Are you excited about upgrading your PC to Windows 11 but unsure where to begin? Don’t worry! At Nimble Nerds, we’re here to make the installation process stress-free.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step—whether you’re using a USB drive, an ISO file, or Windows 11 Update. We made it easy for you!

Call our friendly team today at 02 8091 0815, and within 30 minutes, an experienced technician will call you back to discuss your specific needs, providing you with time and cost estimates. With our help, you’ll have Windows 11 running smoothly in no time!

Now, are you ready? Let’s begin!

Your Windows 11 Pre-Installation Checklist: Here’s What You Need

Before you begin installing Windows 11 on your PC, it’s important that your computer and your tools are good and ready to be used. When you have everything prepared, the installation process will be easy, smooth, and fast. Here’s what you need to prepare to avoid any unnecessary hiccups during the process.

Check the Minimum System Requirements

First, before you install Windows 11, make sure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements set by Microsoft. Here’s a quick overview of these minimum requirements:

• A compatible 64-bit processor (1GHz or faster, with 2 or more cores)
• 4GB RAM or more (16GB+ is best)
• 64GB or larger storage device
• UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
• TPM version 2.0
• DirectX 12 compatible graphics with WDDM 2.0 driver
• A high-definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally
• An internet connection and a Microsoft account for setup and updates

However, if you’re using an unsupported computer, you may still proceed with the installation. But you’ll have to bypass Microsoft’s restrictions. Remember, though, that this involves understanding the risks and making an informed decision.

Read How to Check Computer Specs? If you need help to check your PC’s specs.

Getting Your PC Installation-Ready: What You Need to Do

Now that you understand the initial needs before you install Windows 11, it’s also important that you get your PC properly set up.

1. Back Up Your Personal Files

Since installing Windows can wipe everything from your drive, especially a clean install, it’s best that you prepare and back up your data to avoid any data loss during the process.

• First, you can save your personal files like precious photos, legal documents, and download to an external USB drive, cloud storage, or another backup solution.
• After backing up your files, make sure to double-check to see if everything you need is backed up before you proceed.

2. Getting Your PC Installation-Ready

Before we dive into the actual installation, here’s my tried-and-true checklist that’s helped me and my clients over the years here at Nimble Nerds:

1. Free up some breathing room on your drive. Windows 11 can be quite heavy- it needs at least 64GB of storage! More than that, if you want a smoother experience with your update, we recommend clearing up to 100GB of storage. Yup, we know, those Windows 11 update files can get chunky!
2. Check your Microsoft account credentials. Before jumping into any update, make sure you have your account credentials, especially your passwords, to avoid any hassle during the process.
3. Update your BIOS settings. Although this may look hard to understand (and even intimidating to configure), it’s easy to update. The main things we’re looking for are:
   • Enabling TPM 2.0 (usually hidden under ‘Security’ settings)
   • Turning on Secure Boot (typically under ‘Boot’ options)
   • Making sure your boot order is set correctly

Power Settings: The Often Forgotten Step

Here’s a pro tip I learned the hard way: plug in your laptop and adjust your power settings to prevent sleep mode during installation. Nothing worse than coming back to find your PC dozed off halfway through! Just go to Power & Sleep settings and set them to “Never” temporarily.

Upgrading Through Windows Update: The “Gentle Path” to Windows 11

Over the years, I have heard a lot of tech enthusiasts call Windows Update an easy and gentle path to install Windows 11 version for their device. Why? Well, because this method lets your operating system move along with the upgrade without needing a USB drive, ISO file, or complex tools.

Finding Your Windows 11 Upgrade

First, let’s check if Windows 11 is available for your PC:

1. Hit that Windows + I combo to open Settings.
2. Click “Check for Updates” or “Windows Update” (which is usually at the bottom of the window)
3. Hit “Check for updates” and wait for a few moments as it checks your device

If you’re eligible, you’ll see a prompt offering to upgrade to the latest version of Windows. If not, don’t panic – I’ve got alternative methods up my sleeve for the next section.

During the Installation Process

Now, here’s what you can expect during your device’s upgrade:

• Your PC will download the update. This might take some time, so you may want to grab some coffee (or tea, whatever suits you).
• You’ll see that your PC will restart a few times. Don’t worry, this is normal.
• You’ll also see a percentage counter. Although this usually gets stuck at 99%, you’ll still get your update.

Pro tip: If your screen goes black for a few minutes during installation, resist the urge to force restart. Just wait for a few minutes and trust your device to handle the installation process.

Troubleshooting Common Hiccups

After updating and installing Windows 11 like this a hundred times now, I’ve come across different issues with the process. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

• Update gets stuck downloading: This error can be fixed by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter
• Error code 0x800F0922: This error means you need to free up more space to let the update get a smoother and bigger room to run its system.
• Installation fails to start: To fix this issue, you’ll sometimes need to disable your antivirus temporarily and remember to turn it back on after the successful update.

How to Install Windows 11: The Installation Media Method

Windows also has another method that lets you update your PC. If you are planning to have more control over your Windows 11 installation process, or you prefer a clean install, or you’d like to upgrade multiple PCs, instead of a Windows update, you can create a bootable USB drive. This drive, together with the official Windows 11 installation media, is a more reliable way to update to the latest version of Windows.

Here at Nimble Nerds, we recommend this method especially to advanced users, IT technicians, or those who need to install Windows 11 on their unsupported computer.

Your Installation Essentials: USB Flash Drive and Installation Media

Step-by-Step: Create Windows 11 Installation Media

Follow these steps to create a bootable USB using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool:

1. Download the Media Creation Tool
   • Visit Microsoft’s official site and click Download under “Create Windows 11 Installation Media.”
2. Run the .exe File
   • Double-click the .exe file to launch the tool. Accept the license terms to continue.
3. Choose Language and Edition
   • Select your preferred language and edition (usually Windows 11 Home or Pro).
   • Uncheck “Use the recommended options for this PC” if you’re preparing media for a different system.
4. Select USB Flash Drive
   • When prompted, choose USB flash drive, then insert a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage.
   • Click Next, then select your USB drive from the list.
5. Download and Create
   • The tool will download the Windows 11 ISO files and automatically create a bootable USB drive.
   • Wait for the process to complete—it may take several minutes depending on your internet connection.

Once complete, your USB will contain the official Windows 11 installation media, ready to boot and install on any compatible or manually-enabled PC.

Pro Tips:

• Label your flash drive clearly to avoid overwriting it accidentally.
• Make sure to use quality flash drives like SanDisk, Samsung or Kingston- these brands gave me a higher success rate than the cheaper ones.
• Make sure to store your USB flash drive in a safe place so you can use it for future installations, updates, or recovery.
• If you prefer an ISO file, choose the ISO option in the Media Creation Tool and later create a bootable USB driveusing tools like Rufus.

Having your own installation media gives you more flexibility while ensuring you have the latest version of Windows 11.

Booting From Your New USB Drive

Now, if you’re booting from your new USB drive, you might need to tweak a few settings first. Here’s how:

1. First, after saving everything, you need to restart your PC.
2. Next, enter the boot menu. This can be done by pressing F2, F12, ESC or DEL. The appropriate key for booting can depend on your device’s brand. So, give it a quick search first to get a heads-up on the right key.
3. After pressing the appropriate booting key, select your USB drive from the boot menu.

Warning: If your PC boots straight to Windows instead of showing the boot menu, we’ll need to take a quick detour into your BIOS settings to adjust the boot order.

How to Install Windows 11: The ISO File Method

Other than using a bootable USB flash drive, you can also use the ISO file method as a way to install Windows 11. This method gives you the flexibility when using a virtual machine and direct access to the installation media, which you can transfer to a USB flash drive for portability and convenience.

Similar to using a bootable USB flash drive, this method is also great if you’re looking to bypass Microsoft’s restrictions on an unsupported computer or you’re planning a clean install without the Media Creation Tool.

Step-by-Step: Install Windows 11 Using an ISO File

1. Download the ISO File
   • Go to Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page.
   • Once you’re on the page, scroll down to the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)” section.
   • Select Windows 11, choose your language, and click Download.
2. Mount or Burn the ISO
   You have two main options:
   • Mount in File Explorer:
     • Double-click the ISO file to mount it as a virtual drive; or
     • Open the new window, then double-click the setup.exe file to start the installation process.
   • Create Bootable USB (if installing on another PC):
     • Use a tool like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive from the ISO.
     • Insert a blank USB flash drive, open Rufus, and follow the prompts to copy the ISO content.
3. Follow On-Screen Instructions
   • Whether mounting or booting from USB drive, you’ll see the Windows 11 setup screen.
   • In the next screen, accept the license terms, choose whether to keep your files, or do a full clean install.
   • Enter your product key if required, or select “I don’t have one” to activate later.
4. Wait for Installation to Complete
   • Your PC may restart several times during the process.
   • When prompted, sign in with your Microsoft account, and ensure your internet connection is active for updates and activation.

Whether you’re upgrading or doing a fresh install, the ISO method gives you a straightforward, customizable path to install Windows 11 on your terms.

After the Install: Making Windows 11 Feel Like Home

Finally, you’re almost there! Although you want to start configuring and hovering over your freshly installed Windows 11, there are still a few things you need to do.

First Boot Essentials

First things first – let’s get your system humming:

1. Sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one if needed)
2. Choose your privacy settings (don’t just click through – some of these matter!)
3. Wait for Windows to check for initial updates (grab a coffee, this might take a while)

Pro tip: If you notice your screen looking a bit weird, don’t panic! Windows likely just needs your display drivers – we’ll fix that in a moment.

Getting Your Hardware Happy

Here’s my tried-and-true driver installation sequence:

1. Graphics drivers first
2. Network drivers
3. Audio drivers
4. Everything else

Quick tip: Use Windows Update for drivers first – it’s safer than hunting around the internet. I’ve seen too many folks download driver “utilities” that cause more problems than they solve!

Restoring Your Digital Life

Now for the part everyone’s been waiting for – getting your files and apps back:

1. Restore your backed-up files
2. Reinstall your applications
3. Check your default apps and file associations

Pro tip: Keep that backup around for at least a week after the installation. You’d be surprised how often someone realizes they need “that one file” they forgot about!

Remember, if anything doesn’t feel quite right, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Nimble Nerds. We’d rather help you get things perfect now than fix problems later!

Frequently Asked Questions- How to Install Windows 11

How long does it take to install Windows 11?

The honest answer? It depends on your hardware and internet speed, but here’s what I typically see:

• Windows Update method: 1-2 hours
• USB/ISO installation: 30-45 minutes
• Post-installation setup: Another 30-60 minutes

Pro tip: Add an extra hour for installing your apps and restoring files. Better to block out more time than you need!

Can I go back to Windows 10 if I don’t like Windows 11?

Yes! You have 10 days after upgrading to roll back to Windows 10. I always tell my clients to mark this on their calendar – I’ve had more than a few panicked calls on day 11! After that, you’ll need to do a fresh install of Windows 10.

Do I need to buy Windows 11?

Here’s the good news: if you have a licensed copy of Windows 10, Windows 11 is a free upgrade. I’ve helped hundreds of clients upgrade without spending a dime. However, if you’re building a new PC, you’ll need to purchase a license.

What’s the biggest mistake people make when installing Windows 11?

From my experience, it’s rushing into the installation without backing up their data. The second biggest? Not checking their system requirements first. I can’t tell you how many emergency calls I’ve gotten that could have been avoided with these two simple steps.

Help! My PC isn’t compatible with Windows 11. What now?

Don’t panic! You’ve got options in installing Windows 11:

1. Keep running Windows 10 (it’s supported until October 2025)
2. Upgrade your hardware components (sometimes just a TPM module does the trick)
3. Consider a new PC if yours is getting older

Remember, at Nimble Nerds (02 8091 0815), we’re always here to help you figure out the best path forward. Sometimes, a quick chat with one of our techs can save you hours of frustration and uncertainty.