So, you’ve got a PC or laptop without a DVD drive, but you still want to install Windows 11? Don’t worry — you’re not stuck. Gone are the days when you needed installation DVDs to set up Windows. Today, you can install Windows 11 using a USB flash drive or even directly from an ISO file.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step of installing Windows 11 without a DVD drive — the easiest, safest, and most reliable way.
Why You Don’t Need a DVD Drive Anymore
Microsoft has made installing Windows much simpler over the years. Most laptops today don’t even come with DVD drives. Instead, you can:
Install from a USB flash drive (most common)
Mount an ISO file if you’re upgrading an existing Windows
Use a network installation in some cases (advanced users)
This guide focuses on the USB method, as it works for almost everyone.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these things:
A USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage
A working computer with internet access to create installation media
Your product key (if you’re doing a clean install and don’t have a digital license)
Backup of all important files (clean installs erase everything!)
Step 1: Check System Requirements
Before installing Windows 11, make sure your PC can handle it.
Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, 64-bit
RAM: 4 GB or more
Storage: 64 GB minimum
TPM 2.0 & Secure Boot: Required for official install
Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible
You can run Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool to confirm compatibility.
Step 2: Download Windows 11 Installation Media
We’ll use Microsoft’s official tool to make a bootable USB.
Visit the Microsoft Windows 11 Download Page.
Scroll to Create Windows 11 Installation Media.
Click Download Now.
Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Insert your USB drive into the working PC.
Run the Media Creation Tool you just downloaded.
Accept the license terms.
Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO).
Select language, edition, and architecture (64-bit).
Choose USB flash drive as the media to use.
Select your USB drive and let the tool create a bootable installer.
This process may take several minutes depending on your internet speed.
Step 4: Boot From USB Drive
Now, use that USB to install Windows 11 on your target PC.
Plug the USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows.
Restart the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC while booting).
Change boot order to prioritize USB drive.
Save and exit BIOS — your computer should boot from the USB.
Step 5: Start the Installation Process
Once the PC boots from the USB drive:
Select Language, Time, and Keyboard settings.
Click Install Now.
Enter your product key (or click “I don’t have a product key” to enter later).
Choose the edition of Windows 11 you want (Home, Pro, etc.).
Accept the license terms.
Step 6: Choose Installation Type
You have two main options:
Upgrade: Keeps your files and apps (only available if installing from within Windows).
Custom (Clean Install): Wipes everything and gives a fresh start.
For a new PC or to start fresh, choose Custom.
Step 7: Select a Drive Partition
Select the drive where you want Windows installed.
Delete old partitions if you want a completely clean install.
Click Next — Windows will create required partitions automatically.
Step 8: Wait for Installation
Windows will now copy files and install — this part can take 10–30 minutes depending on your hardware. Your PC will restart several times.
Step 9: Set Up Windows 11
Once installation is complete, follow the setup wizard:
Choose your region and keyboard layout
Connect to Wi-Fi
Sign in with your Microsoft account
Customize privacy and security settings
Step 10: Install Drivers and Updates
After installation:
Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all updates.
Install drivers (chipset, GPU, network drivers).
Reinstall your apps and restore your files from backup.
Alternative Method: Install from ISO File (No USB Needed)
If you already have Windows 10 installed and just want to upgrade:
Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s site.
Right-click the ISO and choose Mount.
Open the mounted drive and run setup.exe.
Follow on-screen instructions to upgrade without erasing files.
This is great if you don’t have a USB drive.
Troubleshooting Tips
USB Drive Not Booting
Check BIOS boot order.
Try recreating the USB using the Media Creation Tool.
Make sure USB is formatted as FAT32 for UEFI systems.
TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot Error
Enable TPM and Secure Boot in BIOS.
If your PC doesn’t support it, there are registry workarounds (advanced users only).
Installation Gets Stuck
Unplug other USB devices.
Make sure you have enough disk space.
Try a different USB port.
Benefits of Installing Without DVD Drive
Faster installation than DVDs
Works on modern laptops that lack optical drives
Easier to carry and reuse for future installations
USB drives can be updated with the latest version anytime
Conclusion
Installing Windows 11 without a DVD drive is simple — all you need is a USB flash drive and Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. Once you create a bootable USB, you can install or reinstall Windows 11 on any compatible PC.
This method is not only faster than the old DVD approach but also future-proof, as USB installations are now the standard.
FAQs
1. Can I install Windows 11 without USB or DVD?
Yes — you can mount an ISO file and upgrade directly from Windows 10.
2. Do I need to buy a new product key for Windows 11?
Not if you already have a genuine Windows 10 license — it will activate automatically.
3. Can I use the same USB to install Windows 11 on multiple PCs?
Yes — as long as each PC has its own valid license key.
4. What size USB drive do I need?
At least 8GB — but 16GB is recommended to avoid space issues.
5. Will a clean install delete all my files?
Yes — back up your data before starting if you choose the Custom (clean install) option.