If you have purchased your new computer without an operating system, we install a trial for Windows in order to conduct testing on the system. If you are looking to activate a copy of Windows that you have purchased elsewhere, just add in your Windows product key into this trial version and Windows will be fully activated. The instructions below can also be used if you ever have to re-install Windows onto your computer.
We recommend that you use a Windows bootable USB stick to perform a Windows reinstall. Through a USB, this can be performed in UEFI mode and is much quicker than a disc installation. To create a bootable USB, you will need a blank stick of at least 8 GB in size and you can download a copy through the following link:
https://www.microsoft.com/software-download
With the Windows USB inserted, power on the system and start tapping the F7 key if you are using a laptop, or the F8 key on a desktop, (if your system uses a GIGABYTE motherboard, please tap F12 rather than F8). This will bring up the boot menu. Select the UEFI version of the USB stick.
After the Windows Install files are loaded into memory, you’ll see the Windows splash screen, indicating that the setup process is about to begin. You don’t need to do anything at this point.
When you start the Windows 11 setup, you’ll be prompted to select your preferred language to install. Choose your desired time and currency format.
Then set the keyboard or input method (e.g., United Kingdom). After making your selections, click "Next" to continue.
Next, you’ll need to decide whether to install Windows 11 or repair your PC. Select "Install Windows 11" if you want to proceed with a fresh installation, keeping in mind that this will delete all files, apps, and settings on your device.
Important: If you’re performing a clean install of Windows as a solution to a major problem but have not yet tried a Start-up Repair, do that first. It could save you the trouble of completing this clean install process.
The Windows setup process is now beginning. No need to press any keys.
Most of our systems use a Digitally Product Key (DPK), therefore, skip this step and select your OS version, this must match the version provided by us). If your system came with a COA Product Key sticker, please enter this now.
The next screen that appears is a text box containing the Windows Software License. Read through the agreement, check the ‘I accept the license terms’ checkbox under the agreement text and then click ‘Next’ to confirm that you agree with the terms.
In the ‘Which type of installation do you want?’ window that appears next, you’re offered the choice of Upgrade and Custom (advanced) Click on the Custom (advanced) button.
In this screen, you’ll see each HDD & partition that Windows recognizes. You can now delete any operating system related partitions from your existing hard drive(s). Highlight the partition you want to delete and then click the Delete link. If you are unsure of which partitions to delete, please get in touch.
Once you have deleted all the old partitions you will most likely be left with a single unallocated drive (unless you have more than one HDD). Select the unallocated space to install Windows on and click ‘Next.
The setup will now display a summary of your installation choices. Ensure that all details are correct, and verify that your system meets the requirements to install Windows 11. When you’re ready, click "Install" to begin the process.
Windows Setup will now install a clean copy of Windows to the location you chose in the previous step. You don’t need to do anything here but wait. This is the most time consuming of any of the steps. Depending on the speed of your computer, this process could take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. The installation may restart during this process. This is quite normal.
The system will reboot automatically after this is complete.
At this screen you will select your language options, login with your Microsoft account (local account possible with Windows 11 Professional) and set your privacy and data options.
Once Windows has been installed, the next step is to install the drivers for your hardware.
Before installing your programs, it is recommended that you run the Windows Update program several times, restarting when requested. These should automatically install through Windows Update (Start Button > Settings > Update and Security > Check for Updates). If some are missing, these should be sourced directly from the hardware manufacture’s website.
All of your drivers are now installed and the copy of Windows is fully up-to-date.