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Nguyenais's avatar
Nguyenais
Bronze Contributor
Feb 27, 2025

How to clean install windows 11 on a new computer?

Hello everyone! I recently acquired a new computer (configured with an Intel i5-12400F processor, MSI B660M motherboard, and a brand new unpartitioned SSD), and I plan to install Windows 11 on my ow...
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Ostarari's avatar
Ostarari
Iron Contributor
Feb 27, 2025

How to clean install windows 11 on new computer?

1. Check Requirements: Make sure your new computer meets the Windows 11 specs. You need:

  • A compatible 64-bit processor (1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores)
  • 4 GB of RAM minimum
  • 64 GB of storage at least
  • DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
  • TPM version 2.0
  • UEFI firmware with Secure Boot

 

2. Create Windows 11 installation media: You'll need a USB drive (at least 8 GB) to do this. Go to the Microsoft download page and get the Media Creation Tool. Here's how:

  • Select "Create installation media for another PC."
  • Select the language and version (make sure it's Windows 11).
  • Select the USB flash drive as the media to use.
  • Wait for the tool to finish - this may take a while.

 

3. Clean Install Process
Boot from USB: After you’ve got your installation media ready, plug that USB into your new computer. Restart it, and press the key to enter the boot menu (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC depending on your manufacturer). Select the USB drive.

 

4. Installing Windows 11:

  • After booting from USB, you will see the Windows setup screen.
  • Select your language, time, and keyboard input, then click Next.
  • Click the Install Now button.
  • When prompted, you may need to enter your Windows 11 product key. If your PC came with Windows 11 preinstalled, it may automatically activate later, so you can skip this step if you don't have a key.

 

5. Choose Custom Install:

  • You will see a section asking you which type of installation you want. Select "Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced)".
  • Here you will see a list of drives. If you want to clear everything, select the partitions and delete them (be careful not to delete any important partitions if you are unsure). Then, select the unallocated space and click "Next" to create a new partition for Windows. Windows will create the necessary partitions for you.

 

6. Let It Do Its Thing: Now,you can clean install windows 11 on new computer. This can take some time, so maybe grab a snack or do a little dance while you wait. Your computer will restart a few times.

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