Ready to set up your computer with Windows 10? Although this might sound tricky at first, at Nimble Nerds, we can help you learn how to install Windows 10 easily- even if you’re a beginner! In this guide, you’ll learn the process- teaching you how to create installation media and finally, finish the setup. Yes, we got you! Because at Nimble Nerds, we’re committed to making your tech life simple.

If you need assistance from us, give us a call at 02 8091 0815, and one of our experienced technicians will get back to you within 30 minutes to discuss your service request. During this call, we’ll provide clear estimates of time and cost so you can confidently decide whether to book with us!

How to Install Windows 10: The Pre-Installation Checklist You Need

If you’re planning on rushing to install Windows 10, I recommend you take a step back first. Before you begin your installation process, you must prepare a few things. I learned this after spending 14 tedious hours recovering family photos and personal files for a client who skipped the backup step and just went straight to installing the update.

First things first, you’ll need a computer that can actually handle Windows 10. The bare minimum system requirements are a 1GHz processor, 2GB of RAM for 32-bit or 4GB for 64-bit, and 32GB of storage space. However, if you’re just plainly meeting these minimums, we recommend upgrading your hardware and current operating system first. This is because installing Windows 10 might take up more space to keep its system running smoothly and your current storage space might get full during the process and will decrease your hardware’s functionality later on.

Now, after checking your operating system, start backing up your data. You can follow the 3-2-1 process: 3 copies on 2 different media with 1 copy stored off-site. At Nimble Nerds, we recommend using a simple hard drive, a blank USB flash drive or a cloud storage solution. Make sure to organise your backup and include all your important personal files.

Creating Your Installation Media Toolkit: Prep Your USB Flash Drive

Oftentimes, a Windows installation process may fail because of the USB flash drive. That is why, it is important to properly prep your USB drive before you install Windows 10. Here’s how:

Preparing a USB flash drive for installing Windows 10 involves a few key steps to ensure it works smoothly. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Format the USB Drive: Make sure your USB flash drive is formatted correctly and is at least 8GB in size. If you want to, you can also format it to FAT32 or NTFS (New Technology File System). However, NTFS is generally recommended for larger files and Windows installation.
2. Download Windows 10 ISO file: Head to the Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 installation media file. This downloaded file will contain all the installation files you will need. This is the image file that contains all the installation files.
3. Create Bootable USB Drive: Download tool like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool to make a bootable USB flash drive.
4. Set USB as Boot Device: After creating the bootable USB drive, insert it into the PC where you want to install Windows 10. Next, restart the PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
5. In the BIOS/UEFI settings, navigate to the Boot menu and then set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
6. Install Windows 10: Save the BIOS/UEFI settings and then restart your PC. It should now boot from the USB drive. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 on your computer.
7. Complete Installation: Once Windows 10 is installed, remove the USB drive and follow any remaining setup instructions to finish setting up Windows 10 on your PC.

Before you format your USB device, make sure to back up any important data as your drive’s data will be erased completely during the formatting. In addition, this also ensures that your drive will be ready for a smooth Windows 10 installation.

Now, if you’re thinking about which USH drive to use: I recommend a brand-name with an 8GB or larger USB 3.0 drive. I personally recommend brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston for reliable usage.

The Moment of Truth: Booting Up and Getting Windows Running

Getting your computer to boot from the USB drive is your first real challenge, and it’s where I see most folks get stuck. Here’s the inside scoop: as soon as you see your manufacturer’s logo on screen, you’ll need to press a specific key to enter the boot menu. It’s usually F12, F2, F10, or Del – but here’s a pro tip I’ve picked up over the years: the key you need actually flashes on screen for a split second during startup.

Pro Tip: The ‘Hidden’ Partitions Matter

I once had a client who insisted on keeping their old system partition “just in case.” Three blue screens and one very long weekend later, they learned why that wasn’t the best idea. If you’re doing a clean install, let Windows handle the partitioning from scratch. Trust me, it knows what it’s doing better than we do in this case.

The Final Stretch: Making Your Fresh Windows Install Actually Usable

The first thing you’ll want to do is get your Internet connection up and running. If Windows doesn’t automatically recognise your network adapter, you might have to install the drivers manually. So here’s what you can do: before the Windows installation, make sure to download your motherboard’s network drivers on another device and put them in a different USB drive.- this will serve as your ”emergency kit’ for possible mishaps.

Getting Your Drivers in Order

Once you are connected to the Internet, your driver needs will be handled by your Windows update, but it is also best to not rely on it completely. This is because some graphics card drivers need special attention. If this happens, you can go to NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel’s website and check these graphics drivers. Make sure to get the correct drivers to enjoy optimal performance of your Windows 10 update. In addition, make sure to always choose the “Clean Install” option when you’re installing for a fresh start for your drivers.

The Windows Update Marathon

Now, brace yourself for what I call the “Windows Update Marathon.” You’ll probably need to check for updates, restart, check again, and restart… sometimes three or four times. I know it feels like watching grass grow, but skipping this step is like leaving your front door unlocked – sure, nothing might happen, but why risk it? Just yesterday, I helped a client whose “slow computer” issues disappeared completely after we installed all pending updates. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones.

The Secret Sauce: Making Windows 10 Actually Work For You

After you install Windows 10, you need to be familiar with a few setups and adjustments that will help your Windows 10 to work properly and effectively. Doing these steps will definitely save you from support calls in the future.

Uninstall Bloatware

First up, let’s talk about bloatware – these pre-installed apps can be unnecessary at times and can take up a lot of your storage space causing your operating system to run slower despite a brand-new Windows installation.

Here’s my quick fix:

• Open Settings > Apps, uninstall unnecessary pre-installed apps to free up space and turn off anything you don’t need running 24/7.

Security That Won’t Drive You Crazy

Windows Defender has come a long way – and it’s a great method for securing your device and its system. But for you to benefit from it, you need to make sure it’s properly configured. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Windows Security>Virus & Threat Protection.
2. You can choose to run a quick or custom scan or a full scan depending on your needs.
3. Under Virus&Threat Protection, ensure Real-time Protection by toggling it on. There is also the Ransomware Protection, Updates, Firewall and Protection History. These add more protection from threats to your device’s system.

The Performance Sweet Spot

Now, for you to fully enjoy your device’s Windows 10 optimal performance- make sure to match your usage. For instance, if you’re on a desktop, go to your Power & Sleep settings and set it to “High Performance”. By doing this, you’re setting your device to the gear perfect for its performance.

The Road Ahead: Dodging Those Post-Install Potholes

Despite these easy steps in installing Windows 10, some post-installation hiccups may happen. That is why, here are some troubleshooting tips and tricks you can try doing after your Windows 10 installation:

Issue: “Windows isn’t activated” message

How to fix it: We discovered that Windows 10 is tied to your hardware configuration, so once you made significant changes, you also need to run the activation troubleshooter. You can do this by typing “activation” in your Start menu, and after that, Windows will usually sort itself out. In addition, you can also save your Windows product key somewhere before you make any major hardware changes.

Issue: Sound and Display Issues

How to fix it: If your current screen resolution looks wobbly and all over the place, don’t worry. Sometimes, Windows returns to its default settings and basic display drivers. What you need todo now is to check your Device Manager for yellow exclamation marks. If you see any, simply right-click and choose “Update Driver”. However, if your Windows update can’t find the right drivers, you can check them from your manufacturer’s website. As for me, I keep a folder of common drivers on my backup drive just in case – it’s saved me more times than I can count!

FAQ- Installing Windows 10

How long does a Windows 10 installation typically take?

• For basic installation, expect 30-45 minutes and another hour for the installation of the updates and drivers.

Will I lose my files during installation?

• If you choose a clean install, yes. That is why make sure to back up your data. In addition, if you’re upgrading Windows will keep your files but it is still important to back it up.

What if my computer won’t boot from the USB drive?

• Usually, this is just a BIOS setting issue. Give us a call, and we can walk you through accessing your boot menu – it’s different for every computer make and model.

Do I really need a product key?

Yes, but if you’re upgrading from a legitimate Windows 7 or 8.1, your digital license should transfer automatically. Often laptops have their Windows license embedded in the motherboard, so it activates automatically.