How can I Install Windows 11 on a New Hard Drive?

[Monzakkurs]

I need help with installing Windows 11 on a hard drive. I'm not sure about the precise steps necessary for installing the operating system on the new hard drive. Is the process different from previous versions?  If so, I would appreciate an outline of the new steps required. I hope somebody can provide advice on how to complete this process successfully. If there are any potential issues or problems I need to watch out for. Thanks.

[Updated] 

I ended up using an ISO burner (www.howtogeeker.com/install-windows-10-on-new-ssd) to make a Windows 11 bootable hard drive—super easy. Just burn the ISO, boot from the USB, and follow the prompts. The only thing to watch for is picking the right hard drive so you don’t accidentally wipe the wrong one!

[#2]

Did you already installed and activated the Windows 11 on the same device?
The process is simple, you will need to boot from USB or DVD and follow the installation steps and at the final step, you will need to connect to internet to activate your PC and check for update.

[#3]

@MonzakkursFirst, make a Windows 11 bootable USB.

Next, insert the USB drive into the PC where you want to install Windows 11.

Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. This usually involves pressing a key like F2, F12, Delete, or Esc immediately after powering on the computer. The specific key depends on your motherboard manufacturer and is usually displayed on the initial screen when you turn on your computer.

In the BIOS/UEFI settings, find the boot order menu and set the USB drive as the primary boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will restart and boot from the USB drive.

Once booted from the USB drive, the Windows 11 setup screen will appear. Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click "Next". The setup process will copy files, install features, and install updates. This may take some time and your PC may restart several times. Once the installation is complete, you’ll be prompted to customize your settings, create a user account, and sign in with your Microsoft account.

By following these steps, you can successfully install Windows 11 on a new hard drive.

[#4]

@Monzakkurs There are a couple of things you should be noted when installing Windows 11 on a new PC or new hard drive SSD.

First, make sure the hardware meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, such as 8GB RAM, TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot.

Next,  download the Windows 11 Installation Media Creation Tool from Microsoft. Use the tool to create a bootable USB drive with at least 8 GB of space or download an ISO file to burn to USB. 

What is more, Windows 11 requires an internet connection to complete setup on certain versions (like Home edition) and to sign in with a Microsoft Account. Ensure you have an active internet connection. You may create a local account afterward if you don’t wish to use a Microsoft account during setup.

Keep these things in mind before installing Windows 11 on a new PC, which is much more complicated process than installing Windows 11 or Windows 7.

[#5]

Before installing Windows 11 on new hard drive, please make sure your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 11. You need a compatible 64-bit processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB of storage, among other things. Don't skip this step! I messed up once by assuming my old gear would cut it, and ended up doing the install only to find it wouldn't boot. Super annoying!

Make sure your BIOS is set to UEFI mode rather than Legacy (CSM). Windows 11 prefers UEFI, and not having this set correctly can throw a wrench in your plans. While you're at it, check if Secure Boot is enabled. Most modern PCs will have it on by default, but if your installation fails, you might want to make sure it's not turned off.

[#6]

@Monzakkurs The most tricky part for installing Windows 11 on a new hard drive is how to make a Windows 11 bootable USB. If you are choosing the wrong tool, then the Windows 11 installation will fail fore sure!

To create a bootable USB for Windows 11, first download the Windows 11 Installation Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website. Insert a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space into your PC. Run the tool and select the option to create installation media for another PC. Choose the preferred language, edition, and architecture (64-bit), and then select the USB flash drive option as the destination for the bootable files. The tool will then download Windows 11 ISO and copy the installation files to your USB drive in order to make it bootable.

Once the process is complete, you can use the USB to install Windows 11 on a new PC or hard drive. To do this, restart the target computer, enter the BIOS/UEFI settings, and change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. Save the settings and exit. The system will boot from the USB, launching the Windows 11 installation setup. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11 on new PC or new SSD hard drive.

[#7]

If you're transitioning from an old hard drive, back up your data before anything. I can't stress this enough. It sounds simple, but I've seen (and experienced) disasters where people lose important files during an install. Use OneDrive or an external drive—just get it done. And install Windows 11 on a new hard drive can be done for free if you have a valid Windows 10 license or plan to use the OS without activation initially, which allows you to experience it without all features.