Installing Windows 10 on a new hard drive might sound a bit intimidating, but it’s actually straightforward. You just need to make a bootable USB, plug it into your computer, and follow the on-screen instructions. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a fresh Windows 10 installation ready to go.
How to Install Windows 10 on a New Hard Drive
In the following steps, we’ll walk through creating a bootable USB drive to installing Windows 10 on a brand new hard drive. It’s a good idea to have your Windows 10 product key and a second working computer handy before starting.
Step 1: Create a bootable USB drive
You’ll need the Windows 10 ISO file and a USB drive with at least 8GB of space.
To do this, download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website, run it, and choose “Create installation media.” Follow the prompts to put the Windows 10 ISO on your USB drive.
Step 2: Insert the USB drive into your new computer
Shut down your computer and insert the bootable USB drive.
When you start it up again, you’ll need to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) and change the boot order so the USB is first.
Step 3: Start the installation process
With the USB drive set up as the first boot device, restart your computer.
You should see the Windows logo and the installation process will begin. Choose your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click “Next” and “Install now.”
Step 4: Enter your product key
You’ll be prompted to enter your Windows 10 product key.
If you don’t have it handy, you can skip this step and enter it later.
Step 5: Choose the custom installation option
When asked what type of installation you want, select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
This will let you install Windows 10 on your new hard drive. You’ll see a screen with a list of your drives and partitions.
Step 6: Select the new hard drive
Pick the new hard drive from the list.
If the drive hasn’t been formatted yet, you may need to do so by selecting it and clicking “New,” then “Apply.” This will prepare the drive for the installation.
Step 7: Complete the installation
Follow the remaining on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Your computer will restart several times during this process. Once it’s done, you’ll be taken through the initial setup of Windows 10.
After you complete these steps, your computer will restart and boot into the new Windows 10 installation. You’ll need to go through the initial setup, including setting up a user account and adjusting your settings.
Tips for Installing Windows 10 on a New Hard Drive
- Backup Important Data: Always back up any important data on your old hard drive before starting.
- Check Compatibility: Make sure your computer’s hardware is compatible with Windows 10.
- Keep Drivers Handy: Have drivers for your hardware available, especially for network and graphics cards.
- Stay Connected: Keep an internet connection available for downloading updates during installation.
- Have Your Product Key Ready: While you can skip entering the product key initially, having it ready will make the process smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install Windows 10 without a product key?
Yes, you can install Windows 10 without a product key, but some features will be limited until you activate it.
What if my computer doesn’t recognize the USB drive?
Make sure the USB drive is properly formatted and created using the Media Creation Tool. Check the BIOS settings to ensure the USB is set as the first boot device.
How long does the installation process take?
It depends on your computer’s speed, but typically it takes around 30 minutes to an hour.
Can I install Windows 10 on a Mac?
Yes, you can use Boot Camp Assistant on your Mac to install Windows 10.
Do I need to format my new hard drive before installation?
If the hard drive is new and unformatted, the Windows 10 installer will prompt you to format it during the installation process.
Summary
- Create a bootable USB drive.
- Insert the USB drive into your computer.
- Start the installation process.
- Enter your product key.
- Choose the custom installation option.
- Select the new hard drive.
- Complete the installation.
Conclusion
Installing Windows 10 on a new hard drive is a pretty straightforward process if you follow these steps. You start by creating a bootable USB drive, then move on to setting up the new hard drive in your computer’s BIOS. The Windows installation process itself is largely automated, guiding you through with clear instructions.
Afterward, you’ll need to complete some initial setup tasks, like creating a user account and connecting to the internet. Taking the time to prepare beforehand, such as backing up data and having your product key ready, can save you from potential headaches. By following this guide, you should have a fresh installation of Windows 10 up and running in no time.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out other resources or reach out for expert help if needed. Happy computing!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.