---
title: "How to Install Windows 10 (Using an ISO or USB) 🛠️"
url: https://mainthebest.com/how-to-install-windows-10-clean-complete-step-by-step-guide/
date: 2026-11-02
modified: 2026-11-02
lang: en
author: "Gunawan"
description: "Whether you're building a new PC, replacing your old operating system, or reinstalling to fix issues, installing Windows 10 Pro is a straightforward process—when done right. This guide walks you..."
categories: - "Windows 10"
tags: - "clean install windows 10 tutorial" - "how to install windows 10 on new pc" - "install windows 10 from usb" - "upgrade to windows 10" - "Windows 10 installation guide" - "windows 10 installation tips" - "windows 10 setup step-by-step"
image: https://mainthebest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/install-windows-10-on-pc.jpg
word_count: 667
---
# How to Install Windows 10 (Using an ISO or USB) 🛠️
![installing windows 10 pro](https://mainthebest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/install-windows-10-on-pc.jpg)
Whether you're building a new PC, replacing your old operating system, or reinstalling to fix issues, installing **[Windows 10 Pro](https://mainthebest.com/windows-10-pro-the-ultimate-os-for-power-users-and-professionals/)** is a straightforward process—when done right. This guide walks you through each step, from preparation to post-install setup, ensuring a smooth experience for beginners and pros alike.
---
## 🧰 What You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have the following:
- ✅ A PC that meets the **minimum system requirements**
- ✅ Windows 10 ISO file, Detailed here [Download Windows 10 Pro ISO](https://mainthebest.com/download-windows-10-iso-pro-officially-safely/)
- 💽 A **bootable USB drive** (32 GB or more) with Windows 10 installation media
- 🔑 A **valid Windows 10 product key** (can be entered during or after installation)
- ⚠️ Backup of your files, if installing over an existing OS
---
## 💿 Prepare the Bootable USB Drive:
- Download Rufus
Download and install [Rufus](https://rufus.ie) from the official website.
- Insert USB Drive
Plug your USB flash drive into your PC or Laptop.
- Open Rufus
Open Rufus and select the USB drive under the “Device” section.
- Select the Windows 10 ISO
In the "Boot selection" menu, click on "SELECT" and browse for the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded.
- Configure the Settings
* Partition Scheme: MBR (for BIOS/Legacy systems) or GPT (for UEFI systems).
* File System: NTFS.
* Cluster Size: Default.
- Start the Process
Click on START to begin creating the bootable USB drive. This may take several minutes.
- A bootable USB Flash Drive is ready
## 🖥️ Step-by-Step Windows 10 Installation Process
### 1️⃣ Insert the Bootable USB and Restart the PC
- Plug in your Windows 10 bootable USB.
- Restart your PC and enter the **BIOS/UEFI** (usually by pressing `F1`, `F2`, `ESC`, `DEL`, or `F12` at startup).
- Set your USB drive as the **primary boot device**.
- Save changes and exit.
-
### 2️⃣ Start Windows 10 Setup
You’ll see the **Windows logo** and the setup will begin.
Choose your **language, time, and keyboard preferences**.
- Click **Next**, then click **Install now**.
> ⚠️ *If you're doing a clean install, select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" when prompted.*
### 3️⃣ Enter Product Key or Skip
- Enter your **Windows 10 product key**.
- If you don’t have one yet, click **“I don’t have a product key”** to proceed.
> 💡 You can activate Windows later through **Settings > Update & Security > Activation**.
### 4️⃣ Select Edition and Partition
- Choose the correct **Windows 10 edition** (Pro, Home, etc.) that matches your license.
- Select the drive or partition where you want to install Windows.
You may **delete existing partitions** to install fresh.
- Select the target partition and click **Next**.
> 🛑 *Deleting partitions will erase all data—make sure you've backed up important files!*
### 5️⃣ Windows Installation Begins
Windows will now:
- Copy files 🗂️
- Install features and updates 🔄
- Restart several times 🔁
This step can take **10–30 minutes**, depending on system speed.
---
## 👤 Initial Setup & Configuration
Once installation is complete, you’ll be guided through setup:
### 🧑‍💻 Create a User Account
- Sign in with a **Microsoft account** or create a local account.
- Choose a **username and password**.
### 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi
- Select your **Wi-Fi network** and enter the password to get online.
### 🔐 Choose Privacy Settings
- You’ll be asked to review privacy options (location, diagnostics, etc.).
- Adjust settings to your preference or keep the defaults.
---
## 🧩 Post-Installation Tips
Once you reach the desktop, here’s what to do next:
### ✅ Activate Windows
- Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Activation**
- Enter your product key or log into your Microsoft account
### 🔄 Install Drivers
- Windows 10 will automatically detect and install most drivers.
- Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s site for latest drivers.
### 📦 Install Essential Software
- Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
- Antivirus (Windows Defender is built-in)
- Productivity tools (Office, Notepad++, etc.)
> 🌟 *Use Windows Update to download the latest system updates.*
### 🏷️ Recommendation
- [Windows 10 Ghost Spectre](https://mainthebest.com/windows-10-ghost-spectre-lightweight-optimized-performance/)
- [Ghost Spectre vs Standard Windows 10](https://mainthebest.com/ghost-spectre-vs-windows-10-comparison-which-one-wins-for-performance/)
---
## 🧠 Final Thoughts
💿 Installing **Windows 10** is easier than ever thanks to Microsoft’s user-friendly setup process. Whether you're upgrading, performing a clean install, or setting up a new system, following the right steps ensures a smooth and secure start.