Installing Windows 10 from a USB stick involves a few simple steps: creating a bootable USB drive, entering BIOS settings to change the boot order, and then following the Windows installation wizard. It’s a straightforward process that shouldn’t take more than an hour. Ready to give your PC a fresh start? Let’s dive in!
How to Install Windows 10 from USB from BIOS
In this section, we will walk you through each step you need to take to install Windows 10 from a USB drive. From preparing your USB drive to tweaking BIOS settings, you’ll be ready to install a fresh copy of Windows 10 in no time.
Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Download the Windows 10 media creation tool from Microsoft’s website, and use it to create a bootable USB drive.
Make sure you have a USB stick with at least 8GB of space. Plug it into your computer, open the media creation tool, and follow the on-screen instructions. This will prepare your USB stick to be used as a bootable drive.
Step 2: Backup Important Data
Before proceeding, ensure you have backed up all essential data from your computer.
Installing a new operating system will erase all existing data on your hard drive. Use an external hard drive or cloud storage to save your important files. Better safe than sorry, right?
Step 3: Enter BIOS Settings
Restart your computer and press the BIOS key (usually F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) to enter BIOS settings.
The key to press might differ based on your computer’s manufacturer. If you are unsure, check the screen during startup for instructions or consult the manual. You need to be quick, as the BIOS screen only appears for a few seconds.
Step 4: Change Boot Order
Navigate to the “Boot” tab in BIOS and change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
Use the arrow keys to move to the Boot tab. Follow the instructions to set the USB drive as the first boot device. This step ensures that your computer will boot from the USB stick before anything else.
Step 5: Save and Exit BIOS
Save your changes and exit the BIOS settings to restart your computer.
Look for the option to save your changes (usually by pressing F10). Your computer will now restart, and if set up correctly, it will boot from your USB stick.
Step 6: Begin Windows Installation
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10.
You’ll be greeted by the Windows setup screen. Choose your language, time, and keyboard preferences. Click “Install Now” and enter the product key if prompted. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Step 7: Complete Setup and Personalize
Set up your preferences, create a user account, and complete the Windows 10 setup.
Once the installation is complete, you’ll need to go through the initial setup process, which includes setting up a user account, choosing privacy settings, and personalizing your new Windows 10 installation.
After completing these steps, your computer will be running a fresh copy of Windows 10. You’ll notice a faster, smoother experience and can start reinstalling your apps and restoring your files.
Tips for How to Install Windows 10 from USB from BIOS
- Check BIOS Key: Different manufacturers use different keys to enter BIOS. Common keys include F2, F12, Delete, and Esc.
- Use Reliable USB: Ensure your USB stick is in good condition to avoid installation errors.
- Disable Secure Boot: In some cases, you may need to disable Secure Boot in BIOS to boot from a USB drive.
- Partition Management: During the installation, you can partition your hard drive to better organize your data.
- Product Key: Have your Windows 10 product key handy. You can often find it on a sticker on your PC or in a confirmation email from Microsoft.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Install Windows 10 from USB from BIOS
What if I can’t enter BIOS?
If you’re having trouble entering BIOS, double-check the key required for your specific computer model. Restarting and trying different keys can also help.
Do I need to disable Secure Boot?
Sometimes, Secure Boot needs to be disabled to allow the USB drive to boot. This setting can be found in the BIOS security settings.
Will I lose my data?
Yes, installing a new OS will wipe all data on your hard drive. Always back up important files before starting the installation process.
Can I install Windows 10 on any computer?
Most modern computers can run Windows 10, but it’s important to check the system requirements to ensure compatibility.
How long does the installation take?
The installation usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your computer’s speed and specifications.
Summary
- Create a bootable USB drive
- Backup important data
- Enter BIOS settings
- Change boot order
- Save and exit BIOS
- Begin Windows installation
- Complete setup and personalize
Conclusion
There you have it—a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide on how to install Windows 10 from a USB drive from BIOS. Following these steps ensures a smooth installation process, making your computer run like new again. With your PC refreshed, you’ll enjoy better performance and a clutter-free system.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into more advanced topics, like partitioning your hard drive or optimizing system performance post-installation, stay tuned for future posts. By mastering these basic yet crucial steps, you’re well on your way to becoming a savvy computer user. So, grab that USB stick and give your computer the fresh start it deserves!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.