To install Windows 10 Pro on your laptop, you will typically create bootable installation media using Microsoft's official tool and then boot your laptop from this media to begin the setup process.
Here's a straightforward guide based on the provided steps:
Getting Started: Creating Installation Media
The first step is to create a bootable USB flash drive or DVD containing the Windows 10 Pro installation files. Microsoft provides a dedicated tool for this.
- Download the Windows Media Creation tool directly from Microsoft. This is the official way to get the installation files and ensure they are genuine. You can find this tool on the official Microsoft website.
- Run the Media Creation Tool. When prompted, you will typically need to agree to the terms.
- Select the option to "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC."
- Choose your preferred language, edition (Windows 10), and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit). Ensure you select Windows 10; the Pro version is an option you can select during the installation process itself, often based on your product key.
- Choose whether to create a USB flash drive (recommended, needs at least 8GB) or an ISO file (to burn to a DVD later). Follow the prompts to complete the process.
Once the tool finishes, you will have your Windows 10 installation media ready.
Performing the Clean Installation
With your bootable media created, you can now proceed with installing Windows 10 Pro on your laptop.
- Perform a clean installation. This involves booting your laptop from the USB flash drive or the DVD you have created.
- Insert the USB drive or DVD into your laptop.
- Restart your laptop. You may need to access your laptop's BIOS or UEFI settings (often by pressing a key like F2, F10, F12, or Del during startup) to change the boot order.
- Set the USB drive or DVD drive as the primary boot device. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.
- Your laptop should now boot from the installation media.
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
- When asked, choose your language and other preferences.
- Click "Install now".
- You will likely be asked for a product key. Enter your Windows 10 Pro product key here or select "I don't have a product key" if you plan to activate later. Entering a Pro key often ensures the Pro version is installed directly.
- Choose the installation type: Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" to perform a clean installation. This allows you to manage partitions.
- Select the drive or partition where you want to install Windows 10 Pro. You may need to format or delete existing partitions, so ensure you back up any important data before this step.
- Follow the rest of the setup process, which includes copying files, installing features, and setting up your account and preferences.
After the installation completes and the laptop restarts, it should boot into your new Windows 10 Pro operating system.
