Mini PC Land

How Do I Install Windows on My Mini PC?

• admin3
• November 4, 2024November 4, 2024
• 0

Installing Windows on a mini PC can seem daunting, but with the right steps and preparation, we can achieve a smooth installation process. This guide will walk us through the necessary steps to install Windows effectively, ensuring that our mini PC is up and running efficiently.

1. Preparing for Installation

System Requirements

Before we begin the installation process, it’s essential to ensure that our mini PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows.

• Windows 10/11 Requirements:
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor.
  • RAM: Minimum of 4 GB (8 GB recommended for optimal performance).
  • Storage: At least 64 GB of available storage.
  • Graphics Card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver.

Backup Important Data

If we are installing Windows on a mini PC that already has an operating system, backing up any important data is crucial.

• External Storage: Use an external hard drive or cloud storage to save essential files, documents, and settings before proceeding with the installation.

Gather Necessary Tools

To install Windows, we will need a few essential tools:

• USB Flash Drive: At least 8 GB in size for creating a bootable installation media.
• Windows Installation Media: We can create this using the Windows Media Creation Tool or download an ISO file from Microsoft’s website.
• A Reliable Internet Connection: Required for downloading updates and drivers during and after installation.

2. Creating Bootable Installation Media

Using the Windows Media Creation Tool

1. Download the Tool: Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows Media Creation Tool.
2. Run the Tool: Open the downloaded file and accept the license terms.
3. Choose Installation Type:
   • Select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.”
4. Select Language and Edition:
   • Choose your preferred language, edition (Windows 10/11), and architecture (64-bit).
5. Choose USB Flash Drive:
   • Select “USB flash drive” as the media to use and ensure it is connected to your mini PC.
6. Create Media: Follow the prompts to create the bootable USB drive.

Using ISO File (Alternative Method)

If we prefer using an ISO file:

1. Download ISO File: Obtain the Windows ISO file from Microsoft’s website.
2. Use Rufus to Create Bootable USB:
   • Download and run Rufus.
   • Select the USB drive and choose the downloaded ISO file.
   • Click “Start” to create a bootable USB drive.

3. Installing Windows on Your Mini PC

Accessing BIOS/UEFI Settings

Before booting from the USB drive, we need to configure our mini PC’s BIOS/UEFI settings:

1. Power On Your Mini PC: Turn on your device and immediately press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI settings (commonly F2, DEL, or ESC; check your manufacturer’s instructions).
2. Change Boot Order:
   • Navigate to the Boot menu.
   • Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
3. Save Changes and Exit: Save changes and restart the mini PC.

Booting from USB Drive

Once we have configured the boot order:

1. Insert Bootable USB Drive: Ensure that our bootable USB drive is connected to the mini PC.
2. Boot Up: Restart the mini PC, which should now boot from the USB drive.

Windows Installation Process

1. Select Language Preferences: Choose your language, time, currency format, and keyboard input method, then click “Next.”
2. Click Install Now: Start the installation process by clicking on “Install Now.”
3. Enter Product Key: If prompted, enter your Windows product key. If you don’t have one yet, you can choose “I don’t have a product key” to proceed with limited functionality until activation.
4. Select Windows Version: Choose which version of Windows you want to install (if applicable) and click “Next.”
5. Accept License Terms: Read and accept Microsoft’s license terms to continue.
6. Choose Installation Type:
   • Select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” for a fresh installation.

Partitioning Your Drive

1. Select Drive for Installation:
   • If this is a new installation, select unallocated space or an existing partition where you want to install Windows.
   • Click “Next” to start installing Windows on that partition.
2. Creating Partitions (if needed):
   • If we need specific partitions (like separate drives for data), click “New” to create them before proceeding.

4. Completing Installation

Installation Progress

• The installation process will take some time as files are copied and settings are configured. The mini PC may restart several times during this phase.

Setting Up Windows

Once installation is complete:

1. Personalize Settings: Follow on-screen prompts to customize settings such as region, keyboard layout, and privacy preferences.
2. Create User Account: Set up a user account with a password for security purposes.
3. Connect to Wi-Fi/Ethernet: If prompted, connect to your internet network for updates.

5. Post-Installation Configuration

Installing Drivers

After setting up Windows:

1. Check Device Manager:
   • Right-click on Start > Device Manager to check if any drivers need updating.
2. Download Drivers from Manufacturer’s Website:
   • Visit your mini PC manufacturer’s website to download essential drivers (graphics card, chipset, network adapter).

Updating Windows

Ensure that our system is up-to-date:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.

Installing Essential Software

Finally, install any necessary software applications:

• Consider installing productivity tools like Microsoft Office or Google Chrome for web browsing.
• For gaming setups, download platforms like Steam or Epic Games Store.

Conclusion

Installing Windows on a mini PC can be a straightforward process when approached methodically. By preparing adequately—creating bootable media, configuring BIOS settings, and following through with post-installation tasks—we can set up our mini PC efficiently for optimal performance tailored to our needs.With this guide in hand, we are now equipped with all necessary steps to successfully install Windows on our mini PCs!