Tutorial – how to easily install Windows 10 on a PC

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Some PCs are now sold without an operating system. However, installing Windows 10 on it is easy if you follow this full tutorial. This manipulation will also be valid in the event of reinstalling the OS.

If the majority of computers are sold with Windows 10 installed by default, it is now no longer uncommon for them to be delivered bare, without an operating system. A maneuver that allows manufacturers to lower the price of their PCs. These computers – often laptops – can put off those for whom installing Windows is far from instinctive. However, the handling is rather simple, as demonstrated by this tutorial which can also be used by those who wish to reinstall Windows 10 after a crash or when changing their SSD / hard drive. We also take this opportunity to present how to avoid creating a Microsoft account and how to limit the sending of personal data to the servers of the editor of Windows 10.

Create installation media

To install Windows 10, the first step is to create installation media. Now, installation DVDs are forgotten, and everything is done using a Windows installation USB key. A support that should be implemented from a computer already running Windows, a very simple operation that we describe in another tutorial.

Tutorial – How to create a Windows 10 installation USB key

Windows 10 installation

1. Start on the USB stick

Once the USB key is created, the first step is to start the computer on it. In most cases – especially if no operating system is present – PCs will automatically find the USB installation medium. Otherwise, you will have to go through the BIOS / UEFI of the computer by pressing the F2, F5 or Del key (most of the time) when the computer starts. Once the interface is visible, go to the menu boot or Start-up to select the bootable medium, your USB key in this case. We will then exit the BIOS / UEFI by pressing F10 (most of the time) or by going to the menu Save & Exit.

2. Choice of installation language

Install Windows 10 – Step 2 – Choose the installation language

The second step is to choose the Windows 10 installation language and your keyboard layout. We selected French in our example. We go to the next step by clicking on next, then on Install now.

3. Activation and choice of Windows 10 version

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Install Windows 10 – Step 3 – Activation and choice of Windows 10 version

The installation process then asks to enter its Windows 10 license key. Do not panic if you do not have one – or do not have the code under your elbow – it is entirely possible to continue the installation without serial number by clicking on I don't have a Product Key. In this case, select the version of Windows 10 that you want to install. If you are unsure of the nature of your license, select Windows 10 health home. It will still be possible to upgrade to the version Professional afterwards, the reverse is not easily achievable. By doing so, Windows 10 will be installed and active for 15 days, then it will only be usable by entering a valid key. It remains to accept the terms of the user contract, then click on next.

4. Choice of installation destination: SSD or hard drive

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Install Windows 10 – Step 4 – Choice of installation destination: SSD or hard drive

A dialog box prompts you to choose between a Windows upgrade or a custom installation. The first option is only valid if a copy of Windows is already present on the computer (version 7 or higher). To perform a clean installation of Windows on a computer without an operating system, this is the second option that must be validated. The next step is to select the location where Windows 10 will be installed: an SSD or a hard drive. If the computer is blank, there is no risk, we will select the first storage medium from the list (or the SSD if the PC has both an SSD and a hard drive), it must be named Reader 0. We validate by simply clicking on next, after which Windows 10 files are installed from the USB drive to the computer. At the end of the operation, a countdown appears. You can then disconnect your USB key. The computer will then restart and launch the Windows 10 configuration.

5. Choose the language of Windows 10

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Install Windows 10 – Step 5 – Choose the language of Windows 10

Windows is now installed on your computer, and it is necessary to pass the few configuration steps. It starts with the choice of language – again – and the keyboard layout. Those who juggle between different types of keyboard can add a second layout (Qwerty, for example). At this point, Cortana – Microsoft's virtual assistant – can speak. A click on the microphone button, at the bottom left, makes it mute.

6. Internet connection

Install Windows 10 – Step 6 – Connect to the Internet

Windows 10 then tries to connect to the Internet. If a network cable is smart health connected, the operation is transparent. In the case of a laptop, it detects the presence of the Wi-Fi module and will then propose the list of access points. Select yours (the Wi-Fi of your box or your router), then enter your password, and you are smart health connected to the Internet.

7. Microsoft account or local account, it's your choice

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Install Windows 10 – Step 7 – Microsoft account or local account, it is your choice

If you are an individual, you must click on Configure for personal use, the second choice being specific to a use in company. Windows 10 then asks you to sign in with a Microsoft account or create one if you don't already have one. The use of a Microsoft account is not mandatory, but allows you to take advantage of the various smart health connected aspects of the operating system: tracking the location of the PC in the event of loss or theft, synchronization of settings and files between different Windows 10 machines, or even access to OneDrive and automatic identification with other Microsoft software (Office, Skype, Xbox, etc.).

Microsoft gives however the possibility of using a local account, and thus to get rid of the use of Microsoft account. The operation is quite simple, even if the configuration process will repeatedly try to dissuade the user. First, click on Limited experience bottom left (note that this is not very explicit), then enter a user name (your first or last name, for example). At this point, Microsoft still hopes to make you use a Microsoft account by offering the option at the bottom left. However, you must continue by clicking on next to create your local account. The rest of the process is quite simple with the creation of a password, to be filled in twice in succession to avoid any typing error. Three security questions must then be defined so that you can unlock the machine if you forget your password. Different stages during which Microsoft still offers the creation of an online account. Note that Microsoft can also offer to use Windows Hello on machines equipped with a fingerprint reader or a compatible webcam (for unlocking by facial recognition).

8. History of activities

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Install Windows 10 – Step 8 – Activity history

At this point, the user can choose whether or not to activate the activity history. It’s kind of timeline allowing to quickly resume files or applications used during the last 4 to 30 days (at the user's choice), and this, on all Windows 10 computers using the same Windows 10 account, the data being stored in the cloud from Microsoft. It is understood, activating the activity history requires the creation of a Microsoft account – and it is not the last time that we will try to make you yield.

9. Cortana: Microsoft's virtual assistant

Install Windows 10 – Step 9 – Cortana: Microsoft's virtual assistant

The next step is to configure Cortana, Microsoft's virtual assistant. It is first of all possible to activate the function allowing the assistant to be woken up by a "Hey Cortana" by checking the box at the bottom left. Then, we will accept or not accept to send most of its personal usage data to Microsoft in order to obtain refined Cortana results. Everyone is free to choose. Clicking on Refuse, Microsoft will still offer you to activate online voice recognition in order to benefit from Cortana in voice (the assistant also works by written suggestions). By using this online voice recognition, the user agrees that the voice commands placed will be used by Microsoft to improve its service. Clearly, your words will be analyzed by Microsoft servers. It is also possible to refuse all this by selecting the second option.

10. The location of the device in the event of theft or loss

Install Windows 10 – Step 10 – Locating the device in the event of theft or loss

The next two steps concern the geolocation of the device used. It is first of all possible to authorize Microsoft and third-party applications to use the geographic location of the user, in particular to benefit from the automatic weather even when moving, from the easier use of the tool Maps for creating routes, etc. Again, the user can quite simply refuse this by selecting the second option (No). Next comes a fairly interesting function allowing you to geolocate and lock your laptop in the event of theft or loss. Obviously, it is necessary to create a Microsoft account to take advantage of this feature.

11. Sending PC data for targeted advertising

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Install Windows 10 – Step 11 – Sending PC data for targeted advertising

The next four steps define the amount of data sent to Microsoft's servers, starting with diagnostic data. By selecting Full, the user gives Microsoft free rein to retrieve the browsing history, the names of the software used, or even error reports to analyze them. By choosing Basic, only error reports are sent. We continue with the improvement of handwriting and typing, a step where the user can choose to send his writing data (handwritten or typed) to Microsoft so as to benefit from suggestions of applications and writing (valid when using a virtual keyboard) improved. You can refuse by clicking on No. The third step is to send diagnostic data (again …) to Microsoft to receive personalized advice or announcements (advertising) when Windows 10 deems it necessary. We refuse this by clicking on No. Finally, those who wish to take advantage of personalized (not to say targeted) advertising will click on Yes in the next step, the others – like us – will click on No.

12. End of configuration, Windows 10 is ready

Install Windows 10 – Step 12 – End of configuration, Windows 10 is ready

After the last step, Windows 10 performs a final operation for a few seconds or minutes depending on the speed of your computer. After which, Windows 10 will be ready: the user arrives on the desktop, with the Edge browser launched by default. Last step: choose the language of your choice for the Edge browser. Rather incomprehensible, it is set to English by default (United states) even if it was already necessary to choose French twice.

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