The process of inserting your Windows installation or recovery media involves connecting the media to your computer, booting from it, and then proceeding through the Windows setup or recovery environment.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
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Connect the Installation Media: Plug in your USB flash drive or insert your DVD containing the Windows installation or recovery files into your computer.
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Power On/Restart the Device: Turn on your computer or restart it if it's already running.
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Access Boot Menu: Immediately after powering on, press the appropriate key to access the boot menu. This key varies depending on your computer's manufacturer. Common keys include:
- ASUS: ESC, F8
- HP: ESC, F9
- Dell: F2, F12
- Acer: F2, F12
- Lenovo: F12, Fn + F12, or Novo Button
Refer to your computer's manual or manufacturer's website to determine the correct key. If you're unsure, try pressing the Esc key repeatedly during startup, as it often presents a menu with boot options.
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Select Boot Device: In the boot menu, use the arrow keys to highlight your USB drive or DVD drive and press Enter. The label will likely include the manufacturer's name (e.g., "Kingston DataTraveler") or describe the drive as a "Removable Device" or "CD/DVD-ROM Drive".
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Windows Setup/Recovery Environment: Your computer will now boot from the installation or recovery media. Follow the on-screen instructions to either install Windows or access the recovery options.
- Installation: If you're installing Windows, you'll typically see the Windows Setup screen. Click "Install now" and follow the prompts.
- Recovery: If you're using recovery media, you'll likely be presented with options to repair your computer, restore from a system image, or perform other troubleshooting tasks.
Important Considerations:
- BIOS/UEFI Settings: If you're unable to boot from the USB drive or DVD, you may need to adjust the boot order in your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings. To access these settings, press a different key during startup (often Del, F2, or F10). Locate the boot order settings and prioritize the USB drive or DVD drive. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup.
- Secure Boot: Secure Boot, a feature in UEFI firmware, may prevent booting from external media. You might need to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the installation media. Be cautious when disabling Secure Boot, as it can affect the security of your system.
By following these steps, you can successfully insert your Windows installation or recovery media and initiate the installation or recovery process.
