How to Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

System requirements

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64‑bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
• Memory: 4 GB RAM or more
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
• System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: version 2.0
• Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: >9” with HD 720p resolution

Prerequisites

• A valid Windows 11 product key (if required for your licence type)
• A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage
• Access to a working PC to download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool
• Backup of all important data on the target machine

Step‑by‑step instructions

1. Download Windows 11 Media Creation Tool

• Visit the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page.
• Click “Download Now” under the “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” section.
• Run the downloaded MediaCreationToolW11.exe file.

2. Create installation media

• Accept the licence terms.
• Select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.”
• Choose your language, edition (Windows 11), and architecture (64‑bit recommended).
• Select “USB flash drive” and choose the connected USB drive.
• The tool will download Windows 11 and create the bootable USB drive.

3. Prepare BIOS/UEFI settings

• Insert the created USB drive into the target PC.
• Restart the PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (commonly F2, F12, DEL or ESC during start‑up).
• Ensure the firmware mode is set to UEFI (not Legacy/CSM).
• Enable Secure Boot.
• Disable Fast Startup and any “Windows Boot Manager” fast‑boot options.
• Change the boot order to prioritise the USB drive.
• Save changes and restart the PC.

4. Install Windows 11

• When the Windows Setup screen appears, select your language, time and keyboard preferences.
• Click “Next” and then “Install now”.
• Enter your product key when prompted, or choose “I don’t have a product key” if reinstalling on a previously activated machine.
• Select the edition of Windows 11 that matches your licence.
• Accept the licence terms.

5. Partition selection

• On the “Which type of installation do you want?” screen, choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)”.
• You will see a list of existing partitions.

• Select each partition on the main drive (usually Drive 0) and click “Delete” until only unallocated space remains.
• Select the unallocated space and click “Next”. Windows will automatically create the required partitions and begin installation.

6. Initial setup (Out‑of‑Box Experience – OOBE)

• After installation, the PC will restart. Remove the USB drive when prompted to avoid booting from it again.
• Follow the on‑screen prompts to:
  • Select region and keyboard layout
  • Connect to a Wi‑Fi network
  • Sign in with a Microsoft account (or create a local account if preferred)
  • Set up a PIN
  • Configure privacy settings (Location, diagnostic data, etc.)
  • Customise Cortana and other preferences

Post‑installation

• Windows Update: Immediately check for and install all available updates via Settings > Windows Update. See How to update Windows for detailed guidance.
• Drivers: Install necessary drivers (chipset, graphics, network) from the PC manufacturer’s website or via Windows Update.
• Antivirus: Ensure Windows Security (Defender) is active and updated. For additional hardening see Antivirus alerts – what to do.
• Restore data: Copy your backed‑up files back to the appropriate locations.

Troubleshooting

• Boot failure: Verify the BIOS boot order is set correctly and that the system is booting in UEFI mode.
• Installation fails: Confirm the installation media is not corrupted; recreate it if necessary. Ensure the PC meets the minimum system requirements.
• Activation issues: Use the Activation Troubleshooter in Settings > Activation if the digital licence is not automatically detected.

Still Having Issues?