How to install Windows 11 from scratch
Windows 11 requirements
In order to install this OS, our computer must meet the following requirements:
- CPU: processor with two or more cores, 64-bit, and a frequency greater than 1 GHz.
- RAM: at least 4 GB of RAM.
- Hard drive or SSD: minimum space of 64 GB on the hard drive, SSD, or the partition where we are going to install the system.
- Graphic card: Supports DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0 support.
- GPU: A graphics card that supports DirectX 12 technology and the WDDM 2.0 driver.
- Screen: at least 9 inches and HD resolution at 720p and 8-bit color.
- Internet connection: It is mandatory to be connected to install the system, and to have a Microsoft Account.
In addition, there are two other special requirements that are causing the most conflicts among users. On the one hand, this new system requires a UEFI system with Secure Boot to be able to install it on the computer. And, in addition, it is necessary that the motherboard has a TPM 2.0 chip.
The TPM 2.0 chip has been a requirement for new computers since 2016, but older computers may not have it. If so, they will not be able to install Windows 11. We can check if our computer has this chip (and is therefore compatible with Windows 11) by running the “tpm.msc” command and analyzing the results of the window that appears (specifically the “Specification version” section).
It may happen that our computer has this chip, but it is disabled in the UEFI of the computer. And the same can happen with the Secure Boot. In that case, what we must do is enter the UEFI of the PC (don't worry, we are not going to break anything if we don't touch where we shouldn't) and look for both the "Secure Boot" section and the TPM section.
With this, we can apply the changes, restart the computer, and we will be ready to start installing Windows 11. Although we will first have to create an installation media.
1. Create a Windows 11 installation media with a USB
Before proceeding, be sure to back up and disconnect any external hard drives to avoid accidentally deleting data.
Before you begin, make sure that the USB drive you have prepared has at least 8 GB of storage space. Also, if it is not empty, please back up the files on the USB drive in advance, or you will lose them. Then, follow the instructions below to create a Windows 11 installation USB:
- Plug your USB drive into a USB port on your computer.
- Start your trial Microsoft's Media Creation Tool. Click the button Download now in the “Create Windows 11 installation media” section.
- Right click on the file MediaCreationToolW11.exe and select Run as administrator.
- On the page license terms, select Accept.
- On the page What would you like to do?, select Create installation media for another PC and then click Next.
6. The setup program automatically selects the language, edition, and architecture of Windows 11 based on your current Windows environment. If you want to change the default options, uncheck the option Use the recommended options for this computer and choose from the available options.
7. When asked to choose the media to use, select the USB flash drive and click Next.
8. You will see a list of removable drives available on your computer. Select the USB drive you just connected and click Next to start creating the Windows 11 installation media.
Council: If you don't see the USB drive you need, click Update unit list and try again.
Install Windows 11 from bootable USB drive
1. Plug the USB flash drive into the PC where you want to install Windows 11.
2. Boot your PC and immediately press a specific key (usually F2, F12, Del or Esc) to enter the BIOS.
3. Open the boot menu and set the USB drive as the first boot device.
4. Follow the Windows setup wizard to clean install Windows 11.
Initial system setup
The first steps you need to take in the Windows 11 installer are to adjust some basic system parameters. First, select language on which the OS, regional format and keyboard layout will be installed.
Then click Install Now.
In the next step, press I don't have a product key, since it will enter the license after Windows starts.
Then select the edition of Windows 11 you want to install. Please note that it must match the activation key you have.
Accept the terms of use of Windows 11 by clicking on Next after checking the box below.
To perform a clean install, use Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
If you opt for the second, you should create a partition or format the current one. Use the commands at the bottom of the window to customize your computer's storage.
Finally, Windows 11 will begin to install. First, it will copy all the necessary files and then it will leave your computer ready for the next step.
Customize the experience when installing Windows 11 from a USB
In the previous steps, you might have thought we were using the Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 installer. That's because Microsoft hasn't changed its look since then. However, the second part of the installation looks more consistent with the new Windows 11 design patterns.
First, select your region.
Then add a second keyboard layout if you see fit.
Give your device a name. Use one that will allow you to recognize it from other devices.
What are you going to use your PC for? The first option applies some specific settings for home and personal use. But if this is a business or educational computer, go for the second option.
Do you have a Microsoft account? Use it to link your computer to the services offered by the company. It is recommended to do so if you want to save files to OneDrive, sync browser settings, and access applications you have purchased from the store. However, it is still possible to create local accounts in Windows 11. Just click on Login Options.
If you've made it this far, Windows 11 is almost set. There are only a few additional privacy-related settings left. Most, if not all, of these can be left off. Things like whether apps can access your location or whether you want to send additional data to Microsoft require some consideration on your part. Take a few minutes to read carefully what you do and don't agree to.
Finally, the message will appear on the screen This may take a few minutes.
When this goes away, Windows 11 will make an appearance.
Activate Windows 11
- Once you have the license, follow these steps to activate Windows 11 forever:
- Go to Windows Settings (Windows + i)
- In the System section, select Activation on the right side
- Select Update Product Key
- Now click on Change Product Key
- Enter the product key: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
- Click Next and wait for the system to activate
If all goes well, the watermark will be gone and your system will be legally activated, without any programs or activators.