Here’s what you need to know when it comes installing Windows 10

Installing Windows 10 is essential for any non-Mac user, as a computer cannot work without an operating system. Often, devices come with Windows pre-installed, so manual installation is not necessary. However, there may be times when you need to install Windows 10 yourself. This could be because your device uses an outdated version of Windows, your operating system is having issues, or you want to add Windows 10 to a new PC or laptop. Our guide can help you perform a full Windows 10 installation and upgrade from a previous version of Windows. Remember, installing Windows 10 can take some time, so ensure you have enough time to complete the process.

The Complete Guide to Installing Windows 10

Before we delve into the step-by-step process of installing Windows 10, it's important to note that the installation can be a lengthy procedure. Therefore, ensure you have sufficient time to see it through.

1. Confirm Your Device's Compatibility with Windows 10. The following are the minimum specifications required to run Windows 10. Ensure your device meets these:

Processor (CPU): A minimum of 1GHz or faster

RAM: 1GB for Windows 10 32-bit or 2GB for Windows 10 64-bit

Storage: At least 32GB of space

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Must be DirectX 9 compatible or later with WDDM 1.0 driver

Display: A resolution of 800x600 or higher

If your computer falls short in terms of these specifications, consider browsing our selection of the best laptops, or upgrade to a high-performance machine by choosing one from our list of the best gaming PCs.

2. Prepare USB Installation Media. Go to Microsoft's Windows 10 download page and click on "Download tool now" in the "create Windows 10 installation media" section. After downloading the installer tool, move it to a USB drive.

3. Execute the Installation Tool. Start the installation tool by clicking on it. Agree to Microsoft's terms, then choose "Create installation media for another PC" on the "What do you want to do?" page. Select your desired language and edition for Windows 10 (32-bit or 64-bit), and then decide on the type of media you'll use.

While a USB drive is often the top choice, a CD or ISO file can also be used. After selecting your media, the installation tool will fetch the necessary files and transfer them to your chosen device.

4. Implement your Installation Media. Plug your installation media into your device and access your computer's BIOS or UEFI. These systems enable you to manage your computer's main hardware.

Obtaining access to these systems varies depending on the device, but the manufacturer's website should provide helpful guidance. Usually, you'll need to press the F2, F12, or Delete keys as your computer starts up.

5. Adjust the Boot Order. Once you've accessed your computer's BIOS/UEFI, you need to find the boot order settings. The Windows 10 installation tool should be prioritized higher than the current boot drive (either SSD or HDD) where your existing OS is stored. You should move the drive containing the installer files to the top of the boot order menu. This ensures that the Windows 10 installer will load up first when you restart your device.

6. Reboot Your Device. After saving your settings in the BIOS/UEFI, restart your device.

7. Finalize the Installation. Upon restart, your device should load the Windows 10 installation tool. This will guide you through the remaining steps of the installation process.

How to Upgrade to Windows 10 from an Older Version

If you are looking to transition from Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 10, the procedure is quite straightforward. Here are the steps to upgrade from an older Windows version:

1. Obtain the Installer Tool. Navigate to Microsoft's Windows 10 download page and click "Download tool now" in the "create Windows 10 installation media" section.

2. Initiate the Installer Tool. You can upgrade your existing Windows version directly using the installer tool, without the need for separate installation media. When you reach the "What do you want to do?" section, choose "Upgrade this PC now."

3. Finalize Windows 10 Installation. The installer tool will now guide you through the remaining steps. Follow the provided instructions to complete the installation, and you'll end up with Windows 10 on your device.