How to install Windows 10

 

How to install the Microsoft Windows operating system

 

The following are general steps and guidelines to help you install Windows on your computer.

Check hardware compatibility

Before installing or upgrading Windows on your computer, check the hardware in the computer to make sure it's compatible with that version of Windows. Microsoft provides a Windows Compatible Product List for checking if the hardware in your computer is compatible with the chosen version of Windows.

Genuine Windows CD, DVD, or USB thumb drive

First, you need a copy of the Microsoft Windows operating system installation CD, DVD, or USB thumb drive. A Windows product key is included with the installation disc, which is required to activate Windows after installation. Or you can download windows 10 from its official website  for free and get the product key later.

Installing or upgrading Windows

To start the Windows install or upgrade process, you need to configure your computer to boot from a CD or DVD before booting to the hard drive. Changing the boot process forces the computer to look for the Windows installation disc before trying to boot from the hard drive.

1.      Open the CMOS setup.

2.      Change the computer's boot order. Set the CD, DVD or disc drive as the first boot device if you are trying to boot from a disc. Or, set the first boot device to your USB drive if you're trying to boot from a USB thumb drive. If the drive is not shown, keep the disc is inserted and reboot the computer. With the disc in the drive, BIOS should recognize and include it in the list.

3.      Save the settings change and exit BIOS.

Once you have updated the boot order, you can begin the Windows installation process.

4.      Place the Windows disc in the CD/DVD drive or USB thumb drive into the back of the computer.

5.      Turn on or restart the computer. As the computer starts up, it should detect the installation disc or drive and show a message similar to Press any key to boot from CD. Press any key on the keyboard to have the computer boot from the Windows disc or drive.

6.      After the Windows install begins, there are several prompts that you need to answer. Select either Yes or the appropriate option to install Windows.

7.      When asked which partition to install Windows onto, select the main partition, which is usually the C: drive or one labeled "Unallocated partition". If upgrading Windows, select the existing installation of Windows on the hard drive.

8.      You may be asked if you want to erase all contents on the hard drive, then install Windows. We recommend you choose this option, as it also formats the hard drive to allow the Windows operating system to be installed.

9.      The computer may need to restart several times during the Windows install process. The restarts are normal and if prompted to restart, select the Yes option.

10. When the install process is nearly complete, the Windows configuration option screens are shown. On these screens, you may be asked to select the time zone you live in, your preferred language, and the name of the account you use to access Windows. Select the appropriate options and enter the appropriate information on each configuration screen.

The Windows install process is completed when the computer prompts you to log in or when it loads into Windows.