how to load windows on a new pc

Building a new PC from scratch can be an exciting yet daunting task. Once you have assembled the hardware components, one of the essential steps is to load the operating system. Windows remains the most popular operating system globally, and this guide will outline the steps to load Windows on a new PC.

Step 1: Get the Windows installation media

Before loading Windows on your new PC, you need to have the installation media. This media can either be a USB flash drive or a DVD. You can purchase a Windows installation DVD from a retailer or download a Windows ISO file and create a bootable USB. If you are creating a bootable USB, you will also need a tool such as Rufus to fulfill this task.

Step 2: Boot from the installation media

Once you have the installation media ready, you need to boot from it. To boot from a USB drive, you need to insert the USB drive into a USB port on your new PC. Then, enter the BIOS by pressing F2, F12, or the Delete key during startup. In the boot section of the BIOS, change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive or DVD drive, depending on the installation media you are using. Save the changes and exit the BIOS, and the computer will boot into the installation media.

Step 3: Install Windows

After booting from the installation media, Windows setup will begin, and you will be prompted to select your language, time zone, and keyboard layout. Click 'Next' to continue. On the next screen, click 'Install now' to start the installation process. Accept the license terms and click 'Next.' Choose 'Custom: Install Windows only' and select the partition on your hard drive where you want to install Windows. Click 'Next,' and Windows will start installing. The installation process may take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the speed of your PC.

Step 4: Configure Windows

Once Windows has been installed, you will need to configure the operating system. First, create a user account and password. Then, choose your privacy settings. Next, set the date and time correctly. Windows will also go through a series of updates, which will ensure the operating system is up to date. Finally, you will need to install drivers and software for the peripherals and hardware components on your new PC.

Conclusion

Loading Windows on a new PC can be a relatively straightforward process if you follow the above steps. It is essential to ensure you have the necessary installation media, and you boot from the correct device. The installation and configuration process may take time, but the end result is a working operating system on your new PC.