How To Install The Microsoft Windows Operating System
Tip: If you need to upgrade to some newer version of Windows using your laptop, the steps in this posting can help you with all the upgrade process. The Windows installation process should recognize when you have an older version of Windows already set up on the computer and inquire if you wish to upgrade or perform fresh install. The upgrade process will install the newer Windows os files over top the earlier ones and preserve your files.
The steps take a look at for all recent versions of Windows, including Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. These steps would can work for earlier versions (e.g., Windows 95) if you are using the disc version. The floppy diskette version is the similar, nevertheless it requires additional steps.
Check Hardware Compatibility
Before installing or upgrading Windows on your hard drive, you can even examine the hardware in laptop computer to make sure it really is compatible with that version of Windows. Microsoft supplies a Windows Compatible Products List through the website that allows you to verify that the specific hardware with your computer is compatible using the chosen version of Windows.
If you get that one or higher pieces of hardware inside your computer usually are not compatible using the chosen Windows version, we recommend replacing that hardware with compatible hardware. Having compatible hardware within your computer can help ensure the Windows install or upgrade process is productive.
Genuine Windows CD, DVD, or USB thumb drive
First, you might need a genuine copy from the Microsoft Windows computer installation CD, DVD, or USB thumb drive. A genuine Windows product secret is included with cellular phone disc, that's required to activate Windows after installation. If you own an OEM computer, the item key on your version of Windows is additionally often within the back or side of laptop computer.
If you need to OEM computer (e.g., Acer, Dell, HP, etc.), laptop computer will not have an actual Windows CD, DVD, or USB thumb drive. Instead, you should re-install Windows and all sorts of the software employing a hidden partition or possibly a set of restore discs. The steps mentioned on this site would still work, but you'd have to have a copy of Windows. You can also borrow a Windows disc at a friend while you are installing the identical version of Windows that came while using computer and you have the merchandise key with the version of Windows.
Note: With early versions of Windows, you can't download a replica of Windows to put in on a pc. You must invest in a physical copy of Windows. If you are installing Windows 10, you'll be able to download the Windows 10 creation tool to produce a bootable disc or USB thumb drive.
Warning: Microsoft has Windows 10 designed for download only from their site. Any other site that states to have copies of other versions of Windows shouldn't be trusted. These copies of Windows are pirated software and can contain anything including spyware or malware.
Installing or Upgrading Windows
To start the Windows install or upgrade process, you have got to configure your personal computer to boot at a CD or DVD before booting on the hard drive. Changing the boot process forces laptop computer to look to the Windows installation disc before trying to start from the harddrive.
Set the CD, DVD or disc drive because the first boot device for anyone who is trying to boot from your disc.
Access the pc's BIOS setup.
1. Change laptop's boot order. Set the CD, DVD or disc drive as being the first boot device if you're trying to boot from the disc. Or, set the 1st boot device in your USB drive if you're wanting to boot coming from a USB thumb drive. If the drive you need to set will not be shown within the list, ensure that the disc is inserted within the drive before you decide to turn on laptop, plus the BIOS should recognize it, and will include it within the list.
2. Save the settings change and exit BIOS.
Once you've got updated the boot order, you may begin the Windows installation process.
1. Place the Windows disc from the CD/DVD drive or USB thumb drive into your back of laptop computer.
2. Turn on or restart laptop computer. As your computer is starting up, it will see mobile phone disc or drive and show a communication similar to Press any key on top of that from CD. Press any key about the keyboard to have your computer boot from your Windows disc or drive.
3. The Windows install process begins. There is going to be several prompts that you simply must answer. Select either Yes or even the appropriate option to setup Windows.
Install Note: Make sure you simply select the Full Install option but not the Repair or Upgrade option.
Upgrade Note: If you are upgrading to some newer version of Windows, pick the "Upgrade" option instead in the Full Install option.
3. The computer ought to restart a couple of times during the Windows install process.
1. When asked which partition to put in Windows onto, find the main partition, which can be usually the C: drive or one labeled "Unaollocated partition". If upgrading Windows, find the existing installing Windows around the hard drive.
2. You may be asked if you wish to erase all contents within the hard drive, then install Windows. It is recommended that you ultimately choose this option, since it will also properly format the hard disk to allow the Windows computer to be installed.
3. The computer might need to restart more than once during the Windows install process. The restarts are standard and if prompted to restart, find the Yes option.
4. When the install process 's almost complete, the Windows configuration option screens are shown. On these screens, you will be asked to simply select the time zone your house is in, your selected language, along with the name from the account you will employ to access Windows. Select the appropriate options and type in the appropriate home elevators each configuration screen.
The Windows install process will probably be complete when your computer prompts you to definitely log in with all the account you merely created about the configuration screens or if this loads right into Windows.
Final Windows and computer configuration
After Windows has been attached to the computer, you will need to set up the drivers and related software to the hardware in the pc. You can use not hard to install discs that came while using hardware, or it is possible to download the drivers through the hardware manufacturer's website.
Tip: If you simply can't download drivers since your network card isn't working after installing Windows you'll be able to download the drivers on another computer after which copy them to some USB thumb drive and move them over to your pc.
How to setup and update some type of computer driver.
It is strongly recommended that you install the most up-to-date drivers per piece of hardware.
To figure out which hardware needs drivers to get installed, confirm the Device Manager to check out exclamation mark "!" beside hardware devices. The exclamation point means drivers are needed for the device.
After installing hidden hardware device drivers, install any programs on laptop computer that you wish to use.
Finally, download and install any available Windows updates. Updating Windows might help improve the performance on the operating system, the hardware in laptop computer, and software applications you use. It can also improve security by fixing potential security holes and flaws in Windows.
How to update a Microsoft Windows computer.
Long-term repair off Windows
Microsoft frequently releases new updates for Windows, so it's recommended that you check out and install available updates. Doing so might help keep Windows running better and keep your laptop protected.
Also, periodically check out updated hardware device drivers from manufacturers' websites. Keeping hardware drivers updated might help the hardware devices in your computer to run at peak performance and improve compatibility for some other hardware and software in laptop.
Additional information
How to erase my disk drive and start over.
How to connect to your Internet.
How to put in place and install your personal computer printer.
Microsoft Windows help and support.
