What You'll Need
- A USB drive (8 GB or larger)
- A Windows 11 licence key
- A PC meeting Windows 11 system requirements
- Internet connection for downloading the installation media
Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool
Go to Microsoft's official website and get the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from there.
Important
Use microsoft.com directly for the download. Files from third-party sites can include unwanted extra software.
Step 2: Create the Bootable USB
Run the Media Creation Tool
Open the tool, accept the licence terms, then choose "Create installation media for another PC".
Select Language and Edition
Pick your language, the Windows 11 edition, and the architecture (64-bit).
Choose USB Flash Drive
Choose USB flash drive, then select the USB drive you connected. Everything currently stored on that drive will be deleted.
Wait for Download
The tool downloads Windows 11 and prepares the USB as bootable media. Allow around 15–30 minutes, depending on your internet connection.
Step 3: Boot from USB
- Plug the USB drive into the PC where you want to install Windows 11
- Restart the PC and open BIOS/UEFI during startup, usually with F2, F12, or Del
- Move the USB drive to the top of the boot order
- Save your changes and exit BIOS
Step 4: Install Windows 11
- Choose your language and region
- Click "Install Now"
- Type in your Windows 11 product key, or click "I don't have a product key" if you want to add it later
- Select Windows 11 Pro or Home, matching the licence you have
- Choose "Custom: Install Windows only" if you want a clean install
- Select the drive partition, then click Next
- Let the installation finish, which usually takes 20–40 minutes
Step 5: Activate Windows
Once Windows 11 is installed, open Settings → System → Activation and enter your licence key.
Pro Tip
If you bought a digital licence from Lizensa, your key is sent straight away by email and is also available in your account dashboard. Lizensa provides EU VAT invoices, handles customer data under GDPR, and consumer purchases are covered by the 14-day EU refund right where legally applicable. Software resale in the EU is based on the exhaustion of rights principle confirmed by the CJEU in case C-128/11.
