Install Windows using a Bootable USB Drive
Technical Note 1144
Applicable Model(s)
Windows PCs
Title
Install Windows using a Bootable USB Drive
Date
03/13/2023
Rev
00
P/N
0907-1144
Summary
This document covers the steps required to install a fresh copy of Windows on a PC using a bootable USB drive.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This process requires accessing the system BIOS. While operating in the system BIOS, do not change any settings that are not covered in this document, as this can cause issues with the PC. Additionally, please do not Load Defaults into the BIOS as this can cause your system not to post.
Solution
This process uses a bootable USB recovery drive to install the Windows OS. For more information on how to create a bootable USB recovery drive, see Technical Note 1145.
1.
Insert your Recovery USB drive into an open USB port on the PC, and connect a mouse and keyboard as well.
2.
Turn the power on and press ESC or DEL to access BIOS.
3.
Once in the BIOS use the keyboard arrow keys to navigate to the BOOT tab. Change Boot Option #1 to UEFI: USB DISK.
4.
Shift over to the Save & Exit tab and Select Save Changes and Exit then Yes. The PC will now boot into the Recovery USB.
5.
When the Recovery USB is loaded, the Language selection screen will be displayed. Select the desired settings and click Next.
6.
On the following prompt click Install Now.
7.
The install client will then ask for the Windows License code located on the label attached to the PC. Once this has been entered, click Next.
8.
On the following screen, the Windows terms and conditions will be displayed. After reading the applicable notices and license terms; check the box to accept the license terms and click Next.
9.
The client will then ask which type of installation should be installed. Click the second option for Custom: Install Windows Only (Advanced).
10.
Choose a partition to install Windows to. To ensure the installation does not have Partition/Installation conflicts, select each of the partitions and delete them.
NOTE: This step will erase all data on the selected drive.
11.
After deleting all partitions, there will be 1 Drive line made of Unallocated Space. Select this drive and click Next.
12.
Windows Setup will then install the operating system. Once the setup is finished the installation client will restart the computer. On restart press ESC or DEL to access BIOS.
13.
Once in the BIOS remove the Recovery USB and use the keyboard arrow keys to navigate to the BOOT tab. Change Boot Option #1 to Windows Boot Manager.
14.
Shift over to the Save & Exit tab and Select Save Changes and Exit then Yes. The PC will now boot into the new windows installation.
15.
Windows Setup utility will then run. Please have your workplace IT department or designated computer servicer complete the windows setup.