Getting Windows 11 on a brand-new PC might look easy enough, but trust me, it can be a bit of a rigmarole. If your hardware isn’t quite compatible or you run into boot troubles, you could spend ages buggering around. The aim here is to do a clean install that runs nicely without a bunch of drama. This guide walks you through each step, with handy tips and troubleshooting bits I’ve picked up along the way. By the end, you’ll have a fresh Windows 11 all set up, and hopefully, fewer headaches.
How to Install Windows 11 on a New PC
Check System Requirements — Before you get stuck in
This is the first thing to do, because if your PC doesn’t tick the boxes, you’ll hit a wall quicksmart. To save time, double-check these in Settings > Windows Update > Windows Security > Device Security > Security Processor Details or via the Microsoft PC Health Check Tool. Basically, Windows 11 needs a compatible 64-bit processor, at least 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, TPM 2.0, and Secure Boot turned on. Missing any of these and you’re stuck as a doo-dah.
On some systems, you’ll need to enable TPM and Secure Boot in the BIOS. If you’re not used to mucking about in BIOS menus, they’re usually under “Security” or “Boot” options. Be careful — mucking around in BIOS can cause issues. For older gear, maybe it’s time to consider an upgrade if Windows 11 is on your list.
Create Bootable Installation Media — Time to get cracking
The easiest way is to use the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website. Download it from here. No worries, just make sure your USB stick has at least 8GB free. Plug it in, run the tool, choose “Create installation media for another PC,” and it’ll download and prepare the Windows 11 ISO onto your USB—like turning the drive into a portable Windows installer. It takes a few minutes, and yes, all data on that USB will get wiped, so back up if you need to.
Boot from USB Drive — Make the machine talk
This bit depends on your motherboard. After plugging in the USB, restart your PC and hit the key that opens the boot menu — usually F12, ESC, or maybe Delete for BIOS. Check your manual if you’re not sure. In the boot menu, select the USB as the first boot device. Some setups might need you to disable Secure Boot temporarily or change the boot mode. If it’s not showing up, double-check the USB creation or try making it again.
Once you get the right key and pick the USB, your PC should start into the Windows installer. If it doesn’t, maybe the USB isn’t recognised or Secure Boot is doing its head in. Windows can be a bit finicky.
Install Windows 11 — Follow the prompts
Next, it’s pretty straightforward: pick your language, keyboard layout, then hit Next and Install Now. When asked where to install, choose the drive or partition you want Windows on. If you’re starting fresh, it’s best to delete old partitions (if there are any) and create a new one. Make sure you don’t wipe your data partition by accident — keep an eye on which drive you’re working on.
After that, the install does its thing, restarting a few times. You might need to sign in with your Microsoft account or set up a local account. Sometimes, the setup skips or stalls on network detection—that’s normal, just be patient. Using an Ethernet cable helps during set-up, too.
Finish the Setup — Nearly there
Once Windows 11 is up and running, it’ll ask about your preferences—privacy settings, accounts, cloud sync and all that. Feel free to personalise it, but don’t skip connecting to Wi-Fi—you’ll want to grab updates straight away. Windows will need a few more minutes to configure everything, install drivers, and get ready to go.
Some hardware might play up and need extra drivers, especially if your motherboard or graphics card is a bit niche. Check Windows Update and Device Manager afterwards to make sure everything’s sweet. The first boot might be a bit slow—give it a few moments.
Tips for installing Windows 11 on a new PC
- Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check to see if your hardware is compatible—nothing more annoying than hitting a wall after the install.
- Back up your files before starting—worth doing even on a fresh machine, just to be safe.
- If you’re having trouble booting, try disabling Secure Boot or TPM in BIOS temporarily. Windows can be a bit stubborn about it sometimes.
- Keep your internet connection steady during the install—Windows updates can be a pain if your link drops out mid-way.
- Set aside plenty of time—installing Windows 11 can take a fair while, especially if updates are involved.
Frequently Asked Questions about Installing Windows 11 on a New PC
What if my PC doesn’t meet the system requirements?
Better to plan a hardware upgrade or stick with Windows 10 for now. Trying to force Windows 11 onto incompatible hardware usually leads to dodgy stability and crashes.
Can I dual boot Windows 11 with another OS?
Sure can. Just make sure to partition your drives properly. Otherwise, Windows might overwrite your other OS or cause boot troubles.
How do I check if my PC has TPM 2.0?
Use Device Security in Settings or check out this Microsoft guide. Or, run tpm.msc in the Run box (Win + R) to see if your TPM is there and compatible.
Is my data safe during the install?
Best to back everything up on an external drive or in the cloud—Windows can be a bit of a pain sometimes, even with a clean install.
Can I upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 without losing files?
Yep, if you upgrade through Windows Update. But if you’re doing a clean install, make sure you back up first—otherwise, you’ll lose everything.
Summary
- Check your system requirements—don’t skip it or you’ll end up stuffed.
- Create a bootable USB with the Media Creation Tool.
- Boot from USB and follow the prompts.
- Have a crack at BIOS settings if booting fails.
- Finish set-up, install drivers, and enjoy your shiny new Windows 11.
Wrap-up
While getting Windows 11 on a new PC isn’t exactly a walk in the park—thanks to hardware compat issues—it’s definitely doable. The trick is to be patient and double-check everything, especially BIOS settings. Just follow the steps, stay flexible, and remember that Windows sometimes throws a spanner in the works, but most problems have a fix. Hopefully, this saves someone a couple of hours, because that’s the goal, right? Good luck, and here’s to a smooth-running new PC!