Performing a Clean Install of Windows 11

This article will attempt to walk you through the process of installing Windows 11 on your computer from a USB thumb drive.  If you run into any issues, or have any questions please contact support@techpeer.ca or call 365-800-6991 for assistance.

Make sure to backup all data on your PC before following this guide, or it may be lost.  If you need help with this, contact TechPeer support.

Step 1 - Create Windows Installation Media

Download the Windows Media Creation tool here:

Download Windows 11 (microsoft.com)

Choose the "Create Windows 11 Installation Media" as shown above.  A small file will be downloaded to your computer.  Plug in your USB thumb drive to your computer.  Ensure that it is blank or any data on it is backed up as the process will wipe all data from the device.

A USB drive with 8GB of storage or more is required

Once you launch the application agree to the terms of service, and then choose your language and edition.  You'll then be asked which media you'd like to use, make sure "USB flash drive" is selected.  On the next screen you will be able to select the thumb drive you plugged into your PC earlier.  The installer will then download Windows 11 and create a bootable (that means your PC can start from it) thumb drive. 

Step 2 - Start the Windows 11 Installation

1. Make sure your computer is on and the Windows desktop is running. 

2. Insert the bootable USB drive into an open USB port on your computer.

3. In Windows 10 Click the Start button and then click the Power icon so you can see the Shutdown options.  If you're running Windows 11 right-click on the start button and choose shutdown/sign out.

Windows 10:

Be sure to hold the Shift key while you press "Restart" to open the Advanced Startup Options. 

4. Press and hold the Shift key, then click "Restart."

5. Your computer will shut down, and when it restarts, you'll see the Advanced Startup Options screen. Choose "Use a device."

6. Choose the USB device that you want to boot from, and your computer will then restart using your USB drive.

Step 3 - Install Windows 11

After you start the installer from the USB drive, select a language, and click Next. Pick the version of Windows 11 you want to install (normally Professional).

Choose the Custom option and choose the drive to install Windows 11 on. You might have to click the Format button to erase all your files on the drive, or use the Delete function to remove any existing entries so the drive is blank.   When done, select the drive again and click Next.

Windows 11 will install to your PC, and you can sit back. You'll then be taken to the out-of-box experience.  Choose the options that match your preference.  

When asked whether to setup the computer for personal/home use or for work/school it's best to choose "work/school" if you have a Microsoft 365 account.  If you're unsure what to do, contact TechPeer support for further guidance.

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