How to Install Windows 11 on Any PC

Step 1: Install Rufus

Rufus is a lightweight, free tool used to create bootable USB drives.

Go to the official Rufus website: https://rufus.ie/
Download the latest version of Rufus. It is a portable executable, so installation is not required.
Run the downloaded .exe file to open Rufus.
Ensure your USB drive is inserted and recognized by Rufus.

Tip: Always download Rufus from the official website to avoid malware or corrupted versions.

Next, download the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft to create your bootable USB.

Visit the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
Under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), select Windows 11 and click Download.
Choose your product language and click Confirm.
Click the 64-bit Download link to save the ISO file to your PC.

Tip: Always download Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft to ensure you have a safe and genuine version.

Now it’s time to prepare your USB drive for Windows 11 installation. Warning: This process will erase all data on the USB drive.

Insert a USB drive with at least 8 GB capacity into your PC.
Back up any important data from the USB drive, as all existing files will be permanently deleted.
Open Rufus by running the .exe file you downloaded in Step 1.
Ensure Rufus detects your USB drive under the Device dropdown menu.

Tip: Double-check you have selected the correct USB drive in Rufus to avoid accidental data loss on other drives.

Set up Rufus to create a bootable USB for Windows 11 while bypassing hardware restrictions.

Open Rufus and select your USB drive under the Device dropdown.
Click SELECT under Boot selection and open the Windows 11 ISO downloaded in Step 2.
Choose Standard Windows 11 Installation if prompted.
Select the Partition scheme:
- GPT for modern UEFI systems
- MBR for older BIOS systems
Set Target system:
- UEFI for GPT
- BIOS or UEFI for MBR
If using MBR, enable any fixes for older BIOSes and ensure Filesystem is NTFS.
Click START. A popup will appear with optional bypass settings:
- Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM
- Disable Secure Boot and TPM checks
- Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account
- Optionally disable BitLocker automatic device encryption
Confirm and continue. Rufus will create the bootable USB with the configured settings.

Warning: This bypasses certain Windows 11 requirements. Use only on compatible PCs and backup any data.

After creating the bootable USB, restart your PC to begin Windows 11 installation.

Leave the USB drive inserted and restart your PC.
Enter your PC's boot menu or BIOS/UEFI settings. Usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during startup.
Select the USB drive as the boot device.
Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI. The PC should boot from the USB drive.

Tip: If the PC does not boot, check the USB creation and boot order.

Select language, time, and keyboard layout, then click Next.
Click Install Now.
Enter a product key or select I don’t have a product key to activate later.
Accept the license terms and click Next.
Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
Choose the target partition. Format if necessary. Warning: Formatting deletes all data.
Click Next. Setup will copy files, install features, and restart several times automatically.

Set up a local or Microsoft account. If bypassed, you can skip Microsoft account setup.
Configure privacy settings, language, and region.
Connect to Wi-Fi or skip for offline setup.
Set a PIN or password.
Complete the Windows 11 out-of-box experience (OOBE). Desktop will load after final setup.

Tip: After setup, check Windows Update for the latest updates and drivers.

Install all Windows Updates via Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
Install necessary device drivers.
Check system stability and performance.
Restore any backed-up personal files.
Optionally enable BitLocker or other security features.