How to Install Windows 11 from USB on a New PC (Updated for 2024)

Updated by

Tracy King 

Written by

Linda 

Updated on April 19, 2024

How to Install Windows 11 from USB on a New PC? You can discover three methods with step-by-step guidance to accomplish this task.

How to Migrate OS to Install Windows 11 on a New PC with Just a Few Clicks

The easiest and fastest way to install Windows 11 on a new PC is to migrate the operating system to the HDD/SSD instead of installing Windows from a USB drive. But how do you migrate Windows 11 to a new PC? The tool Partition Master is here to assist you. This ultimate partition manager provides comprehensive solutions to manage your hard drive and enhance your computer's capabilities.

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• Resize/move, merge, clone partition, and check file system errors.
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• Clone disk, convert to GPT/MBR, convert to dynamic/basic, and even wipe data.
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• Migrate OS to HDD/SSD, increase partition space, and more

Preparations:

Here are the translations:
1. A computer running on Windows 11
2. Remove the system disk from your new PC and connect it to the Windows 11 computer
3. Download the Partition Master tool

Step-by-Step Guide to Migrate Windows 11 to HDD/SSD

< strong > Steps to migrate OS to HDD/SSD: < /strong > 1. Backup important data: Before starting the migration process, ensure that you have backed up all your essential files and documents to an external storage device or cloud service. 2. Choose a migration tool: Select a reliable disk cloning software such as Clonezilla, Acronis True Image, or the built-in Windows 10/11 'Reset this PC' feature for a Microsoft operating system. 3. Download and install: Download the chosen migration tool and install it on your current operating system. 4. Connect the new HDD/SSD: Insert the new hard drive or solid-state drive into your computer. You can use an external enclosure or a SATA-to-USB adapter for ease of connection. 5. Launch the migration tool: Run the software and choose the option to clone or migrate your existing OS. 6. Select source and target disks: In the software's interface, identify your current (source) hard drive and the new (target) HDD/SSD. 7. Start the cloning process: Confirm the selection and initiate the cloning process. The tool will copy the entire contents of your old drive, including the operating system, applications, and settings. 8. Wait for completion: This process may take some time depending on the size of your data and the speed of the drives. Do not interrupt the process. 9. Boot from the new drive: Once the cloning is complete, update your BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the new HDD/SSD. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, or Del). 10. Configure boot settings: Set the new HDD/SSD as the primary boot device and save the changes. 11. Test the system: Save the settings and exit the BIOS. Your computer should now boot from the new drive. Check if everything works correctly, including the operating system, applications, and drivers. 12. Remove old drive (optional): If satisfied with the migrated system, you can safely remove the old hard drive or use it for additional storage. Remember, the exact steps may vary depending on the migration tool you choose. Always refer to the software's documentation for detailed instructions.

1. Run tools Partition Master and select "Clone" from the left menu. 2. Check "Migrate OS" and click "Next". 3. Select the SSD or HDD as the destination disk and click "Next". 4. Warning: The data and partitions on the target disk will be deleted. Make sure you have backed up important data in advance. If not, do it now. 5. Click "Yes" to proceed. 6. Preview the layout of your target disk, then click "Start" to initiate the OS migration to the new disk.

After this, click "Reboot Now" or "Done" to choose whether you want to restart the computer from the new disk immediately.

"Reboot Now" means to apply the changes immediately, whereas "Done" indicates that you need to restart your computer manually at a later time.

Important: The OS migration operation will delete and remove existing partitions and data on your target disk if there's insufficient unallocated space on it. If you have important data stored there, back it up to an external hard drive beforehand.

After system cloning, reconnect the disk to the new PC. Then, boot it with Windows 11. If your computer fails to start, enter BIOS and set the cloned new disk as the boot device.

Here are the translations for the given languages into English: 1. Restart the PC. When the startup screen appears, continuously press F2/F12/DEL to enter BIOS. 2. Next, use the arrow key to select the Boot tab and choose the cloned hard disk as the first boot option. 3. Save the settings and restart your computer.

How to Install Windows 11 from a Bootable USB Flash Drive

If you're searching for a guide on how to install Windows 11 on a new PC solely using a USB flash drive, look no further. Continue reading to learn how to install Windows 11 from a bootable USB or with the Windows 11 ISO file via the Media Creation Tool.

Guides in this section will demonstrate how to create a bootable Windows 11 installation USB and install the operating system on a new PC.

Here are the translations of the given language snippets into English:
1. 1. What You Need
2. 2. Format the USB Drive
3. 3. Create a Windows 11 Installation USB
4. 4. How to Install Windows 11 from USB
Translation:
5. 1. What You Require
6. 2. Format the USB Stick
7. 3. Create a Windows 11 Installation USB
8. 4. Installing Windows 11 from USB

1 - Preparations:

• UltraISO - a tool for creating a bootable Windows 11 USB
• A USB flash drive with at least 8GB of free space
• A computer available for formatting the USB flash drive
• Partition Master - the best USB format tool (link)
• Your new PC, where you will install Windows 11

Next, follow the three steps for Installing Windows 11 from USB on a new PC.

2 - Format the USB Drive and Set the Primary Partition as Active

Click the download button and install tools Partition Master on the spare computer, which can be your old one or your friend's.

Step 1. Select the USB drive to format. Select the USB drive that you want to format.

Connect the USB drive or pen drive to your computer. Download and launch a partition tool. Right-click the USB drive you want to format and select "Format."

Step 2. Set the drive letter and file system for the USB drive.

Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size, then click "OK".

Step 3. Select “Yes” to confirm the formatting of your USB drive.

Click “Yes” if you see the Warning window. If you have important data on it, back up the data in advance.

Step 4. Apply the changes.

First, click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button, then click "Apply" to format the USB drive.

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Another method to format a USB flash drive for installing Windows 11 from USB:

Here are the translations for the given instructions in English:
1. Connect the USB flash drive to your technician PC.
2. Open Disk Management: Right-click on Start and select Disk Management.
3. Format the partition: Right-click the USB drive partition and choose Format. Select the FAT32 file system to be able to boot both BIOS-based and UEFI-based PCs.
4. Set the partition as active: Right-click the USB drive partition and click Mark Partition as Active.

3 - Create a Windows 11 Installation USB Flash Drive

When planning to install Windows 11, you typically require a CD or USB flash disk for the installation process. To create a Windows 11 bootable USB, you can use the UltraISO tool. Follow these steps to proceed:

Here are the translations for the given languages into English: 1. Insert the empty, formatted USB drive into your computer. 2. Open and run the UltraISO tool. Select "File" > "Open" to import the ISO installation source file of the Windows 11 operating system. 3. From the main menu, choose "Bootable" > "Write Hard Disk Image". Select the USB drive that you intend to boot from. 4. Click the "Write" button. The USB flash drive will then be burned and written with the Windows 11 system. 5. Once the burning process is complete, you can use the USB drive as the installation disk to install the Windows 11 operating system.

Create a Windows 10 installation USB drive

< strong > Read Also: < / strong > < a href = "/partition-master/install-windows-10-on-new-pc-without-os.html" > Install Windows 10 on New PC Without Operating System < / a >

4 - How to Install Windows 11 from USB Flash Drive on a New PC

Now that you're aware of what you need to install Windows 11 from USB on a new PC, you can proceed with the installation process. Connect the bootable USB flash drive to the new computer, make sure the USB device is recognized, and then set it as the primary boot device.

Here are the translations: 1. Turn on the PC and press the key that opens the boot-device selection menu for your computer, like the Esc, F10, or F12 keys. Choose the option to boot the PC from the USB flash drive. 2. Windows Setup will begin. Follow the instructions to install Windows 11. Note that some installations may continue after you log in, so please be patient. After installation, make sure to check for Windows Updates (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) to ensure everything is up to date. 3. Remove the USB flash drive.

Sometimes, it's better to install Windows 10 on an external hard drive. This way, you can use your own customized Windows 11 operating system wherever you go.

How to Install Windows 11 from USB Using the Windows Media Creation Tool

Wondering how to install Windows 11 from USB with the assistance of the Windows Media Creation Tool? Take two minutes to go through this section. Approximately 90% of readers should be capable of independently installing Windows from USB after reading this part. Now, it's your turn to learn how to install Windows 11 from USB using the Windows Media Creation Tool.

These lines translated into English are:
1. 1. Download the Windows 11 Tool to USB
2. 2. Create Windows 11 Installation Media
3. 3. Install Windows 11 from a USB Drive

1 - Download the Windows 11 tool to install Windows from USB

To begin, you'll first need a license to install Windows 11. Next, download and create the Windows 11 Installation Media Creation Tool, and use it to install Windows 11 from a USB drive or a Windows ISO file. Download the Windows 11 tool here: Download Windows 11 tool. After that, follow the instructions below.

Before you download the Windows tool, make sure you have:

Here are the translations in English:
• A fast internet connection
• Sufficient data storage on a computer, USB, or external hard drive to download the tool
• A blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space or a blank DVD (and a DVD burner) for creating media

2 - How to Create Windows 11 Installation Media

Step 1. Download and run the tool as an administrator.

Step 2. On the "What do you want to do?" screen, select "Create installation media for another PC", then click "Next".

Step 3. Choose the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows.

Step 4. Choose the media tool you want to use:

Here are the translations for the provided text:
1. USB flash drive - Connect a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of free space to your computer.
2. ISO file - Save an ISO file onto your PC, which you can use to create a DVD. Once the ISO file is downloaded, go to the location where the file is saved, and then use the Windows Disc Image Burner to create an installation DVD with straightforward steps.

To burn a Windows 11 ISO file onto a DVD

1. Locate the folder where the ISO file is saved. 2. Right-click on the ISO file, choose "Properties," then click "General." Next, click "Change" and select "Windows Explorer" as the program you want to use to open ISO files. Finally, click "Apply." 3. Right-click the ISO file and select "Burn disc image."

If you want to install Windows on a new PC directly from the ISO file without using a DVD or USB flash drive, you can do so by mounting the ISO file. This will upgrade your current operating system to Windows.

To mount the ISO file:

1. Locate the Windows ISO file, right-click on it, and select "Properties." 2. Click "General" > "Change" > choose "Windows Explorer" as the program you want to use to open ISO files, and then click "Apply." 3. Right-click the ISO file and select "Mount." 4. Open and verify the ISO file. Double-click on "setup.exe" to initiate the Windows 11 installation process.

After you've created the Windows 11 media tool, continue with the steps below to install Windows 11.

3 - How to Install Windows 11 using the Media Creation Tool

Step 1. Connect the USB flash drive or insert the DVD into the new PC where you want to install Windows 11.

Step 2. Restart your PC and boot from the USB or DVD media. If it doesn't, you'll need to press a key (such as F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) right after turning on your PC to access the boot menu and alter the boot order.

Tip: If the bootable USB drive is not showing up or being recognized in Windows 11, refer to the guide and find a solution.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing Windows 11. When prompted during the installation, enter your Windows license key in the product key pop-up.

Step 4. Once Windows installation is complete, make sure you have all the necessary device drivers installed.

To check for updates now, select the Start button, then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

Download Windows 10

Installing Windows 11 from USB Conclusion

This article offers three standard methods for installing Windows on a new PC:

Here are the translations:
• Migrate OS to effortlessly install Windows 11 on a new PC.
• Install Windows 11 from a bootable USB drive.
• Install Windows 11 using the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from a USB.

Installing Windows 11 from a USB drive can be a complicated process, so it's important to follow the instructions precisely. If you encounter any issues along the way, you can reach out to our technical support team for assistance via live chat or email: support@tools.com for prompt and effective help.

FAQs - How to Install Windows 11 from USB (Troubleshooting) Frequently Asked Questions - How to Install Windows 11 from a USB Drive (Problem-solving Guide)

Some people are reporting issues when upgrading to Windows 11 or installing it from a USB drive. Let's address these concerns one by one.

How do I install Windows from a USB drive?

< strong > Step 1. < /strong > Format the USB drive and set the Primary Partition as Active

Step 2. Download and run the Media Creation Tool on the inactive PC (connected to the internet).

Step 3. Create a Windows installation media on an empty USB drive.

Step 4. Install Windows 11 from the USB flash drive on your new PC.

Step 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish installing Windows.

How can I make a USB drive bootable?

To create a bootable USB flash drive:

Step 1. Download and run the Media Creation Tool on the inactive PC (connected to the internet).

Step 2. Create Windows Installation Media on an empty USB.

Yes, you can install Windows 11 using a USB drive. Here's a brief overview of the process: 1. **Download the Windows 11 Installation Media Creation Tool**: Visit the official Microsoft website and download the "Media Creation Tool" for Windows 11. 2. **Create a Bootable USB**: Connect a USB drive with at least 8GB of space to your computer. Run the Media Creation Tool, select "Create installation media for another PC," and follow the on-screen instructions to create a bootable Windows 11 USB. 3. **Boot from USB**: Insert the USB drive into the PC you want to install Windows 11 on. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings to prioritize booting from USB. 4. **Start Installation**: Once your PC boots from the USB, follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11. You'll be asked to accept the license terms, choose the installation type (e.g., Upgrade or Custom), and select the partition where you want to install Windows. 5. **Complete Setup**: Complete the remaining setup steps, such as setting your preferences, creating a user account, and connecting to a Wi-Fi network. Remember that your PC needs to meet the minimum system requirements to run Windows 11. If you encounter any issues during the process, consult Microsoft's official documentation or seek online help.

However, if you prefer to use the newer version, you can create and utilize a USB drive that runs Windows 11 directly. For this, you'll need a USB flash drive with a minimum of 8GB of free space, although 32GB is recommended. Additionally, you'll require a license to activate Windows 11 on the USB drive.

How do I install Windows 11 from a USB drive to an SSD?

• Shut down your system. Remove the old HDD and install the SSD - there should be only the SSD connected to your system during the installation process.
• Insert the Bootable Installation Media.
• Enter your BIOS and if SATA Mode is not set to AHCI, change it. Read more...

How to Partition a Hard Drive on Windows 11 After Installing it from USB?

With the help of tools like Partition Master, you can effortlessly resize, expand, shrink, or create partitions on a hard drive. Download this software to easily manage partitions on Windows 11/10 hard drive.