How to clean install Windows 11 from a USB drive
A clean install gives you a fresh, fast Windows 11. You need a USB drive, Microsoft's free Media Creation Tool and your product key.
Updated 7 October 202601What you need
- A USB drive of 8 GB or more. Everything on it will be erased.
- A PC that meets the Windows 11 requirements: 64-bit processor on Microsoft's supported list, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
- Your Windows 11 product key.
- A backup of your files. A clean install erases the drive you install to.
02Create the installation USB
- Download Microsoft's Media Creation Tool for Windows 11 (the same link is in your key email).
- Run it, accept the terms and choose your language.
- Select USB flash drive, pick your USB drive and let the tool download Windows 11 and copy it.
03Boot from the USB
- Plug the USB into the PC you want to install on and restart it.
- Open the boot menu (usually F12, F11, F8 or Esc right after power-on, depending on the brand) and choose the USB drive.
04Install Windows 11
- Choose your language and keyboard, then Install Windows 11.
- Enter your product key, or click I don't have a product key to add it later.
- Pick the edition that matches your key, for example Windows 11 Pro.
- Choose the drive to install on. To start completely fresh, delete the old partitions on that drive and select the unallocated space.
- Follow the setup screens. When you reach the desktop, Windows finishes installing drivers and updates.
05Activate
If you entered the key during setup, Windows activates automatically once it's online. Otherwise follow our activation guide.
Products in this guide
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