > Activation and do so now by clicking Change product key and entering your Windows 11 Pro key for activation.

Restore backup. Now you can transfer your files from an external drive or cloud storage and make sure everything is intact and organised as it was before the upgrade.

General troubleshooting. If things don’t go as planned, here are some solutions for recurring problems.

Troubleshooting freezing during installation. If your installation gets stuck, try these solutions:

• Restart the PC and reboot from USB.
• If the problem persists, recreate the bootable USB stick.