Are you planning to install Windows 11 from a USB drive using your computer’s BIOS? Whether you’re setting up a brand-new PC, upgrading from an older version of Windows, or reinstalling the operating system from scratch, this guide will walk you through every single step — from creating the bootable USB to completing the installation.
Installing Windows 11 via USB is one of the most reliable and fastest methods available. It works even when your computer doesn’t have an existing operating system, making it ideal for fresh installs.
What You’ll Need Before Installing Windows 11
Before jumping into installation, make sure you have everything ready.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| USB Drive | At least 8 GB (16 GB recommended) |
| Windows 11 ISO file | Downloaded from Microsoft’s official website |
| PC that meets system requirements | Must support UEFI, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0 |
| Internet connection | For activation and updates (optional during install) |
| Product key (optional) | Needed for activation after installation |
💡 Tip: If you’re reinstalling Windows 11 on the same device, you can skip the product key — Windows will auto-activate.
What Does “Install from USB BIOS” Mean?
Installing Windows 11 “from USB BIOS” means booting your computer from a USB drive (instead of your hard drive) and running the Windows setup directly from the USB. This process bypasses your existing operating system, allowing you to install Windows even if your hard drive is empty or corrupted.
In short:
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BIOS/UEFI = The system firmware that starts before Windows loads.
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Boot from USB = Launch the installer stored on your flash drive.
Check If Your PC Is Compatible with Windows 11
Before installing, make sure your PC meets Windows 11’s minimum system requirements.
| Component | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz, 2 cores, 64-bit CPU |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB minimum |
| Firmware | UEFI with Secure Boot |
| TPM | Version 2.0 |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 compatible |
| Display | 9-inch, 720p minimum |
🧩 How to Check Compatibility:
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Download Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool.
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Run it and click Check Now.
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The tool will confirm if your device supports Windows 11.
⚙️ Note: If your PC doesn’t meet TPM or Secure Boot requirements, you can still install Windows 11 using registry tweaks (though not officially supported).
Download the Windows 11 ISO File
To install Windows 11, you’ll need the official ISO image.
Steps:
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Visit Microsoft’s official website: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
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Scroll to Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO).
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Choose Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO).
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Select your language and click 64-bit Download.
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Save the ISO file to your PC.
📁 The file will be around 5–6 GB, so ensure you have enough storage and a stable internet connection.
Create a Bootable USB Drive
Now, you’ll turn that ISO file into a bootable USB.
Option 1: Using the Windows Media Creation Tool (Recommended)
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Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
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Run it as administrator.
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Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO) → Next.
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Select your language, edition, and architecture.
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Plug in your USB (8 GB or more).
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Choose USB flash drive → Next.
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Let the tool create your bootable USB automatically.
✅ When finished, your USB is ready to install Windows 11.
Option 2: Using Rufus (Manual Method)
If you already downloaded the ISO manually, you can use Rufus, a free third-party utility.
Steps:
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Download and open Rufus (from https://rufus.ie).
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Plug in your USB drive.
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Under Device, select your USB.
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Under Boot selection, choose Disk or ISO image, then browse for the downloaded ISO.
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Select Partition scheme: GPT (for UEFI) or MBR (for Legacy BIOS).
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Click Start.
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Wait for Rufus to finish creating the bootable drive.
How to Access BIOS or UEFI on Your PC
Once your USB drive is ready, it’s time to boot into the BIOS/UEFI.
Common BIOS Keys by Brand:
| Brand | BIOS Key | Boot Menu Key |
|---|---|---|
| HP | Esc or F10 | F9 |
| Dell | F2 | F12 |
| Lenovo | F1 or F2 | F12 |
| ASUS | F2 | F8 |
| Acer | F2 | F12 |
| MSI | Del | F11 |
Steps:
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Plug in your bootable USB drive.
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Restart your computer.
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When the screen lights up, press the BIOS key repeatedly (e.g., F2 or Del).
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Once inside BIOS, look for Boot or Boot Order settings.
Change Boot Order to Boot from USB
Now you’ll tell your computer to prioritize USB booting.
Steps:
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In the BIOS menu, find the Boot Order or Boot Priority option.
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Move your USB device to the top of the list.
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Save changes and Exit BIOS (usually F10).
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Your computer will restart and boot from the USB drive.
If successful, you’ll see the Windows Setup screen appear.
Install Windows 11 from USB: Step-by-Step Process
Here comes the main event! Follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Boot from USB
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When your computer starts, it will load the Windows Setup from the USB.
Step 2: Choose Language and Preferences
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Select Language, Time, and Keyboard layout.
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Click Next, then Install now.
Step 3: Enter Product Key
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Enter your Windows 11 key, or choose I don’t have a product key to activate later.
Step 4: Select Windows Edition
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Pick the edition that matches your license (e.g., Home, Pro).
Step 5: Accept License Terms
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Check I accept the license terms, then click Next.
Step 6: Choose Installation Type
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Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
Step 7: Select Partition or Drive
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Choose the drive where you want to install Windows 11.
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If it’s a clean install, delete old partitions (be careful — this erases all data).
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Select Unallocated Space, then click Next.
Step 8: Installation Begins
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Windows will start copying files and installing features.
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This process may take 10–30 minutes, depending on your system.
Step 9: Restart Automatically
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The computer will reboot several times — don’t remove the USB yet until setup completes.
Set Up Windows 11 After Installation
After installation, you’ll go through out-of-box setup (OOBE).
Setup Includes:
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Selecting region and keyboard layout
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Connecting to Wi-Fi (optional)
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Signing in with a Microsoft account or creating a local account
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Setting privacy and security preferences
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Personalizing your PC (theme, language, etc.)
Once completed, you’ll land on your brand-new Windows 11 desktop.
How to Activate Windows 11
To unlock all features, you’ll need to activate Windows.
Steps:
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Go to Settings → System → Activation.
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Click Change product key.
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Enter your 25-character key.
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Click Activate.
If you installed Windows 11 on the same device that was previously activated, it should auto-activate once connected to the internet.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Errors
Here are some common issues you might encounter — and how to fix them:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| “Windows can’t be installed on this disk” | Check if your BIOS is set to UEFI and drive is GPT formatted. |
| USB not booting | Recreate the bootable USB using Rufus and check boot order. |
| TPM or Secure Boot error | Enable these settings in BIOS (Security tab). |
| Setup freezes or restarts | Remove all external devices except USB and keyboard. |
⚙️ If you still face issues, reset BIOS to defaults and try again.
Tips for a Smooth Windows 11 Installation
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Use a USB 3.0 drive for faster installation.
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Keep your laptop plugged in during the setup.
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Disconnect unnecessary peripherals (external HDDs, printers).
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Always back up your data before formatting drives.
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After installation, immediately install Windows updates for drivers and security patches.
How to Reinstall Windows 11 Without Losing Data
If you want to reinstall Windows 11 but keep your personal files, here’s how:
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Boot into Windows normally.
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Insert your Windows 11 USB and open it.
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Double-click setup.exe.
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Choose Keep personal files and apps.
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Follow on-screen prompts.
This will refresh Windows without deleting your data.
Advantages of Installing Windows 11 via USB BIOS
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Faster installation | USB drives install Windows much faster than DVDs. |
| Works on blank systems | Ideal for new PCs without an OS. |
| Portable setup tool | One USB can install Windows on multiple devices. |
| Offline installation | No internet connection required. |
💡 Bonus: You can reuse the USB later to repair or recover your PC if something goes wrong.
Conclusion
Installing Windows 11 from USB via BIOS is straightforward once you know the steps. All you need is a bootable USB drive, access to BIOS, and a little patience. Whether you’re building a new PC or upgrading an old one, this method ensures a clean, reliable installation.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently set up Windows 11 from scratch — and enjoy Microsoft’s newest, sleekest operating system to its fullest.
FAQs About Installing Windows 11 from USB BIOS
1. Can I install Windows 11 without a product key?
Yes, you can skip the key during installation and activate later.
2. Do I need the internet to install Windows 11?
No, but an internet connection helps with updates and activation.
3. Can I use the same USB for multiple installations?
Absolutely — just reuse your bootable USB drive.
4. What if my PC doesn’t support TPM 2.0?
You can bypass TPM checks using Rufus (by selecting “Remove requirement for TPM 2.0”), though it’s not officially supported.
5. How long does the installation take?
Usually 15–30 minutes, depending on your system speed and USB type.
Key Takeaways
| ✅ Step | Summary |
|---|---|
| Download ISO | From Microsoft’s official site |
| Create bootable USB | Use Media Creation Tool or Rufus |
| Enter BIOS | Press F2, F12, or Del (varies by brand) |
| Boot from USB | Change boot priority |
| Install Windows 11 | Follow setup and partition steps |
| Activate Windows | With your product key or automatically online |
Final Thoughts:
By now, you’ve learned exactly how to install Windows 11 from USB BIOS — from preparing your tools to setting up your new system. This method is perfect for both beginners and tech enthusiasts looking for a clean, fast, and error-free installation experience.