Create the USB installer

  1. On a working PC, go to microsoft.com/software-download/windows10 (or windows11).
  2. Download the Media Creation Tool and run it.
  3. Choose "Create installation media" → USB flash drive → select your 8GB+ USB.

Boot from USB

Insert the USB, reboot, press the boot menu key (F12, F8, or Esc depending on board) and select the USB drive.

Clean install steps

  1. Select language and keyboard → Install now.
  2. Enter product key or click "I don't have a product key" (digital license activates automatically after install).
  3. Choose "Custom: Install Windows only".
  4. Delete all existing partitions on the target drive → select the unallocated space → Next.

Post-install

Windows Update runs automatically. Install chipset drivers first, then GPU, audio, and network drivers. Check Device Manager for any unknowns.