How to Install Windows 11 from a USB Drive in 2025

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Once you’ve built your PC and configured the BIOS, the next step is installing your operating system. As of 2025, Windows 11 remains the most popular OS for gamers, professionals, and everyday users. Installing it via USB is the most convenient and efficient method.

This guide will walk you through the entire process—from creating a bootable USB to completing the installation of Windows 11 on your new machine.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you have:

  • A USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space (16GB is recommended)
  • A working PC with internet access to create the bootable drive
  • The newly built PC where Windows will be installed
  • A Windows 11 product key (optional during setup)

Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool

  1. Visit the official Microsoft site: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
  2. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool
  3. Open the tool and accept the license agreement
  4. Select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)” and click Next

Step 2: Create the Bootable USB Drive

  1. Choose your preferred language and Windows 11 edition
  2. Select “USB flash drive” as the media to use
  3. Pick your USB drive from the list (make sure it doesn’t contain important files—it will be formatted)
  4. Click Next and let the tool download and prepare the USB (this may take 10–30 minutes)

Once complete, your USB drive will be ready to install Windows 11.

Step 3: Boot the New PC from the USB Drive

  1. Insert the USB drive into the new PC
  2. Power on the PC and immediately press the BIOS/boot menu key (usually Del, F2, or Esc)
  3. Enter the Boot Menu and select the USB drive as the first boot option
  4. Save changes and reboot

Your PC will now boot into the Windows 11 installation environment.

Step 4: Begin Windows Installation

  1. On the first screen, choose your language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout
  2. Click Next, then click Install Now
  3. Enter your Windows 11 product key, or click “I don’t have a product key” to activate later

Step 5: Select the Windows 11 Edition

If you skipped the product key step, you’ll be asked to choose a version:

  • Windows 11 Home
  • Windows 11 Pro
  • Others (if available)

Choose the one that matches your license or intended use.

Step 6: Choose Installation Type

Select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” for a clean installation.

You’ll see a list of drives/partitions:

  • If using a new SSD/HDD, click New and allow Windows to create necessary partitions
  • If reinstalling, you can delete existing partitions and start fresh (warning: this will erase all data)

Click Next to begin installation.

Step 7: Let Windows Install

Windows 11 will now:

  • Copy files
  • Install features and updates
  • Set up the system

The process typically takes 10–30 minutes depending on your drive’s speed. Your PC will restart multiple times—do not remove the USB drive until setup begins.

Step 8: Initial Windows Setup

After installation, you’ll go through the setup wizard:

  • Select your region and keyboard layout
  • Connect to Wi-Fi or use Ethernet
  • Sign in or create a Microsoft account (required for Windows 11 Home)
  • Create a PIN code for secure access
  • Customize privacy and security preferences

Once complete, Windows will finalize setup and boot into the desktop.

Step 9: Install Updates and Drivers

Now that Windows 11 is installed:

  1. Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates
  2. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website to download drivers for audio, chipset, LAN/Wi-Fi
  3. Download the latest GPU drivers from NVIDIA or AMD

These steps ensure maximum performance and compatibility.

Step 10: Activate Windows

If you didn’t enter your product key earlier:

  • Go to Settings > System > Activation
  • Click “Activate” and enter your key

Alternatively, Windows will activate automatically if you sign in with a linked Microsoft account.

Final Thoughts

Installing Windows 11 from a USB drive is a fast, straightforward way to get your system up and running. Whether you’re gaming, working, or just browsing the web, a clean install ensures the best performance and stability.

Now that your system is ready, it’s time to install essential software and fully personalize your new machine.

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