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ChristopherChen's avatar
ChristopherChen
Copper Contributor
Sep 13, 2024

How can I create Windows 11 installation media for new PC?

Hi community experts,

 

My 10-year old MacBook Pro will be retired soon as it becomes laggy and many apps are not supported. Recently, I heard a lot of good reviews about Windows 11 and now I have the new built PC at my hand. The specs are:

 

  • CPU: Intel i5 12400F
  • RAM: Kingston 16GB
  • SSD: SANDISK 500GB
  • Motherboard: Asus A520M
  • Graphics card: 4070Ti

My question is how to create Windows 11 installation media so I can install Windows 11 on my new PC. I am not a tech savvy and don't know how to do this. It could be great if some one point our the right direction.

 

Thank you

Features
  • Everettiin's avatar
    Everettiin
    Copper Contributor
    Sep 13, 2024

    First off, make sure your PC meets Windows 11's requirements. Old hardware ain't gonna cut it. You'll need a compatible CPU, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and at least 4GB of RAM. If you're not sure, Microsoft has a handy tool called the PC Health Check app. Run that bad boy before you dive into the installation media creation.

     

    Microsoft provides a couple of tools for creating Windows 11 installation media — the Windows Media Creation Tool is the go-to. Don't try to download an ISO from random sketchy sites; stick with Microsoft. It keeps things legit and saves you from malware hell.

     

    You'll need enough storage space on your USB drive or external HDD. At least 8GB should do, but format it correctly to FAT32 or NTFS before you start. Seriously, nothing's worse than getting halfway through the process and realizing your drive is out of space. Total bummer!

  • MateoZhang's avatar
    MateoZhang
    Copper Contributor
    Sep 13, 2024

    ChristopherChen For an legacy MacBook Pro, the Bootcamp assistant app is still working for creating Windows 11 installation media. Boot Camp is a built-in macOS utility that helps users install and run Microsoft Windows on a Mac alongside macOS. It primarily aids in partitioning your Mac's hard drive and installing Windows, but it also allows you to create a bootable USB drive for Windows installation.

     

    To create Windows 11 installation media (bootable USB), go to Applications > Utilities and open Boot Camp Assistant. In Boot Camp Assistant, you’ll be prompted to select the Windows ISO file. Locate the ISO file you downloaded and select it. The app will create a bootable USB drive with Windows on it, and also copy the necessary drivers and Boot Camp software that will be installed on Windows once the installation is complete.

  • WilliamsDavis's avatar
    WilliamsDavis
    Copper Contributor
    Sep 13, 2024

    ChristopherChen 

    If you are not familiar with how to create Windows 11 installation media, don't worry, it is actually quite simple, and I have done it myself before. No third-party tools are needed, just use the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's official website: This is the most official method. You can download Microsoft's Media Creation Tool on your Windows computer, plug in a USB drive, and follow the prompts to create a Windows 11 boot disk. This process is relatively simple, and the tool will automatically help you get it done.

  • BrantleyTaylor's avatar
    BrantleyTaylor
    Copper Contributor
    Sep 13, 2024

    ChristopherChen After making a Windows 11 installation media, please follow the steps in below to install Windows 11 on your PC.

     

    1. Insert the USB drive into your PC.
    2. Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI by pressing the key specific to your system (commonly F2, F10, Delete, or Esc).
    3. In the BIOS, go to the Boot Menu and set the USB drive as the primary boot device
    4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS. Your PC will reboot from the USB drive.
    5. When your PC boots from the USB drive, you’ll see the Windows Setup screen. Choose your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click Next.
    6. Click Install Now.
    7. Windows will begin the installation process, which may take some time. Your PC will restart multiple times.
    8. Once Windows 11 is installed, you’ll be prompted to set up region, keyboard layout, and other preferences.
  • MattWang's avatar
    MattWang
    Copper Contributor
    Sep 13, 2024

    ChristopherChen For Mac users, another possible to create Windows 11 installation media is using the built-in Terminal app. Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft. Insert a USB drive into your Mac. Format the USB drive in Disk Utility: Open Disk Utility. Select your USB drive, click Erase, and choose ExFAT or MS-DOS (FAT) as the file system. Name it as needed.

     

    In Finder, right-click the Windows 11 ISO and select Open With > DiskImageMounter. This will mount the ISO as a drive. Open Terminal and enter the following command to copy the contents of the ISO to the USB drive:

     

    cp -rp /Volumes/ISO_NAME/* /Volumes/USB_NAME/

     

    Replace ISO_NAME with the name of the mounted ISO and USB_NAME with the name of your USB drive.

     

    This is free and simple solution to create Windows 11 installation media on Mac. Please let me know if you need further assistance.