This guide will teach you how to install Windows 10 smoothly, covering steps to download Windows 10, complete the installation process, and deploy Windows 10 on a new PC. With easy-to-follow instructions and visuals, you'll learn how to install Windows 10 properly and optimize the setup, making this definitive guide essential for any user upgrading their operating system.
System requirements for installing Windows 10
To install Windows 10, you need to make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements:
Processor: 1GHz or faster
RAM: 1GB for 32-bit OS or 2GB for 64-bit OS
Storage: 16GB for 32-bit OS or 20GB for 64-bit OS
Graphics card: DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM (Windows Display Driver Model) driver
Display: 800x600 resolution
Network: Internet connection
It's recommended to use a more powerful PC for better performance. Also, check if your hardware and programs are compatible before installing.
How to install Windows 10? (In Easy Steps)
There are two main methods to install Windows 10:
Type 1: Full installation
Before you start:
Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
Get a blank USB drive with at least 8GB of storage space. You'll need to erase everything on the drive, so use a blank one if you can.
This will erase everything and install a clean version of Windows 10. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Download and Open Windows 10 installation media from Microsoft's website.
Step 2: Accept license terms by choosing Accept.
Step 3: Choose Create installation media and click Next.
Step 4: Click Next.
Step 5: Choose USB flash drive and click Next to proceed.
Step 6: Plug your USB Device into the PC
Step 7: Select the drive to install Windows and click Next. This will erase and reformat the drive.
Step 8: Windows 10 is now being downloaded into your USB device. Wait until this process finishes and close the setup window.
Step 9: Plug your USB Device (as a bootable device now) with Windows 10 installer into a new PC.
Step 10: Turn on your new computer and access the BIOS/UEFI (typically using F2, F10, or Del).
Step 11: In BIOS/UEFI, set the USB flash drive as the first boot option.
Step 12: Save changes and exit. Your PC will reboot from the USB drive.
Step 13: When the Windows Setup appears, select language, time/currency format, etc. then choose Next.
Step 14: After that, Click Install Now and follow the prompts to set up Windows.
Type 2: Upgrading from an older Windows version
You can also upgrade to Windows 10 from the older version of Windows while keeping files, settings, and programs. Here is how:
Step 1: Run the Windows 10 installation media.
Step 2: Choose Upgrade this PC now and click Next to start the upgrade.
Step 3: Now, Windows 10 Setup will begin the installation process
Step 4: Windows will install automatically while preserving files and settings.
Step 5: Windows will reboot several times during the upgrade process. Follow prompts till it finishes.
What to do after installing Windows 10?
After completing Windows 10 installation, here are some recommendations:
Make sure Windows is activated.
Update Windows 10 to the latest version for new features and security patches.
Install the latest drivers for the graphics card, audio, networking, etc., for best compatibility.
Customize Windows 10 as you prefer via Settings app - themes, Start menu layout, privacy setting, etc.
Install essential software like antivirus, Office Suite, creative apps, gaming clients, etc.
Transfer data from a backup or old PC via transfer cable or cloud storage.
Create a Windows restore point and recovery drive in case of any issues later.
Remove any unnecessary pre-installed apps for a cleaner system.
Following these post-installation steps will ensure your Windows 10 PC runs smoothly and securely.
Choose new office software after installing Windows - WPS Office
After installing Windows 10, you may want an office suite to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. While Microsoft Office is popular, its subscription model can get expensive. This is where WPS Office comes in.
WPS Office is a free office suite for Windows and Mac that lets you easily open, edit and create Word, Excel and PowerPoint files. Its key features include:
Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like DOCX, XLSX and PPTX.
Has writer, spreadsheet and presentation modules similar to Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Clean and familiar ribbon interface for easy navigation.
Support for exporting PDFs and collaboration via cloud storage.
Lightweight app taking minimal storage space and system resources.
WPS Office is compatible with Microsoft Office file formats, so users can easily open and edit files created in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. WPS Office also offers many features that are not available in the free version of Microsoft Office, such as the ability to convert PDF files to Word documents and spreadsheets and the ability to collaborate on documents online with other users.
Overall, WPS Office is a good choice for home and student users who are looking for a free and lightweight office suite with all the necessary features.
How to Download WPS Office for Free?
Downloading and installing WPS Office on your Windows 10 PC is quick and easy:
Step 1: Go to the official WPS Office website https://www.wps.com/
Step 2: Click on Free Download.
Step 3: The .exe installer file will download. Double-click to run it.
Step 4: Click Install Now and follow the setup wizard prompts to install WPS Office on your PC.
Step 5: Once installed, launch WPS Office app to get started with creating Word, Excel and PowerPoint files!
FAQs
Do I need a Microsoft account to install Windows 10?
No, a Microsoft account is optional. You can use a local account instead during Windows 10 installation and setup if preferred.
How long does Windows 10 installation take?
No matter which method you choose, the Windows 10 installation process usually takes around 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your internet speed and PC performance.
Is my license key valid for Windows 10?
Usually OEM and retail Windows 7/8/8.1 keys work to activate Windows 10. You can skip entering key during installation.
Summary
Installing Windows 10 is easy if you follow the step-by-step guide. Prepare your PC, boot from installation media, and follow the setup prompts. Perform post-install steps like updating Windows and installing drivers and apps. Consider using the free WPS Office suite for creating Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files on your new Windows 10 system smoothly!
