How to Install Windows 11 on a New PC Without an Operating System

How to start with a clean slate on a new PC

6 min. read

Updated onMay 17, 2024

updated onMay 17, 2024

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A new PC comes as is without an operating system unlike ones that only require an upgrade to the latest Windows 11 OS.

Without an operating system, a PC can only perform basic functions. You may be able to boot it but you’ll probably only be able to access the BIOS menu. To perform other functions, you’ll need to install an operating system so here’s how to start from scratch.

How do I install Windows 11 on a new PC without an operating system?

1. Change boot priority

2. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool

2.1 For PCs that meet Windows 11 system requirements

If your new PC meets theWindows 11 system requirements, the Windows ISO file from the official Microsoft site is the way to go. This ensures you get the most up-to-date version of Windows.

2.2 For PCs that don’t meet system requirements

Aside from providing a loophole for when your new PC has failed to meet the minimum Windows 11 system requirements, Rufus also offers advanced features. These include customization options on your new OS like partition styles or even hardware configurations.

Just remember thatinstalling Windows 11 on unsupported hardwaremay present some limitations.

3. Install Windows 11 on the new OS

4. Set up user account and password

Should you encounter any boot problems, we’ve got answers in our dedicated guide. Once you’re in you’re good to go but we suggest you pass through ourchecklist for things to do with a new PC.

Since you’ve also installed Windows 11, we have another list on how tocustomize your PC to work for you.

If you’re new on the Windows 11 group chat, check out all thecool featuresyou probably didn’t know about. You’ll be glad to know that you cantransfer your old settings to a new PCas well asmove old apps to your new PC.

With a new PC and OS, you’re bound to encounter errors so we came up with some of the mostcommon Windows 11 bugsand how to resolve them.

Hopefully, the installation of Windows 11 on your new pC has been seamless and you can now dive into exploring the best OS yet.

If you’ve successfully installed the OS on your new PC, we’d like to hear about your experience. How easy or difficult was it? We’d like to get your thoughts on this so drop us a comment down below.

How to Install Windows 11 on a New PC Without an Operating System#

How do I install Windows 11 on a new PC without an operating system?#

1. Change boot priority#

2. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool#

3. Install Windows 11 on the new OS#

4. Set up user account and password#