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A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Windows 11 via Rufus
Rufus, also known as the Universal USB Drive, is a popular tool used for creating bootable USB drives and transferring files between computers. While it’s primarily designed for downloading operating systems, its versatility doesn’t stop there. With a few tweaks, you can use Rufus to install Windows 11 from an ISO image file.
Before You Start:
- Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11:
* Processor: Intel Core i5 or AMD equivalent
* RAM: 8 GB or more
* Storage: 16 GB free space
* Graphics: Integrated graphics or UHD (2nd gen) and above
- Download the Rufus ISO file for Windows 11 from the official Microsoft website.
Step-by-Step Installation Process:
- Create a bootable USB drive: Open Rufus on your computer, select the ISO image you’ve downloaded as the source, and choose the USB drive (also known as the “USB Drive”) from the drop-down menu.
- Format the USB drive: Once Rufus has selected the correct USB drive, it will format the drive with a FAT32 file system. This is necessary for Rufus to write the installation files onto the drive.
- Insert the USB drive into your computer: Insert the formatted USB drive into your computer and restart it.
- Boot from the USB drive: Press F11 or Fn + F12 (depending on your keyboard layout) while booting up your computer to enter BIOS settings. Look for an option to save changes and exit, then set the USB drive as the first device in the order of priority.
- Enter the BIOS setup:
* Save your changes by pressing Enter.
* Set the boot order to have Rufus (USB Drive) as the top priority.
- Install Windows 11: You’ll be prompted to enter a product key for Microsoft. The key is usually obtained from the Microsoft website or an activation code that was provided with your purchase. Type the key in, then click “Next” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- If Rufus doesn’t recognize the USB drive, ensure it’s properly formatted.
- Make sure there are no issues with the system files or drivers before proceeding.
- In some cases, you may need to disable any third-party bootloaders on your computer before installing Windows 11.
By following these steps and tips, you can successfully install Windows 11 from an ISO image file using Rufus.