Install Windows 11 via USB (Universal Method)

Gary Walsh

Gary Walsh is the Head of Tech Support at Software Supplies, with more than 20 years in the IT industry. Fully Microsoft-certified and experienced across the full business software stack — from Windows and Office to cloud infrastructure and device management — Gary delivers practical, no-nonsense advice that helps users and businesses get the most from their technology.

💡 We always recommend installing Windows 11 from scratch using a bootable USB drive, as this avoids the conflicts that can occur when using Microsoft’s upgrade tool. However, if you prefer to upgrade directly, you can follow the step-by-step guide to upgrading with the Windows Installation Assistant and troubleshoot common issues here: How to Upgrade to Windows 11 Using Microsoft’s Tool.

This guide can be downloaded as an easy-to-read pdf here.

Before you start

Check your PC meets the requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, supported CPU, 4+ GB RAM, 64-bit).
- Specs & requirements: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications
- PC Health Check app: https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp
Back up your files (OneDrive, external drive, or similar).
Have a genuine Windows 11 product key (Home or Pro).
USB drive: 8 GB minimum (all data on it will be erased).
BitLocker users: suspend BitLocker before upgrading (Control Panel ▸ BitLocker Drive Encryption ▸ Suspend).

Part A — Create the bootable USB on a Windows PC (recommended)

Skip to PART B if you are going to use a MAC or Linux device for the USB creation.

Option 1: Media Creation Tool (easiest)

Go to Create Windows 11 Installation Media:
https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
Download the Media Creation Tool and run it.
Accept the licence terms.
Choose language/edition (usually keep defaults).
Select USB flash drive ▸ pick your USB ▸ Next.
The tool will download Windows 11 and make the USB bootable.

Option 2: ISO + Rufus (useful for advanced control)

From the same page, under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), choose Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO) and download.
Install Rufus: https://rufus.ie
Open Rufus ▸ Device: your USB ▸ Boot selection: choose the ISO.
Partition scheme: GPT ▸ Target system: UEFI (non-CSM).
Click Start ▸ accept prompts. When complete, safely eject the USB.

Part B — Create the bootable USB on macOS or Linux (if needed

Download the Windows 11 ISO from: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
Use balenaEtcher: https://www.balena.io/etcher/
- Open Etcher ▸ Flash from file (select ISO) ▸ Select target (USB) ▸ Flash.
Safely eject the USB when done.

Note: Apple Silicon Macs cannot boot Windows natively; this USB is for installing on a compatible PC. (For virtualisation on Mac, use Parallels/VMs instead.)

Part C — Prepare the PC (BIOS/UEFI)

Plug the USB into the PC you’re installing to.
Enter UEFI/BIOS: restart and press the vendor key (often F2, Del, Esc).
- One-time boot menu keys are commonly F12, F8, Esc (varies by brand).
Ensure Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are enabled.
Set Boot mode to UEFI (not Legacy/CSM).
Choose the USB drive in the Boot menu and start.

Part D — Install Windows 11

At the Windows Setup screen, choose Language, Time, Keyboard ▸ Next ▸ Install now.
Enter your product key (or click I don’t have a product key and activate later).
Select the edition that matches your key (Home/Pro) ▸ Next.
Accept licence terms.
Choose:
- Upgrade (keeps files/apps if run from within Windows) or
- Custom (clean install).
  - For a clean install, select the target drive/partition.
  - To fully freshen, delete old Windows partitions on the target drive (careful—this erases data), select Unallocated Space ▸ Next.
Setup will copy files and reboot several times.

Part E — First-run (OOBE) setup

Choose Region/Keyboard.
Network: connect to the internet.
- Windows 11 Home requires internet and a Microsoft account during setup.
Sign in with Microsoft account (or create one).
Choose privacy and device settings as preferred.
Wait while Windows finalises your desktop.

Part F — Activate Windows 11

Go to Settings ▸ System ▸ Activation.
If not already activated, choose Change product key, enter your genuine key, and follow prompts.
- Microsoft’s activation help: https://support.microsoft.com (search “Activate Windows 11”)

Part G — After installation (strongly recommended)

Windows Update: Settings ▸ Windows Update ▸ Check for updates (install all).
Drivers: install OEM drivers (chipset, graphics, Wi-Fi, audio) if any remain missing.
Security: confirm Secure Boot and TPM remain enabled; verify BitLocker if used.
Restore files from your backup; reinstall your apps (Office, etc.).
Create a restore point and consider a system image once stable.

Troubleshooting quick-wins

“This PC can’t run Windows 11”: enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in UEFI; confirm CPU is supported; use UEFI + GPT.
USB doesn’t appear in boot menu: recreate media; try another port (use rear USB-A 2.0 where possible); ensure UEFI bootable (GPT).
“We couldn’t create a new partition / locate an existing one”: remove other drives/USBs temporarily; in Setup click Refresh; if still blocked, initialise the drive as GPT in Disk Management beforehand.
Activation fails: confirm the edition matches the key (Home vs Pro), check internet connection, then try the Activation Troubleshooter (Settings ▸ Activation).