How to Install Windows 10 Pro on Your Desktop
Setting up Windows 10 Pro on your desktop is easier than you might think. Whether you're building a new PC or doing a fresh install, I'll walk you through the process step by step.
What You'll Need Before Starting
- A USB flash drive (8GB minimum - I recommend 16GB to be safe)
- Another computer with internet access to create the installer
- About 1-2 hours of your time (mostly waiting for files to copy)
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 Installer
First, head to Microsoft's official download page:
Click "Download tool now" to get the Media Creation Tool. This little program will handle everything for us.
Step 2: Create Your Installation USB
- Run the Media Creation Tool you just downloaded
- Select "Create installation media" and click Next
- Choose your language and Windows 10 Pro edition
- Pick "USB flash drive" when prompted (make sure your USB is inserted)
- Wait while it downloads and prepares the drive (this might take a while)
Pro tip: If you have slow internet, consider downloading the ISO file separately instead.
Step 3: Boot From Your USB Drive
Now for the slightly tricky part - making your computer start from the USB:
- Insert the USB into the computer where you want Windows installed
- Restart the computer and immediately start pressing F12 (or Esc/Del depending on your motherboard)
- In the boot menu, select your USB drive
If you miss the timing, just restart and try again. This step takes most people a couple tries to get right.
Step 4: Install Windows 10 Pro
Once booted from USB, follow these steps:
- Select your language preferences and click Next
- Click "Install Now" (don't worry about product key yet)
- Choose "Custom: Install Windows only"
- Select your hard drive (if unsure, choose the largest one)
- Grab a coffee while Windows installs (20-40 minutes typically)
Finishing Up
After installation, you'll go through the setup process:
- Create a user account (I recommend using a local account first)
- Choose your privacy settings (read these carefully)
- Let Windows finish setting up
Important After Installation
- Run Windows Update immediately (Start > Settings > Update & Security)
- Install your graphics drivers from NVIDIA/AMD/Intel website
- Consider activating Windows with your product key when ready
And that's it! You've successfully installed Windows 10 Pro. If you run into any issues during the process, check out our troubleshooting guide or leave a comment below.