Installing Windows 11

Details

How to install Windows 11

windows XPThis article describes how to install the free Windows 11 upgrade and create a local admin user account. Note that the first step involves using an install disk, but many workstations copy the install files from a hidden partition (e.g. HP workstations typically use F11 key on start up).

Download the ISO

It's free to download Windows 11 upgrade from Microsoft directly. Note that you will need to have a computer with Windows 10 running version 2004 or later.

  1. Browse to Microsoft Windows 11 download page
  2. Scroll down to the Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices section.
  3. Select Windows 11 (multi edition ISO for x64 devices) from the drop-down.
  4. Click the Download button.
  5. Select your Product language from the drop-down (e.g. English International).
  6. Click Confirm.
  7. Click the 64-bit Download button.

You should now have an ISO file that is over 5GB. You can either burn a DVD or create a USB boot disk, perhaps using Ventoy multi-boot USB drive.

 

Boot to install disk

Start by booting to the Windows 11 Pro installation DVD.

  1. On the Windows Setup screen select the following items.
    1. Language to install: English (United States)
    2. Time and currency format: English (United Kingdom)
    3. Keyboard or input method: United Kingdom
    4. Click Next.
  2. Click the Install now button.
  3. Select the operating system you want to install (e.g. Windows 11 Pro).
  4. Check the I accept the license terms checkbox.
  5. Click the Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) box.
  6. Select the hard drive where Windows is to be installed.
  7. Click Next.

The installation files will now be copied from the DVD to the hard drive (typically takes up to 10 mins).

 

Installation Wizard

After the install files have been copied your workstation will repower a few times and you will eventually get to the installation wizard screen. The following are my preferred settings, but you of course free to change these to suit your circumstances. Note that Microsoft will steer you away from creating a local user account, these steps show you how to get around this.

  1. Start by choosing your region (e.g United Kingdom) and click Yes.
  2. Select your keyboard layout (e.g. UK)
  3. Click the Skip button to refrain from adding a second keyboard layout.

The workstation will reboot...

  1. Accept the Windows 11 Licence Agreement.
  2. Choose the Set up for personal use button.
  3. On the Microsoft Sign in page, sign in with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and use any password (using this known fake address, will allow you to take the next step).
  4. On the Oops something went wrong page click Next.
  5. Enter a full Name for the main user account (e.g. localadmin).
  6. Enter a Password.
  7. Confirm the password.
  8. You now have 3 security questions that Microsoft requires you to create. You can enter anything you like here. Importantly you should make a secure note of your Local Administrator password, then you won't need these questions.
  9. Use face recognition and Use your fingerprint can be skipped for now.
  10. On the Let Microsoft and apps use your location page, click No.
  11. On the Find my device page, click No.
  12. Select the Send Required diagnostic data option and click Accept.
  13. On the Improve inking & typing page, click No.
  14. On the Get tailored experiences with diagnostic data page, click No.
  15. On the Let apps use advertising ID page, click No.
  16. On the Let Cortana help you get things done page, click Not now.
  17. Ignore the Register and Protect pages.

Windows will now create your local user account and log you on.

 

Thanks for visiting,
Steven