WINDOWS INSTALLATION GUIDE

ACK Anglican Training College

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Windows Installation

• Important Terms to Know

• Things to Consider Before Installing Windows

• Understanding File Systems (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT)

• Downloading a Windows ISO File

• Tools Needed for Installation

• Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Windows

• Post-Installation Tasks

1. Introduction to Windows Installation

Windows installation is the process of setting up a Windows operating system on a computer. This
can be done for:

• A new installation on a fresh hard drive.

• Reinstallation to fix system issues.

• Upgrading from an older version of Windows.

2. Important Terms to Know

• ISO File – A complete copy of a disk stored in a single file, containing all the data needed for
Windows installation.

• Bootable USB Drive – A USB flash drive that allows installation of an operating system when
the computer starts.

• BIOS (Basic Input Output System) – A firmware that initializes hardware components before
booting the OS.

• UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) – A modern replacement for BIOS with better
security and support for large drives.

• Product Key – A unique alphanumeric code required to activate Windows.

• Partitioning – Dividing a hard drive into separate sections for better data management.

• Drivers – Software that enables the OS to communicate with hardware components.

3. Things to Consider Before Installing Windows

• Data Backup – Save important files, as installation may erase all data.

• Product Key Availability – Ensure you have a valid Windows license key.

• Internet Connection – Needed for downloading updates and drivers after installation.

• Power Supply – Ensure the computer is plugged in to avoid power loss during installation.

• Boot Mode (UEFI or Legacy BIOS) – Modern computers use UEFI, while older ones may use
Legacy BIOS.

• Installation Media – Prepare a bootable USB drive or DVD with the Windows ISO file.

4. Understanding File Systems (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT)

A file system is the way data is stored and organized on a drive. The most commonly used file
systems in Windows are:

a) NTFS (New Technology File System)

NTFS is the default file system for Windows. It supports large file sizes, file security, and data
recovery.

Advantages:

• Supports large files (over 4GB).

• Better security with file permissions and encryption.

• More resistant to data corruption.

• Supports compression to save space.

Disadvantages:

• Not fully supported by macOS and some Linux systems.

• Requires more system resources than FAT32.

b) FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32-bit)

FAT32 is an older file system commonly used for USB drives and external storage.

Advantages:

• Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

• Uses less system resources.

Disadvantages:

• Maximum file size is 4GB.

• Does not support advanced security features.

exFAT is designed for flash drives and external storage, offering a balance between FAT32 and NTFS.

Advantages:

• Supports large file sizes (over 4GB).

• Compatible with both Windows and macOS.

Disadvantages:

• Does not support file encryption and security like NTFS.

• Less robust against data corruption compared to NTFS.

Which File System to Choose?

• Use NTFS for internal system drives.

• Use exFAT for external drives.

• Use FAT32 for maximum compatibility but avoid large files.

5. Downloading a Windows ISO File

• Go to the official Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download

• Select the Windows version (Windows 10, 11, etc.).

• Choose the correct language and Windows edition (Home, Pro, etc.).

• Click Download ISO and save it to your computer.

6. Tools Needed for Installation

• Bootable USB Drive (at least 8GB storage)

• Rufus (for making the USB bootable) – Download at https://rufus.ie

• Windows ISO File (downloaded from Microsoft's website)

• Product Key (for activation)

7. Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Windows

Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Drive

• Insert a USB drive (at least 8GB).

• Open Rufus and select the USB drive.

• Click Select, choose the Windows ISO file.

• Select Partition Scheme (GPT for UEFI, MBR for Legacy BIOS).
 • Click Start and wait for completion.

Step 2: Boot from USB

• Insert the bootable USB into the target computer.

• Restart the computer and enter BIOS/UEFI (Press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC depending on the
manufacturer).

• Change Boot Priority to USB.

• Save and exit BIOS (Press F10).

Step 3: Install Windows

• The computer will boot from USB and display the Windows setup screen.

• Select Language, Time, and Keyboard Layout, then click Next.

• Click Install Now.

• Enter the Product Key (or skip if you want to activate later).

• Choose Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced).

• Select the partition to install Windows (delete old partitions if necessary).

• Click Next, and the installation will begin.

Step 4: Initial Setup

• The computer will restart several times during installation.

• Once done, select your Region and Keyboard Layout.

• Sign in with a Microsoft Account (or create one).

• Choose Privacy Settings and click Accept.

• Set up a password (optional).

8. Post-Installation Tasks

• Install Drivers

o Go to Device Manager (Right-click Start > Device Manager).

o Check for missing drivers (yellow warning signs).

o Download drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

• Update Windows

o Open Settings > Windows Update.

o Click Check for Updates and install any available updates.

• Install Essential Software

o Office Suite: Microsoft Office, LibreOffice.

o Antivirus: Windows Defender (built-in) or third-party antivirus.

o Compression Tools: WinRAR or 7-Zip.

o Media Player: VLC Media Player.

• Activate Windows

o Go to Settings > System > Activation.

o Enter your Product Key and activate Windows.

• Backup & Recovery Setup

o Set up System Restore in case of issues.

o Create a backup of important files.