How to Install Windows ISO File: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing Windows from an ISO file is a convenient and straightforward process. Whether you’re upgrading your current operating system or installing it on a new computer, using an ISO file can save time and effort. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to install Windows ISO file on your computer.
Step 1: Obtain the Windows ISO File
The first step in installing Windows from an ISO file is to obtain the ISO file itself. You can download the ISO file from the official Microsoft website or from a trusted source. Ensure that you download the correct version of Windows for your system requirements, such as Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Once you have the ISO file, you need to create a bootable USB drive. You can use various tools to create a bootable USB drive, such as Rufus or balenaEtcher. Here’s how to create a bootable USB drive using Rufus:
1. Download Rufus from the official website and install it on your computer.
2. Insert a USB drive into your computer and open Rufus.
3. In the “Boot selection” section, click on the “Select” button and navigate to the location where you saved the Windows ISO file.
4. In the “Partition scheme and target system” section, select the appropriate settings for your computer (MBR for BIOS or GPT for UEFI).
5. In the “File system” section, choose “FAT32” or “NTFS” depending on your preference.
6. In the “Cluster size” section, select “Minimum” or “Default.”
7. Click on the “Start” button to begin the process. Rufus will format the USB drive and copy the Windows ISO file to it.
Step 3: Boot from the Bootable USB Drive
After creating the bootable USB drive, you need to boot your computer from it. Here’s how to do it:
1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, or DEL) during the boot process.
2. In the BIOS or UEFI settings, navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section.
3. Set the bootable USB drive as the first boot device. You may need to change the boot order or enable the USB drive as a bootable device.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings.
5. Your computer will now boot from the bootable USB drive, and you will see the Windows setup screen.
Step 4: Install Windows
Follow these steps to install Windows from the ISO file:
1. On the Windows setup screen, select your preferred language, time, and keyboard layout.
2. Click on “Install now” to begin the installation process.
3. Accept the license terms and click “Next.”
4. Select the Windows edition you want to install and click “Next.”
5. Choose the “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” option and click “Next.”
6. In the “Where do you want to install Windows?” section, select the partition where you want to install Windows. If you want to create a new partition, click “New” and adjust the size as needed.
7. Click “Apply” and then “Next” to begin the installation process.
8. Wait for the installation to complete. Once done, you will be prompted to set up Windows by entering your product key, creating a user account, and setting up other preferences.
Step 5: Complete the Installation
After the installation is complete, follow these steps to finalize the setup:
1. Restart your computer if prompted.
2. Enter the product key for Windows when prompted.
3. Set up your user account and preferences.
4. Install any necessary drivers for your hardware.
5. Update Windows to the latest version.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows from an ISO file on your computer. Enjoy your new operating system!
