Installing Windows 10 Legally Using a Flash Drive
Installing Windows 10 from a flash drive is a common method for setting up a new computer or creating a bootable installation media. This process is not only convenient but also allows you to install the operating system in a legal and official way. In this post, we will discuss the steps to create a Windows 10 installation media using a legal method.
Requirements
To get started, ensure that you have met the following prerequisites:
- A licensed copy of Windows 10 or its product key
- A flash drive with at least 8GB capacity and formatted to FAT32 or NTFS
- Access to a PC with an active internet connection
Creating the Installation Media
First, let's create the installation media using Microsoft's Media Creation Tool. Follow these steps:
- Go to Microsoft's website and download the latest version of the Media Creation Tool.
- Once the download is complete, run the installer to start the process. Follow the prompts until you reach the "What do you want to do?" screen.
- Choose "Create installation media (USB-flashdrive, DVD or ISO file)" and click "Next."
- Select your target language, architecture (x64 for 64-bit systems), and choose "USB flash drive" as the media type. After that, select the drive letter corresponding to your formatted flash drive and click "Next."
- The tool will now download the necessary files and create the installation media on your selected drive. This process might take some time depending on your internet connection speed and the size of the installation files.
Installing Windows 10
Once you have created the installation media, follow these steps to install Windows 10:
- Restart your target computer and press F2 (or the key specific to your system's BIOS) to enter its setup menu.
- Navigate to the "Boot" tab and set your flash drive as the first boot device, then save and exit the setup menu.
- Your PC will now start from the installation media. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
- During the setup process, you'll be asked for a product key or given an option to install Windows 10 without a product key. If you have a valid product key, enter it when prompted; otherwise, you can skip this step and continue with the installation.
- After the installation is complete, your new system will reboot, and you'll be prompted to configure it for your preferences. Complete these steps as required, including setting up user accounts, configuring regional settings, and personalizing your system.
- Once the initial setup is complete, your Windows 10 installation is now ready to use!
Conclusion
Installing Windows 10 using a legal and official method not only ensures that you have a legitimate copy of the operating system but also guarantees its stability and compatibility with various hardware components. By following this simple guide, you've now learned how to create a bootable installation media on a flash drive and use it to install Windows 10 legally on your target PC. Happy computing!