Introduction
Installing a Windows 10 operating system can seem daunting, but with the right instructions, it becomes a straightforward task. Whether you're upgrading from an older version of Windows, installing a fresh copy, or setting up a new computer, this guide will take you through the process step-by-step. By the end, you'll have Windows 10 up and running smoothly on your computer.
This guide will walk you through the process of downloading and installing Windows 10 and how to use Windows 10 on a brand-new computer. Clear instructions and illustrations will help you discover how to install Windows 10 correctly and optimize the setup, making this comprehensive book a must-have for any user upgrading their operating system.
What is Windows 10?
Microsoft's operating system for laptops and PCs is called Windows 10. Developed on top of Windows 7, it was released in 2015. It came with hundreds of useful features, such as Microsoft's voice assistant Cortana, an app store that made downloading apps quick and simple, and a quicker web browser known as Microsoft Edge.
Windows 11's improved security measures require specific hardware components, so updating it immediately, even though its replacement has already appeared, is not necessary. Support for Windows 10 will last until October 2025.
If you plan to purchase a new PC in the coming months from the manufacturer or merchant, make sure it supports Trusted Platform Module version 2.0 or later so it can run Windows 11.
Prepare For Installation and Install the the Best Windows 10 Operating System
Before installing Windows 10, preparing properly is crucial to ensure a smooth installation process. First, back up all important data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or USB flash drive to prevent any loss during installation. Verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 10, including a 1 GHz or faster processor, 1 GB of RAM for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit, 16 GB of storage for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit, a DirectX 9 graphics card, and an 800x600 display. Obtain a valid Windows 10 license key, which can be purchased from the Microsoft Store or authorized retailers. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website and create a bootable USB drive with at least 8 GB of space.
Checklist for preparing and installing Windows 10
- Backup Important Data: Use external hard drives, cloud storage, or USB flash drives.
- Check System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets the minimum specifications:
— Processor: 1 GHz or faster
— RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
— Storage: 16 GB for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit
— Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
— Display: 800x600 resolution - Obtain a Windows 10 license: Purchase a valid license key.
- Download the media creation tool: Get it from the official Microsoft website.
- Create a bootable USB drive: Use a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space.
- Set boot order in BIOS/UEFI: Configure your computer to boot from the USB drive.
- Insert bootable USB Drive: Begin the installation process by booting from the USB drive.
- Follow installation prompts: Complete the installation steps as guided by the Windows Setup screen.
Windows 10 Installation System Requirements
In order for Windows 10 to be installed on your computer, it must match the following minimum system requirements:
- Processor: up to 1 GHz
- RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit operating systems and 2 GB for 64-bit operating systems
- Storage: 20GB for 64-bit OS, or 16GB for 32-bit OS
- Graphics card: WDDM (Windows Display Driver Model) driver for DirectX 9 graphics device
- 800x600 resolution on display
- Network: An online link
For optimal performance, using a higher powerful PC is advised. Prior to installing, make sure your programs and hardware are compatible.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide: How to Install Windows 10 Operating System
Your computer may undergo a complete makeover with the installation of a new operating system, which offers better performance, increased security measures, and a novel interface. One of Microsoft's most well-liked and reliable operating systems, Windows 10, offers customers an easy-to-use interface that meets their personal and business needs. This tutorial attempts to take you step-by-step through the Windows 10 installation procedure so that even users with little technical experience may install or upgrade to this robust operating system on their computers. You can easily make the switch to Windows 10 by following the simple and clear instructions for every step, which include setting up your system, making a bootable USB drive, installing Windows 10, and starting up.
Step 1: Create a bootable USB drive
- Download the media creation tool: Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool.
- Run the tool: Open the downloaded file and run the tool. You will be greeted with the Windows Setup screen.
- Accept the license terms: Read and accept the license terms to proceed.
- Create installation media: Choose the "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC" option and click Next.
- Select language, edition, and architecture: Choose your preferred language, edition (Windows 10 Home or Pro), and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Click Next.
- Choose USB flash drive: Insert a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space. Select the USB flash drive option and click Next. The tool will download Windows 10 and create a bootable USB drive.
Step 2: Install Windows 10
- Insert the bootable USB drive: Insert the USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 10.
- Boot from USB: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F12, Delete, or Esc during startup). Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
- Save and exit: Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will restart and boot from the USB drive.
- Windows setup: You will see the Windows Setup screen. Choose your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method. Click Next.
- Install now: Click the "Install now" button to begin the installation process.
- Enter license key: Enter your Windows 10 license key and click Next. If you don’t have a key, you can choose to enter it later by selecting "I don’t have a product key."
- Select Edition: If prompted, choose the edition of Windows 10 that matches your license key and click Next.
- Accept license terms: Read and accept the license terms, then click Next.
- Custom Installation: Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" for a fresh installation.
- Partition the hard drive:Select the drive where you want to install Windows 10. You can delete existing partitions to create a new one or use the available space. Click Next. The installation process will begin, and your computer will restart several times.
Step 3: Complete the installation
- Initial setup: After the installation is complete, Windows 10 will guide you through the initial setup. Choose your region and keyboard layout, then click Yes.
- Network connection: Connect to a Wi-Fi network or plug in an Ethernet cable. This will allow Windows to download updates and additional features.
- Microsoft account: Sign in with your Microsoft account. If you don’t have one, you can create a new account or use a local account.
- Privacy settings: Review and adjust the privacy settings according to your preference. Click Accept.
- Cortana setup: You can choose to enable or disable Cortana, Microsoft’s digital assistant.
- Finalize settings: Windows will finalize your settings, and after a few moments, you will be taken to the Windows 10 desktop.
Conclusion
If you follow the right procedures and make the necessary preparations, installing Windows 10 can be an easy and satisfying process. Quickly install Windows 10 on your computer by backing up your data, making a bootable USB drive, and following the installation instructions. In order to make the most of your new operating system, don't forget to install updates, drivers, and other software.