Installation and Upgrade Clean Install Windows 11


  • Staff
Windows.png

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to clean install Windows 11 at boot on your PC with or without an Internet connection and setup with a local account or Microsoft account.

Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. Every detail has been considered. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC.

A clean install of Windows 11 will wipe out everything on the drive you select to install Windows 11 on giving you a completely new default installation of Windows 11.

References:

If you’d like to see if your current PC meets the minimum requirements, download and run the PC Health Check app.


It is required to be connected to the Internet if you want to set up a Microsoft account during Windows Setup.

It is not required to be connected to the Internet if you want to set up a local account during Windows Setup.


If you set up a Microsoft account during Windows Setup, it will get linked to OneDrive to backup and sync your files by default. You can either set up a local account instead to avoid this, or stop the backup and sync your files to OneDrive when the installation is complete.

If you set up a Microsoft account during Windows Setup, your user profile folder in the "C:\Users" folder will be named with the first 5 characters of the email address used for your Microsoft account. If you want to specify the name of your user profile folder in the "C:\Users" folder, then you will need to set up a local account during Windows Setup instead of a Microsoft account so your user profile folder will have the same name you enter as the local account name. When Windows 11 has finished installing, you can switch to a Microsoft account from the local account (if wanted) without the user profile folder name getting changed.




Here's How:

1 If you have not already, you will need to create a bootable Windows 11 installation USB that supports UEFI mode.

2 It is recommended to temporarily disconnect all non OS hard drives until Windows installation has finished for the following reasons:
  • To avoid you mistakenly deleting or formatting the wrong disk or drive.
  • To prevent Windows Setup from installing the boot configuration files (bootloader) to a different connected hard drive instead of on the disk Windows will be installed on.
3 Boot to the UEFI firmware settings for your motherboard, and enable UEFI or disable Legacy BIOS (CSM) mode.

Usually it will be set to UEFI mode by default if supported. You may need to read your PC's or motherboard's manual for its specific instructions on how to change this setting.


4 Boot from the Windows 11 installation USB flash drive on your computer.

5 Select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method preferences, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Clean_install_Windows_11-1.jpg

6 Perform an available action below: (see screenshots below)
  • Click/tap on the Install Now button to start Windows Setup for the installation.
  • Select (dot) Install Windows 11, check I agree everything will be deleted including files, apps, an settings, and click/tap on Next.

Starting with Windows 11 build 26040 (Canary), Microsoft is refreshing Windows OS Media Setup with a much cleaner and more modern design. All of the same features will continue to be supported in the bare-metal (clean) OS installation experience, including unattended support, but will now be consistent with the current upgrade and installation experience available for the devices already running the Windows OS.

winsetup-before-after-1024x493.png


Clean_install_Windows_11-2.jpg

7 Enter your Windows 11 product key, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

The product key you enter will determine which edition of Windows 11 gets installed, and is required to activate Windows 11 unless you activate with a digital license instead. If you don't enter a product key and click/tap on I don't have a product key, you will be able to select the Windows 11 edition you want to install at step 8 below, but Windows 11 will not be activated.

You can enter an official Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 retail product key (OEM keys will not work) not currently used to activate Windows on another PC, and click/tap on Next to activate Windows 11.

⚠️ Free Activation from Windows 7/8 key or upgrade to Windows 10/11 Ends

If you do not have a product key available right now, click/tap on the I don't have a product key link, select the Windows 11 edition you want to install at step 8. You will be able to manually activate Windows 11 with your product key when you want later after the Windows 11 installation has finished.

If you want to activate with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account, click/tap on the I don't have a product key link, select the Windows 11 edition you want to install at step 8, and add your linked Microsoft account at step 20 .

You will not be asked to enter a product key if installing Windows 11 Enterprise. You will need to manually activate later after installation has finished.

If this is an OEM PC that has a valid product key embedded in its UEFI firmware chip, then you will not be prompted to enter a product key. Windows 11 will automatically use the embedded product key if its valid for the edition being installed. If needed, you can change the product key after installation has finished.


Clean_install_Windows_11-3.jpg

8 If you clicked on I don't have a product key in step 7 above, then select the Windows 11 edition you want to install, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshots below)

Clean_install_Windows_11-4.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-5.jpg

9 Check the I accept the Microsoft Software License Terms box, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

If you only have the keyboard available, you can press the Space + + keys to check the box.


Clean_install_Windows_11-6.jpg

10 Click/tap on the Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) option. (see screenshot below)

Clean_install_Windows_11-7.jpg

11 Perform one of the following actions to select a drive or disk to install Windows 11 on: (see screenshots below)

If RAID is enabled in UEFI/BIOS, Windows Setup may not see any drive(s) available to select to install on.

In this situation, you could either disable RAID in BIOS/UEFI or select to "Add driver" to install the RAID driver from your OEM/motherboard manufacturer's chipset.

AMD Quick Start Guide- Chapter 5: Install AMD-RAID Drivers (PDF)

Intel Support - Installing the Operating System onto a RAID Volume—F6 Install Method

If no drives can be found during Windows 11 or Windows 10 installation (Intel 11th Generation processors)


  • Delete all partitions on the Drive # (ex: Drive 0) you want to install Windows 11 until that Drive # shows only as one Unallocated Space, select the unallocated space, and click/tap on Next.
  • Select a Primary or unallocated partition on a drive you want to install Windows 11, Delete the partition/volume if not already unallocated, click/tap on OK to confirm, and click/tap on Next.
Clean_install_Windows_11-8.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-8B.jpg

12 The installation of Windows 11 will now begin. (see screenshots below)

During the installation process, your screen may flash and the computer will restart a few times.


Clean_install_Windows_11-9.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-10.jpg

13 Select your country or region (ex: "United States"), and click/tap on Yes. (see screenshot below)

If you would like to set up this PC to have an OOBE (Out-of-box Experience) so another user/owner can pick up at this step to finish setting up Windows on the PC with their own account and preferences the next time the PC it turned on, then:

1. Press the Shift + F10 keys when you see the screenshot below to open a command prompt.
2. Type C:\Windows\System32\shutdown -s -t 0 -f into the command prompt, and press Enter to shut down Windows.



Clean_install_Windows_11-11.jpg

14 Select the keyboard layout (ex: "US") you want, and click/tap on Yes. (see screenshot below)

Clean_install_Windows_11-12.jpg

15 Select Add layout or Skip depending on if you want to add a second keyboard layout or not. (see screenshot below)

Clean_install_Windows_11-13.jpg

16 Windows Setup will now check for an Internet connection. If an Internet connection is not detected, it will prompt you to connect and select an Ethernet network and/or setup and connect to a Wi-Fi network (if available), and click/tap on Next. (see screenshots below)

Starting with a Windows 11 build 25987 (Canary) ISO, when you need to connect to a network and there is no Wi-Fi drivers, you will be given an option to press an Install Drivers button to install drivers you have previously downloaded.


It is required to have an Internet connection if you want to set up a Microsoft account, or work or school account.

Whether you have an Internet connection or not, you will still be able to set up a local account (if wanted) when you get to step 21.

If installing a Windows 11 Pro or Education edition and you currently do not have an Internet connection available, click/tap on I don't have Internet, and go to step 21D to set up a local account. I don't have Internet is not available by default for the Home edition unless you use either command below first. (see bottom screenshot)

If you don't have an Internet connection and none of the above worked for you, then press the Shift + F10 keys to open a command prompt. Copy and paste the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command into the command prompt, and press Enter. This will restart the computer, and take you back to step 13. You should then be able to click/tap on I don't have internet when you get back to this step, and go to step 21D to set up a local account. (see bottom screenshot)

If the OOBE\BYPASSNRO command doesn't work for you, then copy and paste the MSOOBE\BYPASSNRO command into the command prompt, and press Enter. This will restart the computer, and take you back to step 13. You should then be able to click/tap on I don't have internet when you get back to this step, and go to step 21D to set up a local account. (see bottom screenshot)


Clean_install_Windows_11-13b.jpg
Internet_required.png
W11_PRO_no_Internet-1.jpg

17 Type a name you want for the PC, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

You can always rename the PC at anytime if needed.

Your PC name cannot have more then 15 characters.

Your PC name cannot have spaces or any of the following special characters: " /\ [] : | <> + + ; , ?


ComputerName.jpg

18 Perform an action below for which type of account you want to set up: (see screenshot below)

You will not see this step if installing a Windows 11 Home edition. You will see step 19 instead.


  • Click/tap on Set up for personal use, click/tap on Next, and go to step 19 to set up a Microsoft account or local account on your personal PC.
  • Click/tap on Set up for work or school, click/tap on Next, and go to step 22 to set up a work or school account on your PC to join a domain.
Clean_install_Windows_11-14.jpg

19 Click/tap on Sign in, and go to the step below depending on if your want to set up a local account or Microsoft account to sign in to Windows 11 with. (see screenshot below)

This account will be an administrator account on the PC.


MSA_required.jpg

20 Set Up Windows 11 with a Microsoft Account

For more details about a Microsoft account, see: Microsoft account | Microsoft Docs


A) Type in the email address for your Microsoft account, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​

If you do not have a Microsoft account and would like to use one, click/tap on the Create one link to create a new Microsoft account.


Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-1.jpg

B) Type in the password for your Microsoft account, and click/tap on Sign in. (see screenshot below)​

Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-3.jpg

C) If you have two-step verification turned on for your Microsoft account, select how (ex: email or text) you would like to get a code sent to you. (see screenshots below)​

Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-4.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-5.jpg

D) Provide any other required information based on how you selected to get a code, and click/tap on Send code. (see screenshot below)​

Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-6.jpg

E) Enter the code you received from Microsoft, and click/tap on Verify. (see screenshot below)​

Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-7.jpg

F) Select Set up as new device, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshots below)​

You may need to click/tap on a View more options link first to see the Set up as new device option.

You can select to restore your settings, preferences, Microsoft Store apps, and synced OneDrive files from another device instead of setting up as a new device.


Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-10A.png
Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-10.jpg


G) Click/tap on Create PIN. (see screenshot below)​

Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-8.jpg

H) Enter a PIN you want to use to sign in with, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)​

Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-9.jpg

I) Turn On (default) or Off the privacy settings you want, and click/tap on Accept when finished. (see screenshots below)​

You will be able to change these privacy settings at anytime in Windows 11.


Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-1.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-4.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-2.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-5.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-3.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-6.jpg

J) Check all the ways you plan to use this device, and click/tap on Accept. (see screenshot below)​

Click/tap on Skip instead if you do not want to select (check) any device usages.

You can change your device usage options at any time in Windows 11.


Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-11.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-12.jpg

K) Scan the QR code with your Android phone to link it if wanted, and click/tap on Continue. (see screenshot below)​


Click/tap on Skip instead if you do not want to link an Android phone.

This option is only available starting with Windows 11 build 22567.


Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-14.jpg

L) If prompted (no longer asked), click/tap on the Only save files to this PC (recommended) link or Next depending on if you want to use OneDrive or not. (see screenshot below)​

This is for backing up and syncing your account's personal Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, and/or Videos folders to your online (cloud) OneDrive.

When you back up a folder its contents get moved to your account's OneDrive folder on the PC to then be synced with your online OneDrive.

⚠️ If you set up a Microsoft account during Windows Setup, it will get linked to OneDrive to backup and sync your files by default. You can either set up a local account instead to avoid this, or stop the backup and sync your files to OneDrive when the installation is complete.



Clean_install_Windows_11_Microsoft_account-13.jpg

M) If prompted to "Try premium Office apps for free with Microsoft 365", click/tap on Decline or Continue for what you want. (see screenshot below)​

Microsoft_365.png

N) If prompted to "Get 100 GB more cloud storage" for OneDrive, click/tap on Decline or Continue for what you want. (see screenshot below)​

Cloud_storage.png

O) Go to step 23.​


21 Set Up Windows 11 with a Local Account

For more details about a local account, see: Local account | Microsoft Docs:


A) Enter this specific fake email address ("fake@fake.com"), and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​

Fake_email_for_local_account-1.jpg

B) Enter a fake password, and click/tap on Sign in. (see screenshot below)​

Fake_email_for_local_account-2.jpg

C) Click/tap on Next when you see Oops, something went wrong. (see screenshot below)​

Local_account-Internet-1.jpg


D) Enter a user name you want for this local account, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​

Clean_install_Windows_11-_local_account-4.jpg

E) Enter a password you want for this local account, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​

If you do not want this local account to have a password, leave the password field empty, click/tap on Next, and go to step J below.


Clean_install_Windows_11-_local_account-5.jpg

F) Enter the password again to confirm, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​

Clean_install_Windows_11-_local_account-6.jpg

G) Select a security question (1 of 3) you want from the drop menu, type your answer, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​

Clean_install_Windows_11-_local_account-7.jpg

H) Select a security question (2 of 3) you want from the drop menu, type your answer, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​

Clean_install_Windows_11-_local_account-8.jpg

I) Select a security question (3 of 3) you want from the drop menu, type your answer, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​

Clean_install_Windows_11-_local_account-9.jpg

J) Turn On (default) or Off the privacy settings you want, and click/tap on Accept when finished. (see screenshots below)​

You will be able to change these privacy settings at anytime in Windows 11.


Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-1.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-4.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-2.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-5.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-3.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-6.jpg

O) Go to step 23.​


22 Set Up Windows 11 with a Work or School Account

A) Type in the email address for your work or school account, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)​

W11_clean_install_work_or_school_account-1.png

B) Type in the password for your work or school account, and click/tap on Sign in. (see screenshot below)​

W11_clean_install_work_or_school_account-2.png

C) Turn On (default) or Off the privacy settings you want, and click/tap on Accept when finished. (see screenshots below)​

You will be able to change these privacy settings at anytime in Windows 11.


Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-1.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-4.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-2.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-5.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-3.jpg
Clean_install_Windows_11-_privacy_settings-6.jpg

D) Windows Setup will check for updates. (see screenshot below)​

W11_clean_install_work_or_school_account-4.png

E) If prompted to use Windows Hello with your account, click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)​

W11_clean_install_work_or_school_account-5.png

F) If your organization requires additional security information, click/tap on Next, and follow any other given instructions to verify. (see screenshot below)​

W11_clean_install_work_or_school_account-6.png

G) When finished, go to step 23.​


23 When the clean install has finished, you will be on your desktop in Windows 11 with the Start menu open. (see screenshot below)

Desktop.png

24 Make sure the correct time zone, date, and time is set.

25 Check for and install any available Windows Updates.

26 Install any needed drivers for your devices.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

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Last edited:
In step 11 of this tutorial, having got a disk with all space unallocated, just clicking "next" results in the entire space being allocated to the C drive. All very well in the example where the disk looks like a 64 Gb SSD. But SSDs are now much bigger and most now start at 256 Gb which is perhaps too much just for an OS disk.

You have the option at this point of clicking "new" instead of "next", whereupon you are prompted for a size instead of using the whole disk. Is this an option which might be usefully added to this tutorial?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self-build
    CPU
    Intel I3-10100
    Motherboard
    MSI H410M-PRO
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GT 1030
    Sound Card
    Motherboard default
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 27 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung EVO 970 NVMe SSD 256 Gb
    Samsung QVO 870 SATA SSD 2 Tb
    PSU
    ATX 450W
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Internet Speed
    930 Mb down / 120 Mb up
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Microsoft Office 2021 Plus
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self-build
    CPU
    Intel i3-8100
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z370 D3
    Memory
    16 Gb
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia GT 720
    Sound Card
    Motherboard default
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 27-inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 960 NVMe SSD 256 Gb
    Seagate 2 Tb HDD
    PSU
    ATX 450W
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless
    Keyboard
    Microsoft
    Internet Speed
    930 Mb down / 120 Mb up
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
In step 11 of this tutorial, having got a disk with all space unallocated, just clicking "next" results in the entire space being allocated to the C drive. All very well in the example where the disk looks like a 64 Gb SSD. But SSDs are now much bigger and most now start at 256 Gb which is perhaps too much just for an OS disk.

You have the option at this point of clicking "new" instead of "next", whereupon you are prompted for a size instead of using the whole disk. Is this an option which might be usefully added to this tutorial?

Hello mate, :-)

You would also have a few other partitions (ex: system, recovery) created other then the C: drive.

It may be best to wait until have the clean install has finished to shrink the C: drive if wanted to create another partition with.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
I was asked to put this questio here as it was suggested I might get a 'better' answer.
I'm now near to my first 'Clean Install' and there is a lot of documentation to read.
I have a question relating to step 11 choosing a partition for the OS.
I currently have 4 partitions on an SSD:
1. 100 MB ER System Partition
2. 465 GB OS C:\
3. 620 MB Recovery partition.
4. 513 MB Recovery partition.
In that order and all marked healthy.
Should I delete all of them or just the C: drive item 2?
Note this PC was upgraded from Win 7, 10 to 11.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 23H2 OS build 22631.3235 (First install 22H2 ‎04/‎10/‎22)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Hand built to my Spec
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 9700K 3.6GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Z390-Plus Gaming WiFi
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3.200 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8 GB
    Sound Card
    On Motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BENQ GL2780E 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSDs and 1 HDD
    PSU
    Corsair RM750X Gold - 750w
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R6 Black/Silent Case
    Cooling
    1 CPU fan and 5 case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logi
    Internet Speed
    200Mbps down 20Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge and Crome
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm
    Other Info
    Upgraded from Win 10 to Win 11 on 22/10/21.
I was asked to put this questio here as it was suggested I might get a 'better' answer.
I'm now near to my first 'Clean Install' and there is a lot of documentation to read.
I have a question relating to step 11 choosing a partition for the OS.
I currently have 4 partitions on an SSD:
1. 100 MB ER System Partition
2. 465 GB OS C:\
3. 620 MB Recovery partition.
4. 513 MB Recovery partition.
In that order and all marked healthy.
Should I delete all of them or just the C: drive item 2?
Note this PC was upgraded from Win 7, 10 to 11.

Hello, :-)

Correct. You would delete all partitions on the SSD (disk) until it shows as one "unallocated" space. Afterwards, you would choose this unallocated space to install Windows on.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Hello, :)

Correct. You would delete all partitions on the SSD (disk) until it shows as one "unallocated" space. Afterwards, you would choose this unallocated space to install Windows on.
Thank you that was quick and clear.
While I'm hear just one more question.
I am installing with MS account, will it pick up all the credentials (product id, etc) automatically, or do I need to record them, and what other 'things' should I record before the deletion takes place?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 23H2 OS build 22631.3235 (First install 22H2 ‎04/‎10/‎22)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Hand built to my Spec
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 9700K 3.6GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Z390-Plus Gaming WiFi
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3.200 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8 GB
    Sound Card
    On Motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BENQ GL2780E 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSDs and 1 HDD
    PSU
    Corsair RM750X Gold - 750w
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R6 Black/Silent Case
    Cooling
    1 CPU fan and 5 case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logi
    Internet Speed
    200Mbps down 20Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge and Crome
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm
    Other Info
    Upgraded from Win 10 to Win 11 on 22/10/21.
Thank you that was quick and clear.
While I'm hear just one more question.
I am installing with MS account, will it pick up all the credentials (product id, etc) automatically, or do I need to record them, and what other 'things' should I record before the deletion takes place?

Not unless you have already linked the W11 digital license to your Microsoft account for this PC. If not, you will need to have the W11 product key to activate with.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Not unless you have already linked the W11 digital license to your Microsoft account for this PC. If not, you will need to have the W11 product key to activate with.

I have to disagree a little bit with this answer. The digital license for Windows 10 and 11 is established at Microsoft based upon the unique hardware ID of the computer and the edition of Windows 10 or 11 previously activated (IE: Home or Pro). As long as the same edition of Windows 10 or 11 (Home, Pro, etc.) is re-installed on the same computer that previously had that same edition activated, the new clean install will activate when connected to the internet regardless of which Microsoft or local account is initially created. BaJohn should select the option for "I don't have a product key" and then on the next window simply pick the same edition of Windows that was previously installed and activated on that computer. This occurs during the first setup phase before any account is created.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
I have to disagree a little bit with this answer. The digital license for Windows 10 and 11 is established at Microsoft based upon the unique hardware ID of the computer and the edition of Windows 10 or 11 previously activated (IE: Home or Pro). As long as the same edition of Windows 10 or 11 (Home, Pro, etc.) is re-installed on the same computer that previously had that same edition activated, the new clean install will activate when connected to the internet regardless of which Microsoft or local account is initially created. BaJohn should select the option for "I don't have a product key" and then on the next window simply pick the same edition of Windows that was previously installed and activated on that computer. This occurs during the first setup phase before any account is created.

I was being cautious in case it doesn't recognize the W10 digital license when clean installing W11.

Sometimes you may have needed to upgrade from W10 to W11 first to tie the W10 digital license to W11. Afterwards, you should be able to clean install W11 on the same PC, and have the digital license recognized.

Of course, none of this matters if BaJohn has a separate W11 product key to clean install with.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
Not unless you have already linked the W11 digital license to your Microsoft account for this PC. If not, you will need to have the W11 product key to activate with.
The PC, the one I am using now and am hoping to clean install Win 11 on is already running Win 11 and the login is the MS account.
So should be no problem, although I do know my ProductKey if necessary.
My email address have my name as the first 5 characters, which means my name will be the user that is used. (Conveniently).
I think I've got all the info I need now and just need to find time to do it.
Thanks to everyone whom has helped me over the last few days, here and on the tenforums site.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 23H2 OS build 22631.3235 (First install 22H2 ‎04/‎10/‎22)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Hand built to my Spec
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 9700K 3.6GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Z390-Plus Gaming WiFi
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3.200 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8 GB
    Sound Card
    On Motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BENQ GL2780E 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSDs and 1 HDD
    PSU
    Corsair RM750X Gold - 750w
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R6 Black/Silent Case
    Cooling
    1 CPU fan and 5 case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logi
    Internet Speed
    200Mbps down 20Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge and Crome
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm
    Other Info
    Upgraded from Win 10 to Win 11 on 22/10/21.
The PC, the one I am using now and am hoping to clean install Win 11 on is already running Win 11 and the login is the MS account.
So should be no problem, although I do know my ProductKey if necessary.
My email address have my name as the first 5 characters, which means my name will be the user that is used. (Conveniently).
I think I've got all the info I need now and just need to find time to do it.
Thanks to everyone whom has helped me over the last few days, here and on the tenforums site.

Please let us know if you have any other questions, and how it went. :-)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
I was being cautious in case it doesn't recognize the W10 digital license when clean installing W11.

Sometimes you may have needed to upgrade from W10 to W11 first to tie the W10 digital license to W11. Afterwards, you should be able to clean install W11 on the same PC, and have the digital license recognized.

Of course, none of this matters if BaJohn has a separate W11 product key to clean install with.
Interesting, I've never read of that happening.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
How it went. Oh my goodness, one of the scariest things I have ever done on the PC.
All the documentation I printed out to follow was a waste of time.
What happened was nothing like what I have seen in documentation or expected at all.

I had created a bootable windows 11 installation USB, changed the BIOS to allow USB loading and then did the restart PC to pick up that USB.
ALL I had to enter was my keyboard, pick troubleshoot- advanced, pick the 'UEFI USB Partition 1' (The USB) and off everything went.
It displayed 'RECOVERING THIS PC' for a long time while it did all sorts of stuff by itself.
I had no choice of where to put the new Windows 11, i.e. did not have to delete any partitions at all, format anything.
I spent 30 minutes just thinking what is it doing to what disc (I had left my other discs physically attached inside my case).
Eventually it after a few setup questions it booted into Win 11 and did 2 updates.
It would appear that it had 'changed' the disc from 4 partitions to 3, having lost the 513MB one, and added the space to the C: partition.
It would appear to have done a fresh install (I now get the correct Win 11 picture at start up) and the OS build is up to date.
The other 2 data discs were not affected. Not certain what would have happened had I built the system with a data partition on the same disc as OS system (would I have lost them).
For me this was really stressful.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 23H2 OS build 22631.3235 (First install 22H2 ‎04/‎10/‎22)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Hand built to my Spec
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 9700K 3.6GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Z390-Plus Gaming WiFi
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3.200 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8 GB
    Sound Card
    On Motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BENQ GL2780E 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSDs and 1 HDD
    PSU
    Corsair RM750X Gold - 750w
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R6 Black/Silent Case
    Cooling
    1 CPU fan and 5 case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logi
    Internet Speed
    200Mbps down 20Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge and Crome
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm
    Other Info
    Upgraded from Win 10 to Win 11 on 22/10/21.
So what you did was a Windows reset, not a clean install.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Crosshair VII Hero (WiFi)
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Education
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 7773
    CPU
    Intel i7-8550U
    Memory
    32GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce MX150
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Toshiba 512GB NVMe SSD
    SK Hynix 512GB SATA SSD
    Internet Speed
    Fast!
So what you did was a Windows reset, not a clean install.
Well I was trying to do a 'Clean Install' as per ElevenForums Tutorial, but reality and documentation didn't match at all and I could not see any info about a clean install. I actually had very little choice as I said before. Since I have never (not to my knowledge) done a windows reset either, I don't know.
The PC has lost all the apps that were previously installed and the apart from the C: drive all the other drives are not in right place (i.e. H: should be G: and other changes). I will fix the drives, then get on with installing all those apps.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 23H2 OS build 22631.3235 (First install 22H2 ‎04/‎10/‎22)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Hand built to my Spec
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 9700K 3.6GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Z390-Plus Gaming WiFi
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3.200 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8 GB
    Sound Card
    On Motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BENQ GL2780E 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSDs and 1 HDD
    PSU
    Corsair RM750X Gold - 750w
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R6 Black/Silent Case
    Cooling
    1 CPU fan and 5 case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logi
    Internet Speed
    200Mbps down 20Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge and Crome
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm
    Other Info
    Upgraded from Win 10 to Win 11 on 22/10/21.
Something to note. On my PC (ASUS board), you CANNOT change the BIOS to boot from a USB at all, unless a USB stick is in any USB port.
Whilst all PCs may work this way, it wasn't obvious to me, and provided another little stress point.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 23H2 OS build 22631.3235 (First install 22H2 ‎04/‎10/‎22)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Hand built to my Spec
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 9700K 3.6GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Z390-Plus Gaming WiFi
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3.200 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8 GB
    Sound Card
    On Motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BENQ GL2780E 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSDs and 1 HDD
    PSU
    Corsair RM750X Gold - 750w
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R6 Black/Silent Case
    Cooling
    1 CPU fan and 5 case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logi
    Internet Speed
    200Mbps down 20Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge and Crome
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm
    Other Info
    Upgraded from Win 10 to Win 11 on 22/10/21.
Something to note. On my PC (ASUS board), you CANNOT change the BIOS to boot from a USB at all, unless a USB stick is in any USB port.
same on my computer, and sometimes the usb stick still doesn't show in bios unless you plug it is and then power down and restart your computer. usually just pushing the reset button or ctl-alt-delete works, but every so often requires a power down. just another quirk to deal with.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
same on my computer, and sometimes the usb stick still doesn't show in bios unless you plug it is and then power down and restart your computer. usually just pushing the reset button or ctl-alt-delete works, but every so often requires a power down. just another quirk to deal with.
Thanks for that, I sometimes think it must be just me that's stupid. Yep waste 10 - 15 minutes.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 23H2 OS build 22631.3235 (First install 22H2 ‎04/‎10/‎22)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Hand built to my Spec
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 9700K 3.6GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Z390-Plus Gaming WiFi
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3.200 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8 GB
    Sound Card
    On Motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BENQ GL2780E 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSDs and 1 HDD
    PSU
    Corsair RM750X Gold - 750w
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R6 Black/Silent Case
    Cooling
    1 CPU fan and 5 case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logi
    Internet Speed
    200Mbps down 20Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge and Crome
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm
    Other Info
    Upgraded from Win 10 to Win 11 on 22/10/21.
So what you did was a Windows reset, not a clean install.

Yes you were right, I did get an option to secure data erase, to which I said no, so it was a Windows Reset.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro Version 23H2 OS build 22631.3235 (First install 22H2 ‎04/‎10/‎22)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Hand built to my Spec
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 9700K 3.6GHz
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Z390-Plus Gaming WiFi
    Memory
    32GB DDR4 3.200 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia GeForce RTX 2060 Super 8 GB
    Sound Card
    On Motherboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BENQ GL2780E 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    2 SSDs and 1 HDD
    PSU
    Corsair RM750X Gold - 750w
    Case
    Fractal Design Define R6 Black/Silent Case
    Cooling
    1 CPU fan and 5 case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K800
    Mouse
    Logi
    Internet Speed
    200Mbps down 20Mbps up
    Browser
    Edge and Crome
    Antivirus
    Zone Alarm
    Other Info
    Upgraded from Win 10 to Win 11 on 22/10/21.
Something to note. On my PC (ASUS board), you CANNOT change the BIOS to boot from a USB at all, unless a USB stick is in any USB port.

You don't need to assign it in the BIOS boot menu. Press F8 during POST, and it'll bring up a boot menu. Some call it the "one-time boot menu".

Here it is in your Mobo manual
 

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My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i7-12700F
    Motherboard
    ASUS TUF GAMING Z690-PLUS WIFI
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series 64GB (2 x 32GB) DDR5
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce RTX 3050 XC Black Gaming
    Sound Card
    RealTek HD 7.1
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming 27" 2K HDR Gaming
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 990 Pro 1TB NVMe (Win 11)
    SK hynix P41 500GB NVMe (Win 10)
    SK hynix P41 2TB NVMe (x3)
    Crucial P3 Plus 4TB
    PSU
    Corsair RM850x Shift
    Case
    Antec Dark Phantom DP502 FLUX
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-U12A chromax.black + 7 Phantek T-30's
    Keyboard
    Logitech MK 320
    Mouse
    Razer Basilisk V3
    Internet Speed
    350Mbs
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Winows Security
    Other Info
    Windows 10 22H2 19045.4170
    On System One
  • Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 23H2 22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    Intel Core i7-11700F
    Motherboard
    Asus TUF Gaming Z590 Plus WiFi
    Memory
    64 GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2060 KO Ultra Gaming
    Sound Card
    SoundBlaster X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung F27T350
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 980 Pro 1TB
    Samsung 970 EVO Plus 2TB
    Samsung 870 EVO 500GB SSD
    PSU
    Corsair HX750
    Case
    Cougar MX330-G Window
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 EVO
    Internet Speed
    350Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Security
If installing a Windows 11 Home edition with an Internet connection, follow the steps below instead: (see bottom 4 screenshots below)

1) Enter a fake email address (ex: "fake@fake.com"), click/tap on Next.
2) Enter a fake password, and click/tap on Sign in.
3) Click/tap on Next when you see Oops, something went wrong.
4) Select Don't sign in with a Microsoft account, and click/tap on Next
5) Go to step 21D.
When I use an incorrect email ID (in my case I misspelt it), it was giving me an error:

"That Microsoft account doesn't exist. Enter a different account or get a new one."

I was just not able to proceed further without entering the correct one.

So in this case, what I do is to use the correct account and get into Windows. Then I create a new user (as Admin) with a name I like, switch to it and then delete the user created with Microsoft Account. Or, I use the built-in Administrator to delete the Microsoft account user and create a new one with the name I like.

But this is very annoying. I don't understand why Microsoft wouldn't allow the user to choose the name he/she wants during setup.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy dv7
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000 & Nvidia GeForce GT 635M
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Crucial MX500 on bay 1.
    1 TB Seagate HDD on bay 2.
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender

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