Set up the operating system, and your PC build is complete

This is it, folks.

But which version to choose?

Or just buy a ready-made USB stick (UK/US), and skip to the installation guide further below.

The default Windows 11 desktop.

Confirm that the language and edition tweaks are set to what you want, then click ‘Next’.

Step 3:Leave ‘USB flash drive’ checked, then click ‘Next’.

On the next screen, choose the USB drive you want to use, and click ‘Next’.

Cover image for YouTube video

Step 4:Wait a while the Windows 11 files are downloaded to the USB drive.

Once finished, click Finish to finish, finishingly.

Select ‘Create installation media’ then ‘Next’.

A USB drive (in focus) held up in front of a monitor showing a UEFI BIOS (out of focus).

Click ‘Next’ once youre satisfied.

Step 4:see to it ‘USB flash drive’ is checked, then click ‘Next’.

Then, select your USB stick and click ‘Next’ once again.

Step 1 of how to create Windows 11 installation media: connect your USB drive and download the Windows 11 Media Creation tool.

Click ‘Finish’ once its done.

This tells your PC that it should boot from this stick, rather than any other connected storage drives.

Select your language, time/currency format, and keyboard format.

Step 2 of how to create Windows 11 installation media: Launch the downloaded .exe and allow it to make changes. Confirm that the language and edition settings are set to what you want, then click ‘Next’.

The defaults will probably be fine.

Click ‘Next’, then ‘Install now’.

Step 3:After a few moments youll be asked to key in your Windows activation key.

Step 3 of how to create Windows 11 installation media: Leave ‘USB flash drive’ checked, then click ‘Next’. On the next screen, select the USB drive you want to use, and click ‘Next’.

Check the box to confirm youve read them, then click ‘Next’.

Step 5:Sit back and let the installer do its thing.

Step 6:Eventually youll reach a screen asking for your country or region.

Step 3 of how to create Windows 11 installation media: wait for the tool to finish creating the installation files on your USB, then click ‘Finish’.

Thats right, youve reached the desktop, on a PC you built yourself.

Is there no greater sight, perhaps in all of human existence, than a default wallpaper?

And remember: while you could and should savour this success, its also only the start.

The default Windows 10 desktop image.

What a fine way to spend a few hours.

Step 1 of how to create Windows 10 installation media: download the Windows 10 Media Creation tool.

Step 2 of how to create Windows 10 installation media: launch the downloaded .exe and follow the onscreen instructions, selecting ‘Create installation media’  when asked.

Step 3 of how to create Windows 10 installation media: Make your language, edition, and architecture selections and click Next.

Step 4 of how to create Windows 10 installation media: Make sure ‘USB flash drive’ is checked, then click ‘Next’. Then, select your USB stick and click ‘Next’ once again.

Step 5 of how to create Windows 10 installation media: wait for the tool to download and install Windows 10 files, then click ‘Finish’.

The Windows 11 desktop in dark mode.

Step 1 of how to install Windows: Insert the installation USB into the back of your PC. Start up your your PC, but open the BIOS by tapping F2, F12 or Del keys as it boots. Find the priority boot menu and make sure the USB is at the top of the list.

Step 2 of how to install Windows: save and exit the BIOS and your PC should reboot to the Windows installation screen. Click ‘Next’, then ‘Install now’.

Step 3 of how to install Windows: Enter your product key if you have one, or click ‘I don’t have a product key’. Select the version of Windows you’re installing, agree to the license terms then click ‘Next’.

Step 4 of how to install Windows: select ‘Customize’ then select the storage drive you want to install Windows on. Click ‘Format’, then ‘New’, then ‘Apply’. Finally, select the largest, newly-created partition and click ‘Next’.

Step 5 of how to install Windows: wait for the installer. Your PC will reset itself.

Step 6 of how to install Windows: Once you reach the region select screen, keep entering your preferences until you get to network setup. Connect to a network, then either login or sign up for a Microsoft account.

Ste 7 of how to install Windows: make a few more preference selections until you finally reach the desktop. Remove the installation media, and download your graphics card’s drivers.