Windows 11 Installation Guide
Windows 11 is Microsoft's most recent operating system, released in October 2021. It offers a renewed interface with a cleaner and more modern design, performance improvements, new productivity features, and better integration with cloud services. Windows 11 introduces a centered Start menu, rounded corners, new transition effects, and a widget system.
Windows 11 has stricter requirements than previous versions. You'll need a compatible 8th generation or later processor, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and at least 4GB RAM. Use Microsoft's "PC Health Check" tool to verify your computer's compatibility.
System Requirements for Windows 11
- Processor: Compatible 64-bit CPU, 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores
- RAM: Minimum 4 GB (8 GB or more recommended)
- Storage: 64 GB or more available space
- Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Display: HD (720p) display larger than 9" diagonally, 8 bits per color channel
- Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- Installation media: 8GB or larger USB (USB 3.0 recommended)
Follow these 35 detailed steps to install Windows 11 on your computer. Each step includes a reference image that you can enlarge by clicking on it.
OS Preferences Selection
Choose the language, time and currency format you prefer. In this case, we'll select Spanish.
Click on the image to enlarge it
Input Method Preferences Selection
Choose the keyboard language or input method you prefer to use.
Start the installation process
Select Install Windows 11, accept the checkbox below and click Next.
Enter product key
If you have a product key, enter it now. If not, click "I don't have a product key" (you can activate Windows later).
Select Windows 11 edition
Choose the Windows 11 edition you want to install (Home, Pro, etc.). Make sure to select the same edition for which you have the license key.
Accept license terms
Read and accept Microsoft's license terms by checking the corresponding box. Click "Next" to continue.
Partition selection
Select the drive where you want to install Windows. If it's a new disk, you'll need to create partitions. You can use "New" to create partitions or "Format" to clean an existing one.
Start of installation
Once the partition is selected, click "Install" to begin the installation. Windows will copy files, install features and updates.
Copying files
Windows will begin copying the files needed for installation. This process may take several minutes.
Preparing files
The system prepares the copied files for installation. Do not interrupt this process.
Regional settings
Select your country or region. Click "Yes" to continue.
Keyboard layout
Select your preferred keyboard layout. Click "Yes" to confirm.
Add a second keyboard layout
If desired, add a second keyboard layout. You can skip this step by clicking "Skip".
Preparing device
Windows detects and configures your computer's hardware devices.
Name the device
Assign a name to use the device.
Add a Microsoft account
Enter your Microsoft account (such as @outlook.com or @hotmail.com) and password.
Add a Microsoft account
Enter the password for our Microsoft account
Account security
We'll create a PIN for our account login, click on "Create PIN"
Configure our PIN
Create a secure password or PIN
Privacy settings
Review and adjust privacy options according to your preferences. You can disable those you don't want to share with Microsoft.
Privacy settings
Review and adjust privacy options according to your preferences. You can disable those you don't want to share with Microsoft.
Privacy settings
Review and adjust privacy options according to your preferences. You can disable those you don't want to share with Microsoft.
Privacy settings
Review and adjust privacy options according to your preferences. You can disable those you don't want to share with Microsoft.
Privacy settings
Review and adjust privacy options according to your preferences. You can disable those you don't want to share with Microsoft.
Privacy settings
Review and adjust privacy options according to your preferences. You can disable those you don't want to share with Microsoft.
Privacy settings
Review and adjust privacy options according to your preferences. You can disable those you don't want to share with Microsoft.
Privacy settings
Review and adjust privacy options according to your preferences. You can disable those you don't want to share with Microsoft.
Privacy settings
Review and adjust privacy options according to your preferences. You can disable those you don't want to share with Microsoft.
Privacy settings
Review and adjust privacy options according to your preferences. You can disable those you don't want to share with Microsoft.
Experience personalization
Select how you plan to primarily use your device (gaming, creativity, business, etc.) to personalize suggestions.
Subscription services
Review Microsoft subscription services like Microsoft 365, Game Pass, etc. You can skip this step if you're not interested.
OneDrive synchronization
Choose whether you want to sync your files with OneDrive. This allows you to access your files from any device.
Windows 11 Desktop
Congratulations! You're now on the Windows 11 desktop. You can now enjoy your Windows 11 or customize it by installing applications, changing settings and adjusting the appearance.
After installing Windows 11, make sure to enable Windows
After installing Windows 11, make sure to enable Windows Update to get the latest drivers and security patches. Install an antivirus if you won't be using Microsoft Defender, set up a cloud backup with OneDrive or an external drive, and customize the Start menu and taskbar to your preferences from Settings > Personalization. You can also move the Start menu to the left if you prefer the classic style.