How to Install Windows 11 from BIOS: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing Windows 11 from BIOS might sound complicated — but don’t worry. Whether you’re building a new PC, replacing your old drive, or doing a clean installation, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

By the end, you’ll understand not only how to install Windows 11 from BIOS, but also why certain steps are important. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

What Does It Mean to Install Windows 11 from BIOS?

When you install Windows 11 from BIOS, you’re booting your computer directly from a USB installation media (instead of your existing Windows system). This lets you install Windows 11 from scratch, without relying on any existing OS.

In simple terms, BIOS (or UEFI on modern PCs) is like the “control room” that helps your system decide where to boot from — whether your hard drive, USB, or DVD.

Why You Might Want to Install Windows 11 from BIOS

There are several reasons why users prefer a BIOS installation method:

🧹 Clean installation: Removes old files, viruses, and unnecessary apps.
💻 New PC setup: For fresh installations on new or replaced drives.
🔄 Fix corrupted OS: Helps if Windows 11 is no longer booting properly.
🚀 Better performance: A clean system often runs faster.

This method gives you full control over partitioning and drive formatting.

System Requirements for Windows 11

Before you proceed, make sure your PC meets Microsoft’s minimum hardware requirements.

Component	Minimum Requirement
Processor	1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, 64-bit compatible
RAM	4 GB or more
Storage	64 GB or more
TPM	Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics	DirectX 12 compatible GPU
Display	9-inch or larger, 720p
Internet	Required for setup (Home edition)

💡 Tip: If your PC doesn’t meet TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot requirements, there are workarounds — but they may void official support.

Before You Begin: Backup and Preparation

Before you install Windows 11 from BIOS, prepare carefully:

Backup your files: Move important documents, pictures, and data to an external drive or cloud.
Check your product key: You may need a Windows 11 license key or your old Windows 10 key (it often works).
Download drivers: Especially for Wi-Fi or network adapters.
Ensure stable power: Plug in your laptop or use a UPS for desktops.

Step 1: Download the Windows 11 ISO File

You’ll first need to get the official Windows 11 installation image.

✅ Here’s how:

Go to the official Microsoft Windows 11 Download page.
Scroll down to “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”.
Choose Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO).
Select your preferred language and click Download.

You’ll now have a .ISO file — the digital version of the installation media.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

To install Windows 11 from BIOS, you’ll need a bootable USB drive.

🧰 You’ll need:

A USB flash drive (at least 8 GB)
The ISO file you just downloaded
A tool to create the bootable media

🔧 Option 1: Using Rufus (Recommended)

Download Rufus from rufus.ie.
Insert your USB drive.
Open Rufus → Select your USB.
Under Boot Selection, click Select → choose your Windows 11 ISO file.
Leave settings as default (GPT + UEFI recommended).
Click Start and wait until it completes.

🔧 Option 2: Using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool

Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
Run it and select Create installation media for another PC.
Choose your language and edition.
Select USB flash drive.
Let the tool download and prepare the USB automatically.

Once done, your USB drive is ready to install Windows 11.

Step 3: Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings

Now it’s time to access BIOS so you can boot from your USB drive.

🪄 To enter BIOS:

Restart your computer.
While booting, repeatedly press your system’s BIOS key:
- Dell: F2 or F12
- HP: Esc or F10
- Lenovo: F1 or F2
- Acer: F2 or Del
- ASUS: Del or F2
You’ll enter the BIOS/UEFI interface.

Step 4: Change Boot Order in BIOS

Inside BIOS, you must set your USB as the first boot device.

⚙️ Steps:

Go to the Boot tab.
Find the Boot Priority or Boot Order option.
Move your USB drive to the top of the list.
Save and exit (usually F10).

Your PC will now boot directly from the USB drive.

Step 5: Boot from USB and Begin Installation

Once your PC restarts, you’ll see the Windows logo — meaning you’re booting from USB.

🧾 Follow these steps:

Choose your language, time, and keyboard preferences.
Click Install now.
Enter your Windows 11 product key (or skip to activate later).
Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

Step 6: Format the Drive (Optional but Recommended)

If you’re doing a clean installation, it’s best to format your drive.

🧹 Here’s how:

You’ll see a list of your drives and partitions.
Select the drive where Windows is currently installed.
Click Format (or Delete and create a new partition).
Choose the unallocated space and click Next.

Windows will now start installing. This can take 10–30 minutes.

Step 7: Complete Windows 11 Setup

Once installation completes, your PC will restart several times. Then you’ll be guided through setup.

🖱️ Steps:

Select your region and keyboard layout.
Connect to Wi-Fi.
Sign in with a Microsoft account (or create one).
Choose your privacy settings.
Wait for setup to finish.

Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve successfully installed Windows 11 from BIOS.

Step 8: Install Drivers and Updates

After installation, make sure your system is fully updated.

Press Windows + I → open Settings.
Go to Windows Update → click Check for updates.
Install all available updates.
Visit your manufacturer’s website to download chipset, graphics, and network drivers.

This ensures peak performance and hardware compatibility.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

❌ BIOS doesn’t detect USB drive

Recreate the USB using Rufus (with correct partition type: GPT/UEFI).
Try a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0).

⚠️ TPM or Secure Boot error

In BIOS, enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 under Security settings.

⛔ Installation stuck or frozen

Disconnect unnecessary peripherals.
Try reinstalling with a fresh USB.

💡 Boot loops or missing boot device

Re-check the boot order.
Ensure the correct drive is selected after installation.

Tips for a Smooth Installation

✅ Use a USB 3.0 drive for faster setup.
✅ Keep only one drive connected to avoid overwriting data.
✅ Always backup important files before formatting.
✅ Don’t interrupt installation once it begins.
✅ After installation, install antivirus and drivers immediately.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 from BIOS might sound technical, but once you follow these steps, it’s quite straightforward.

You’ve learned how to:

Create a bootable USB drive
Change BIOS boot order
Perform a clean Windows 11 installation
Troubleshoot common problems

A clean install not only removes clutter but also gives your PC a fresh start — faster, smoother, and more stable.

🧾 Key Takeaways

Step	Action	Purpose
1	Download Windows 11 ISO	Get installation files
2	Create bootable USB	Make it BIOS-ready
3	Enter BIOS	Access boot settings
4	Change boot order	Boot from USB
5	Install Windows	Begin setup
6	Format drive	Clean installation
7	Complete setup	Personalize system
8	Update drivers	Optimize performance

FAQs About Installing Windows 11 from BIOS

1. Can I install Windows 11 from BIOS without USB?

You can, but you’ll need to boot from another drive or use a network installation — USB is the easiest and most reliable option.

2. How do I enter BIOS on Windows 11?

Restart your PC and press Del, F2, or the BIOS key shown on your screen during startup.

3. Do I need to format my drive to install Windows 11?

Not always, but formatting ensures a clean and bug-free installation.

4. What if my PC doesn’t support TPM 2.0?

You can bypass the TPM check using tools like Rufus (with “Bypass TPM” enabled), but it’s not officially supported.

5. How long does installation take?

Typically, between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on your hardware and USB speed.

✅ In summary:
Installing Windows 11 from BIOS gives you full control over your setup. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll have a clean, fast, and stable system ready to go in no time.