Windows 10 is one of the most popular operating systems in the world because it is so easy to operate and is fast. If you are looking toward upgrading to Windows 10 or installing Windows 10 afresh, this guide will smoothen the way for you.
What to Have
Before you get started on how to install Windows 10, have all the tools and resources you would need. Proper preparation guarantees that the installation process will go smoothly without any hurdles. Here is what you need:
1.Windows 10 Installation Media
A bootable USB flash drive or a DVD containing Windows 10 is required. You can create this using the free Media Creation Tool released by Microsoft on their official website.
2.A Windows 10 Product Key
To activate your installation of Windows 10, you need a valid product key that is used with the current upgrade version. If you are upgrading to 10, the product key from your current Windows version might work for you.
3.Back up Your Important Data
Prior to installation, back up all critical files to an external drive or onto a cloud storage drive. This becomes really important, especially because the clean installation will erase all the existing data.
4.Compatible PC Hardware
Make sure your PC meets the minimum required specifications to install Windows 10:
Processor: 1ghz or faster.
RAM: 1GB for 32-bit or 2GB for 64-bit.
Available Hard disk space: 16GB for 32-bit or 20GB for 64-bit.
GPU: DirectX 9 or later with driver WDDM 1.0.
Display: At least 800 x 600 pixels.
Power Supply
In the case of laptops, plug in their power supply so that you can avoid installation interference. As for desktops, ensure a stable power supply.
5.Internet Connection
When performing installation, a connection is not mandatory; however, it is better to have an internet connection to download updates and drivers during the installation process or after.
Prepare Your PC
The right preparation of your computer is an important first step before commencing the installation process of Windows 10. These steps are useful to ensure a smooth install:
1.Backup Important Files
Especially when installing Windows 10 as a clean installation, this might erase every data in the disk. Back up your documents, images, and any other important files on an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive.
2.Check Your System Requirements
Verify that your PC has at least the minimum required configurations for Windows 10:
Processor-Speed of 1 GHz or above
Memory: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
Storage-16 Gbps for 32-bit or 20 GB for 64-bit.
Graphics-Support of DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
Display Resolution-At least 800 by 600 resolution
3.Update the BIOS or UEFI firmware
Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for any firmware updates. In this way updating BIOS or UEFI could help you get rid of any compatibility issues and problems along the way while Windows is being installed.
4.Disable unnecessary devices
When installing Windows, it is preferable to unplug any other external functions like printers, scanners, or extra monitors to reduce possible driver conflicts.
5.Create bootable installation media
The easiest way to create a bootable USB drive or DVD is to use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. It should be done before anything else is done.
6.Make sure of a stable power supply
If you are using a laptop, plug it in to prevent battery depletion; for desktops, ensure that your system is connected to an uninterruptable power supply.
Having made all the said preparations, you are ready to go ahead with the installation ensuring that your installation process remains trouble-free and data loss is unlikely.
Boot from Installation Media
To Start Off with Installation Media
Installing Windows 10 is best done by a reboot from installation media. This procedure allows your PC to start up from a USB drive or DVD containing all of the files necessary to install or repair Windows 10. Here’s a very simple and clear guide on booting from installation media:
Essentials Required:
A USB drive or DVD having the Windows 10 installation files. (Using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, you can create this.)
A PC that is, obviously, capable of booting from USB or from a DVD drive.
1.Insert Installation Media
First, plug in the USB drive to one of your computer’s USB ports, or insert the DVD with the installation files into the drive.
2’Accessing BIOS/UEFI Settings
To enable your PC to boot from the installation media, you would need to get access to your settings on BIOS or UEFI. These generally contain system settings during startup to control initialization of hardware.
To get into your BIOS/UEFI:
Reboot your PC.
Enter BIOS/UEFI back at the startup (before the operating system loads) by pressing a specific key. For example, F2, F12, Delete or Esc; the exact key does depend upon the manufacturer of the PC. Check the PC’s manual or on-screen prompts.
3.Change Boot Order
Once you get into your BIOS/UEFI settings, you can go ahead and change the boot order to have your installation media in priority:
Go to the Boot Menu or Boot Order section. This is usually located under the “Boot” tab or “Boot Options.”
Select USB drive or DVD drive as the first boot device. This would enable your computer to boot from the Windows 10 static media rather than the hard drive.
Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI, and your computer will reboot.
configure Windows 10
While the most important part is obviously installing Windows 10, you then need to configure your machine according to your preferences-a bit of work that involves setting all kinds of personalization and privacy options that can make your experience touch-free and in accordance with your tastes. Here’s a handy guide on configuring Windows 10.
1.Personalization Settings
Once you’ve installed Windows 10, one of the first things comes to mind-being your first point of work-is personalization settings.
Change the wallpaper: You right-click on your desktop, select Personalize, and then you choose one of the default wallpapers or browse for your own.
Pick a color: In the Colors tab of the Personalize menu, you will be allowed to select your accent color for buttons, taskbar, and other UI elements.
Edit the Lock screen: In the Lock screen settings, your choice is selecting an image or slideshow of images for the lock screen, along with app notifications.
2. Create a User Account
-Release during Setup Time
Once Windows 10 is installed, you will need to set up a user account. You can, however, always tweak your account setup afterward.
Microsoft Account: Signing in using a Microsoft account allows you to share settings and files across many devices. Should you feel like you want to go with a local account instead of a Microsoft account, you might as well do it so.
Password and PIN: Setting up a password would help keep your account secured. You can also opt to have a PIN used to make it easier to access your computer.
Troubleshooting Tips
Although Windows 10 installation and configuration are usually straightforward, encountering problems during the process is not uncommon. Thankfully, many of the problems usually have simple fixes. Below are some common tips to help you get around problems you may encounter during Windows 10 installation or configuration.
1.Windows 10 Installation is Stuck or Frozen
If the installation seems stuck or frozen at some point, try these:
Check your hardware: Ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements for Windows 10.
Reboot the system: Sometimes, you’re lucky if you can get issues resolved by just rebooting your PC.
Unplug unnecessary external devices like printers, USB drives, and external hard drives. These could be conflicting during installation.
Try different installation media: In particular, if you are installing from a USB or a DVD, it may be worth recreating the installation media with the Media Creation Tool in case it has become corrupt.
2.Windows 10 Doesn’t Boot After Installation
If Windows 10 is not booting up after installation, you may try these steps:
Check Boot Order: Make sure that the boot order in BIOS/UEFI is set correctly such that the system boots from the hard drive or SSD on which Windows 10 was installed.
Repair startup: Boot from the Windows 10 installation media, select Repair Your Computer, and then click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair to try fixing any issues with the boot-up.
System Restore: If you are able to access Advanced Startup Options, you can try System Restore to revert the system to an earlier working state.
3.Windows 10 Is Slow, Following Installation
In case of Windows 10 failing to live to expectations and experiencing sluggishness, you should perform these easy tasks:
Driver Updates: Missing or stretched-out drivers are slowing it down. Access your Device Manager, and see if there are with yellow warning icons, and update them.
Startup Programs: The more programs are configured to trace your startup process for loading into your computer, the more it will slow down. Disable unnecessary items in Task Manager > Startup.
Run Disk Cleanup: With this tool, you can delete temporary files, system files, and other useless data that take space and slow down your computer.
Scan for Malware: Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or other antivirus applications to check for any potentially dangerous applications that may weaken your system performance.
Conclusion
Setting up and installing Windows 10 should not be too hard. Follow this step-by-step guide, and set up your system to work like magic. The guide will take you through the setting up of installation media and configuring the settings, ensuring that your PC is ready to give its best with Windows 10.
Troubleshooting Help: If you are stuck, use one of the troubleshooting tips for a quick fix.
Knowing these procedures, you’ll no doubt know how to install Windows 10 after gaining the knowledge with which to face any difficulties. Be it an upgrade of an older one or completely new, these guides will prepare you for it and make you the master of your Windows installation.
It’s Your Final Thought
Windows 10 installed and working as it should will change how attuned to productivity and experience computing becomes. When in trouble, go back to the troubleshooting section or consult a pro.
