Step-by-Step How to Reinstall Windows 11 from USB

Reinstalling Windows 11 can fix slow performance, remove malware, or give your PC a clean fresh start. In this complete step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through:

• Creating a Windows 11 bootable USB

• Accessing your motherboard boot menu

• Reinstalling Windows 11

• Completing initial setup

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What You’ll Need

• A USB drive (8GB or larger)

• A working PC with internet access

• Your Windows product key (if not digitally linked)

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Step 1: Create a Windows 11 Bootable USB

First, download the official tool from Windows 11 via Microsoft.

1️⃣ Download the Media Creation Tool

Go to Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page and download the Media Creation Tool.

2️⃣ Run the Tool

Open the tool and select:

Create installation media for another PC

3️⃣ Choose Language & Edition

Select your preferred:

• Language

• Edition (Windows 11)

• Architecture (64-bit)

4️⃣ Select USB Flash Drive

Choose your USB drive from the list.

The tool will download Windows 11 and make your USB bootable automatically.

Step 2: Access the Boot Menu (By Motherboard Brand)

To reinstall Windows, your PC must boot from the USB instead of your internal drive.

Restart your PC and repeatedly tap the correct key during startup.

ASUS Motherboards

Boot Menu Key: F8BIOS Key: Delete

• Restart PC

• Press F8 repeatedly

• Select your USB drive

MSI Motherboards

Boot Menu Key: F11BIOS Key: Delete

• Restart PC

• Press F11 repeatedly

• Select USB device

Gigabyte Motherboards

Boot Menu Key: F12BIOS Key: Delete

ASRock Motherboards

Boot Menu Key: F11BIOS Key: F2 or Delete

Dell PCs

Boot Menu Key: F12BIOS Key: F2

HP PCs

Boot Menu Key: Esc → then F9BIOS Key: F10

Lenovo PCs

Boot Menu Key: F12BIOS Key: F2(Some models use the Novo button)

Step 3: Boot from the USB

1. Insert the USB drive

2. Open Boot Menu

3. Select the USB device (UEFI preferred)

4. Press Enter

Windows Setup will begin loading.

Step 4: Install Windows 11

1️⃣ Select Language & Keyboard

Click Next

2️⃣ Click "Install Now"

3️⃣ Enter Product Key

• Enter your key

• Or click I don’t have a product key (if digitally activated)

4️⃣ Choose Edition

Select your licensed version.

5️⃣ Choose Installation Type

Select:

Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)

6️⃣ Delete Old Partitions (Clean Install)

⚠️ This deletes all data.

• Select each partition

• Click Delete

• Select unallocated space

• Click Next

Windows will now install automatically.

Step 5: Complete Windows 11 Setup

After installation:

• Choose region

• Connect to WiFi

• Sign in with Microsoft account

• Set up PIN

• Adjust privacy settings

Your desktop will load once setup finishes.

Troubleshooting Tips

USB Not Showing?

• Ensure USB is formatted correctly

• Try a different USB port

• Disable Secure Boot temporarily

PC Won’t Boot from USB?

• Make sure UEFI mode is enabled

• Set USB as first boot device in BIOS

Windows Won’t Activate?

• Connect to internet

• Run Activation Troubleshooter

• Check digital license status