Before you start
- An 8 GB+ USB drive
- A full backup of your files
- A PC that meets Windows 11 requirements
- Your Microsoft account details
Method 1 Prepare
-
Step 1: Back up
Copy Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Downloads and any game saves. Export browser bookmarks if you don’t use sync.
-
Step 2: Check your license
In Settings > System > Activation, confirm Windows is activated with a digital license, ideally linked to your Microsoft account.
-
Step 3: Make the USB
Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to create a Windows 11 USB drive.
-
Step 4: Download network drivers
Save your Wi-Fi/Ethernet driver from the PC maker to the USB, in case Windows doesn’t recognise your network card.
Method 2 Install Windows 11
-
Step 1: Boot from the USB
Insert the USB, restart and press the boot menu key (F12, F11, F9, F8 or Esc). Select the USB drive.
-
Step 2: Start setup
Choose language and keyboard, then Install Windows 11. Confirm that everything will be deleted when asked.
-
Step 3: Skip the product key
Click I don’t have a product key. Choose the same edition you had (Home or Pro), or the license won’t activate.
-
Step 4: Delete old partitions
On the disk screen, select each partition on the Windows drive (usually Disk 0) and click Delete partition until there’s a single Unallocated space. Don’t touch other drives with your data.
-
Step 5: Install
Select the unallocated space and click Next/Install. Windows creates its partitions and installs; the PC restarts several times.
Method 3 Set up and finish
-
Step 1: Complete setup
Choose region and keyboard, connect to the internet and sign in with your Microsoft account.
-
Step 2: Update everything
Run Settings > Windows Update repeatedly, including Advanced options > Optional updates for drivers.
-
Step 3: Install drivers
Install graphics, chipset and audio drivers from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel or your PC maker.
-
Step 4: Restore your files
Copy your backup back and reinstall your apps.
Troubleshooting
Setup can’t see my drive
Some Intel PCs need the Intel RST/VMD driver: download it from your PC maker, put it on the USB and click Load driver. Or disable VMD in the BIOS (research your model first).
Windows isn’t activated after installing
Make sure you installed the same edition. Then use Settings > System > Activation > Troubleshoot and choose I changed hardware on this device recently if needed.
No internet during setup
Install the network driver you saved on the USB, or connect with an Ethernet cable or phone USB tethering.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a product key to reinstall Windows 11?
No, if the PC was activated before. The digital license reactivates automatically.
How long does a clean install take?
About 20–40 minutes for the install, plus time for updates, drivers and apps.
Should I clean install or upgrade?
Upgrading keeps everything and is easier. A clean install is better for fixing persistent problems or removing bloatware.
Summary
Back up, make a USB with the Media Creation Tool, boot from it, delete the old Windows partitions and install to the unallocated space. Your license reactivates automatically; finish with updates and drivers.
