Step 1: Plug in a USB flash drive, at least 8GB in size, and download the Windows 11 Media Creation tool from Microsoft. How to create Windows 11 installation media

How to create Windows 10 installation media.

How to create Windows 11 installation media.

Or just buy a ready-made USB stick ( UK / US), and skip to the installation guide further below.

You’ll also need a functioning PC or laptop to create installation media, so if this PC you’re building is your only computer, you might need to borrow a friend’s. The subsequent installation itself is more or less identical across 10 and 11 it’s only the method for creating these USBs that varies slightly. Before getting into how to install Windows 10 or 11 on your newly handcrafted PC, I’ll explain how to create installation media for both versions. You can get both in one go by buying an official Windows 10/11 USB stick or, alternatively, you can create your own USB installation tool and acquire the license separately. What you will need, for whichever version, is a valid activation/license key and some form of installation media.

Media creation tool for windows 11