To install Windows 11 on a new PC, use another computer to create a bootable USB drive with Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, plug it into the new PC, and boot from it using the one-time boot menu key (often F12, F11, F8, or Esc). In Windows Setup, choose your language, enter a product key or click I don’t have a product key, pick your edition, select the new drive’s Unallocated Space, and click Next. Windows installs in about 15 to 45 minutes, then walks you through setup.
This guide covers everything for a freshly built or blank PC, from hardware requirements and BIOS settings to drivers and activation.
What you need
- A USB flash drive of 8 GB or more. Everything on it will be erased.
- A working Windows PC (or a Mac or Linux PC, using the ISO method below) to create the installer.
- A Windows 11 license. A product key, a digital license tied to your Microsoft account, or a key built into a prebuilt PC’s firmware. You can also install without a key and activate later.
- An internet connection for setup, drivers, and updates.
Windows 11 minimum requirements
| Component | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, 64-bit, on Microsoft’s supported CPU list (generally Intel 8th Gen or AMD Ryzen 2000 and newer) |
| RAM | 4 GB (8 GB or more recommended) |
| Storage | 64 GB or more |
| Firmware | UEFI with Secure Boot capability |
| TPM | Trusted Platform Module version 2.0 |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 compatible with a WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display | 720p, larger than 9 inches diagonally |
Most motherboards from the last several years have a firmware TPM, but it may be turned off by default. It’s called Intel PTT or AMD fTPM in the BIOS.
Step 1: Create a Windows 11 installation USB
- On a working PC, go to Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page.
- Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, click Download Now and run the tool.
- Accept the license terms, confirm the language and edition, and click Next.
- Choose USB flash drive, select your drive, and click Next.
- Wait for the download and USB creation to finish, then click Finish.
Using a Mac or Linux PC? Download the Windows 11 ISO from the same page instead, then write it to a USB drive with a tool that supports Windows ISOs. Copying the ISO file onto the drive won’t make it bootable.
Step 2: Check your BIOS or UEFI settings
- Plug in the USB drive and turn on the new PC.
- Press the BIOS key right away, usually Delete or F2. Your motherboard’s startup screen or manual will show it.
- Make sure TPM (Intel PTT or AMD fTPM) is enabled.
- Make sure the boot mode is UEFI, not Legacy or CSM, and that Secure Boot is available. For help, see how to enable Secure Boot for Windows 11.
- Save and exit, usually with F10.
Step 3: Boot from the USB drive
- Restart the PC and press the one-time boot menu key as it starts.
- Select your USB drive. If it’s listed twice, choose the entry that starts with UEFI.
| Brand | Common boot menu key |
|---|---|
| ASUS | F8 |
| MSI | F11 |
| Gigabyte | F12 |
| ASRock | F11 |
| Dell | F12 |
| HP | Esc, then F9 |
| Lenovo | F12 |
Keys can vary by model. If the PC has no other drive with an operating system, it may boot from the USB automatically.
Step 4: Install Windows 11
- Choose your language, time format, and keyboard, then click Next.
- Select Install Windows 11, check the box to agree that everything will be deleted, and click Next. On older installers, click Install now.
- Enter your product key, or click I don’t have a product key.
- Choose the edition you have a license for, such as Windows 11 Home or Pro. Picking the wrong one means your key won’t activate it.
- Accept the license terms.
- If asked for an install type, choose Custom: Install Windows only.
- Select the new drive, shown as Unallocated Space, and click Next. Windows creates the partitions it needs.
Don’t see your drive? Some NVMe drives on Intel systems need a storage driver. Download the Intel Rapid Storage Technology (IRST) or VMD driver from your motherboard’s support page, put it on the USB drive, and click Load driver. You can also try turning off VMD in the BIOS if your board supports it.
The PC restarts a few times. When it does, don’t press a key to boot from the USB again. You can remove the USB drive once you reach the setup screens.
Step 5: Complete setup
- Choose your country or region and keyboard layout.
- Connect to Wi-Fi or Ethernet. If your Wi-Fi adapter isn’t detected, plug in an Ethernet cable or USB tethered phone.
- Name your PC.
- Sign in with a Microsoft account. Windows 11 Home and Pro require a Microsoft account and internet connection during setup for personal use. Pro users can choose Set up for work or school instead if they have one.
- Create a PIN, and choose your privacy settings.
- Decide whether to restore from a backup or set up as a new PC.
You may find online tricks to skip the Microsoft account requirement. Microsoft has been removing them in newer builds, and they aren’t supported, so we don’t recommend relying on them. You can add a local account later in Settings > Accounts > Other users.
Step 6: Install drivers and updates
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install everything, including anything under Advanced options > Optional updates.
- Install your graphics driver from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel.
- Download chipset, LAN, Wi-Fi, and audio drivers from your motherboard or PC maker’s support page.
- Open Device Manager and look for any devices with a yellow warning icon.
Step 7: Activate Windows
Go to Settings > System > Activation. If you skipped the product key, click Change product key and enter it. If you’re reusing a license from an old PC that’s linked to your Microsoft account, use Troubleshoot and choose I changed hardware on this device recently. Note that OEM licenses that came with a prebuilt PC generally can’t move to a new PC. For more, see how to activate Windows.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install Windows 11 without a product key?
Yes. Click I don’t have a product key. Windows works, but you’ll see an “Activate Windows” watermark and can’t change personalization settings until you activate.
How long does it take to install Windows 11 on a new PC?
The install itself usually takes 15 to 45 minutes on an SSD. Allow an hour or more for setup, drivers, and updates.
What if my PC doesn’t meet the requirements?
Setup will say “This PC can’t run Windows 11.” Check that TPM and Secure Boot are turned on first. Microsoft doesn’t support installing on unsupported hardware, and such PCs may not get updates.
Can I use the same USB to install Windows 11 on another PC?
Yes. The installer can be reused, but each PC needs its own license.
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.