This wikiHow teaches you how to install Windows 10 on your computer. To do this, you have to press a key during startup to access a menu. From this menu, you can start your computer using a USB memory or a CD or DVD that contains the Windows installer.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Boot from the Windows 10 Installer
Step 1. Make sure to connect the Windows 10 installation media
In order to install Windows 10, it is necessary to first load the Windows 10 installation file to a disk or memory unit. Then you have to connect that disk or memory unit to the computer.
If you have not yet downloaded the Windows 10 installation tool, follow the instructions on this Microsoft support page:
Step 2. Open the Start menu
Click the Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen or press the ⊞ Win key.
Step 3. Click the shutdown icon
It is a circle with a line running through it at the top. It's located in the lower-left corner of the Windows window.
Step 4. Click Restart
It's in the pop-up menu above the shutdown icon. Doing so will restart your computer.
Step 5. Hold down the Delete key or F2 to enter the setup menu.
This key can vary (most computers display a message at startup that says "Press [key] to enter setup" or something similar), so when the computer restarts, look for this message to confirm which one it is. the key you have to press to access the BIOS.
Check your computer's manual or online support page to see what the BIOS access key is
Step 6. Go to the Boot tab
Use the arrow keys to select it.
- The tab Boot could also be called Boot options (boot options). This depends on the manufacturer of the computer.
Step 7. Select the device you want to boot from
Here you will have two options:
- If you want to use a USB memory, select the option Removable disc (removable disc).
- If you want to use an installation disc, select the option CD-ROM Drive (CD drive).
Step 8. Press the + key until your boot option appears at the top of the list
When moving the option Removable disc or CD-ROM Drive At the top of the list, your computer will select it as the default boot option.
On some computers, you have to press one of the function keys (for example, F5) to move the option up, until you reach the top of the menu. The corresponding key will be indicated on the right side of the screen
Step 9. Save the settings
At the bottom of the screen you will see the key corresponding to the option "Save and exit" (save and exit), for example, F10. Pressing that key will exit setup and restart your computer.
You may have to press ↵ Enter to confirm the changes
Step 10. Wait for your computer to restart
Once your computer finishes restarting, you will see a window with your geographic data. Now everything will be ready to start the installation of Windows 10.
Part 2 of 2: Complete the installation
Step 1. Click Next when that option appears
If necessary, you can change the options on this page (for example, the language) before continuing.
Step 2. Click Install Now
It's in the middle of the window.
Step 3. Enter your Windows 10 key and click Next
If you don't have a Windows 10 key, then click Skip in the lower right corner of the screen.
Step 4. Click the "I agree" box and then click Next
By doing so, you indicate that you agree to the terms of use.
Step 5. Click Update
It's at the top of the "What kind of installation do you want?" Window. Selecting this option will install Windows 10 but you will keep your files, apps, and settings.
- You can also click Custom to do a "clean install" of Windows 10 on your computer. If you choose this option, you must select the partition you want to format before continuing.
Step 6. Wait while Windows 10 installs
This process can take anywhere from half an hour to several hours depending on the operating system your computer had previously and the processing speed.
If they ask you to press a key to boot from the CD, don't do it
Step 7. Follow the onscreen installation instructions
After Windows 10 has finished installing on your computer, you can start customizing the settings (for example, the region, the language you want to use, the location settings, etc.). When you finish this process, your computer's desktop will appear.
- You can also click Quick setup to automatically set the recommended settings.
Advice
If you do not enter a Windows 10 activation key when required, you will receive a free Windows 10 trial period. After the trial period is over, you will need to purchase an activation key and enter it
Warnings
- Some computers cannot run Windows 10 properly. If you have an old computer that was running Windows 7 at average speed, you may not want to upgrade to Windows 10.
- Make sure you have enough space on the computer where you are going to install Windows 10.