Windows 10 & 11 Installation Guides

Installing Windows: Windows 10 and Windows 11 Step by Step

Installing Windows 10 and 11 – Overview

Installing Windows: Windows 10 and Windows 11 Step by Step

In short: This page is your starting point for installing Windows 10 or Windows 11 yourself — even without prior experience. We'll help you through three steps: choosing the right version (10 or 11), determining the right edition (e.g. Home or Pro), and finding the right tool for creating your installation drive (Media Creation Tool or Rufus). From here, we link out to detailed step-by-step guides for every situation.

Windows 10 support has ended — as of October 14, 2025.

Since October 14, 2025, Microsoft no longer provides free security updates for Windows 10. That means newly discovered security vulnerabilities are no longer automatically patched for regular users. Your PC will still start up and run as before, but it becomes increasingly vulnerable over time.

There's a transitional program called ESU (Extended Security Updates). Home users can enroll for free by syncing their settings with Windows Backup — or alternatively via 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or a one-time payment of around $30 USD. One account covers up to 10 devices; documented coverage runs through October 13, 2026 (please check the details yourself, as deadlines can change).

Our honest recommendation: If your PC meets the requirements, moving to Windows 11 is the safer choice in the long run. Windows 10 still makes sense for older hardware that Windows 11 doesn't officially support.

Table of Contents
  1. Which Windows version: 10 or 11?
  2. Which edition: Home, Pro, Education, Enterprise?
  3. Media Creation Tool or Rufus?
  4. Upgrade or clean install?
  5. Decision table: your situation → the right guide
  6. All guides at a glance
  7. Important notes before you start
  8. Checklist before installation
  9. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
  10. Matching Windows licenses
  11. Sources

Which Windows Version: 10 or 11?

Before you get started, decide on a version. The most important factor is whether your PC meets the requirements for Windows 11.

Windows 11 is the current version (as of 2026: feature update 25H2) and continues to receive regular security updates. Microsoft sets fixed minimum requirements for it:

  • Processor (CPU): 1 GHz or faster, at least 2 cores, 64-bit — and the model must appear on Microsoft's list of supported processors.
  • Memory (RAM): at least 4 GB.
  • Storage: at least 64 GB.
  • TPM 2.0: a security chip in the device (Trusted Platform Module) that securely stores keys and credentials.
  • UEFI with Secure Boot: UEFI is the motherboard's modern firmware (base software) that starts the PC; Secure Boot is a protective feature that only allows trusted startup software to run.
  • Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
  • Display: larger than 9 inches with HD resolution (720p).

Windows 10 also runs on older hardware that doesn't meet these points (especially TPM 2.0). But keep the support notice above in mind: without ESU, there are no more free security updates.

Rule of thumb: Modern PC with TPM 2.0 → Windows 11. Older PC without TPM 2.0 that you want to keep using → Windows 10 (or Windows 11 as an unsupported install, see below).

Which Edition: Home, Pro, Education, Enterprise?

Besides the version, there are different editions. The edition determines the feature set. Important: the edition must match your license (your product key). A Home key won't activate Windows Pro, and vice versa.

Edition Who it's for Where to get it
Home Home users and everyday personal use. Retail purchase or preinstalled on new PCs (OEM).
Pro Professionals and power users — with extras like BitLocker encryption and joining a company network. Retail purchase or preinstalled (OEM).
Education Students and educational institutions; functionally close to Enterprise. Through academic programs or the institution's volume licensing.
Pro Education Educational institutions that need a Pro variant built specifically for schools. Through academic programs or volume licensing.
Enterprise Larger organizations with advanced management and security features. Only through Volume Licensing.
Enterprise Evaluation For trying out Enterprise — limited to 90 days. Not a permanent license. Free via the Microsoft Evaluation Center.
Enterprise LTSC / IoT LTSC Special-purpose devices with a long lifecycle (e.g. point-of-sale terminals, kiosks) that are updated infrequently. LTSC = Long-Term Servicing Channel. Only through volume licensing.
Note on OEM activation: On many brand-name PCs, the Windows key is permanently embedded in the firmware (in a table called MSDM). Windows Setup reads it automatically, picks the matching edition, and activates it — so the edition prompt often doesn't even appear.

Media Creation Tool or Rufus?

To install Windows, you need a bootable USB drive — one the PC can start up from directly. There are two common ways to create one:

Media Creation Tool (MCT) — the official, easy way

The Media Creation Tool is Microsoft's own program. It downloads Windows and automatically creates the installation drive or an ISO file (an "image" of the installation media). It's straightforward and ideal for most users. You'll need an empty USB drive with at least 8 GB — its existing contents will be erased in the process.

Rufus — more options for advanced users

Rufus is a free third-party program that also creates installation drives — with more configuration options. During creation, the "Windows User Experience" window appears with options such as:

  • "Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0" — removes the hardware check, letting you install Windows 11 on officially unsupported hardware.
  • "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account" — lets you set up with a local account instead of a Microsoft account.
  • "Disable data collection" — reduces the data sent back to Microsoft.
Only download Rufus from the official site rufus.ie or the developer's GitHub page. The current version is 4.15 (June 2026); there's an installer version and a portable version. Option names may change slightly between versions.
In short: MCT = official and simple. Rufus = more control, including installing on unsupported hardware and using a local account.

Upgrade or Clean Install?

During installation you choose between two approaches:

  • Upgrade (keep your data): Your programs, settings, and personal files are preserved. Convenient if you're updating from an existing Windows installation.
  • Custom (clean install): Labeled "Custom" in Windows Setup. Windows is set up completely from scratch and the selected drive is formatted — all data on it is lost. The result is a fresh, clean system.
Important: Before a clean install, be sure to back up all important files. Formatting cannot be undone.

Decision Table: Your Situation → The Right Guide

Find your situation in the table and follow the link to the matching step-by-step guide.

Your Situation Recommended Guide
Modern PC with TPM 2.0, I want the easy way Install Windows 11 with the Media Creation Tool
PC without TPM 2.0, I still want Windows 11 Install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 (unsupported)
I want more options or a local account Install Windows 11 with Rufus and a USB drive
Older hardware, I still need Windows 10 Install Windows 10 with the Media Creation Tool
I can't get into the BIOS or boot menu Opening UEFI, BIOS, and the Boot Menu
An error occurs during installation Windows Installation: Fixing Errors

All Guides at a Glance

Install Windows 11 with the Media Creation Tool

The official, easy path to Windows 11.

Install Windows 10 with the Media Creation Tool

Set up Windows 10 fresh on older hardware.

Install Windows 11 with Rufus and a USB drive

More options: local account and more control.

Install Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 (unsupported)

Installing on unsupported hardware.

Install Windows 10/11 Home

The edition for everyday personal use.

Install Windows 10/11 Pro

With extras like BitLocker for professionals.

Install Windows Education

For students and educational institutions.

Install Windows Enterprise

For businesses with volume licensing.

Opening UEFI, BIOS, and the Boot Menu

How to boot from a USB drive.

Windows Installation: Fixing Errors

Solutions to common problems.

Important Notes Before You Start

Possible data loss: A clean install formats the drive. Back up all important files beforehand.
USB drive will be erased: Creating the installation drive removes all data on it. Use an empty drive, or back up its contents first.
Product key and edition must match: Install exactly the edition your license covers. A Home key won't activate Pro.
Unsupported installation: Installing Windows 11 on hardware without TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot counts as unsupported. Such devices may not receive all updates. This only affects the hardware — not the license or activation.

Checklist Before Installation

  • Backup: All important files backed up to an external drive or the cloud.
  • Valid license: Product key or license for the desired version and edition is ready.
  • Correct edition: You know which edition (Home, Pro, etc.) you're installing.
  • Compatibility checked: For Windows 11, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and the other minimum requirements are met (or you're deliberately choosing the unsupported route).
  • Power supply: Laptop is plugged into a power adapter so the installation doesn't get interrupted.
  • Network drivers: If needed, download your device's Wi-Fi or LAN driver ahead of time in case there's no internet available after installation.
  • BitLocker key: If your drive is encrypted with BitLocker, note down the recovery key or make sure it's saved to your Microsoft account.
  • Empty USB drive: At least 8 GB, contents may be erased.
  • Firmware access: You know which key to press to get into UEFI/BIOS or the boot menu (varies by manufacturer).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Windows 10 still safe to use?
Since October 14, 2025, there are no more free security updates for Windows 10. The PC keeps working, but without updates it becomes increasingly vulnerable over time. Home users can extend their protection through the ESU program. On compatible hardware, switching to Windows 11 is the safer solution.
Do I need TPM 2.0 for Windows 11?
Yes. TPM 2.0 is one of the official minimum requirements for Windows 11, along with Secure Boot and UEFI. On devices without TPM 2.0, Windows 11 can only be set up as an unsupported installation — and in that case not all updates may be delivered.
Media Creation Tool or Rufus — which is better?
The Media Creation Tool is Microsoft's official program and the simplest path for most users. Rufus offers more options, such as setting up with a local account or installing on unsupported hardware. If you like it simple, use the Media Creation Tool; if you want more control, use Rufus.
Will I lose my data during installation?
It depends on the method. With an upgrade, your files and programs are preserved. With a custom (clean) installation, the selected drive is formatted and all data on it is lost. Always create a backup beforehand.
Which edition do I need?
Home is enough for everyday personal use. Pro adds extra features like BitLocker encryption and joining a company network. Education and Enterprise are aimed at educational institutions and businesses, and are provided through special programs. Important: the installed edition must match your license — a Home key won't activate Pro.
Where can I get Windows officially?
Microsoft provides the installation files for free on its download pages — for Windows 11 at microsoft.com/de-de/software-download/windows11 and for Windows 10 at the corresponding Windows 10 page. To activate, you'll also need a valid license for the matching version and edition.
What does the ESU program for Windows 10 cost?
For home users, enrollment is free if you sync your settings with Windows Backup. Alternatively, it's available for 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or a one-time payment of around $30 USD. One account covers up to 10 devices; documented coverage runs through October 13, 2026. Check current terms with Microsoft, as deadlines can change.
Why doesn't installation show an edition selection screen?
On many brand-name PCs, the Windows key is permanently embedded in the firmware (in what's called the MSDM table). Setup reads it automatically, picks the matching edition, and activates it — which is why the manual selection step is often skipped entirely.

Matching Windows Licenses

Have the installation files but still need a matching license for activation? Make sure the version and edition match your installation.

View Windows 11 Home license View Windows 11 Pro license View Windows 10 Pro license

Note: A license is used to activate Windows. It doesn't make up for missing hardware — if your PC doesn't meet a requirement like TPM 2.0, a product key won't fix that.

Sources

Last updated: July 2026

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Installing Windows 10 or Windows 11 Home

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