💻

Module 12 Windows Installation Overview

Oct 27, 2025

View transcript

Overview

This lecture covers the process of installing Windows 10 and Windows 11, including evaluating system requirements, planning and preparing for installation, installation steps, managing user accounts, post-installation tasks, and special considerations for enterprise environments.

Evaluating System Requirements

  • Confirm that hardware meets the minimum requirements for Windows 10 or Windows 11:
    • CPU: At least 1 GHz (Windows 10), 2 cores and 1 GHz minimum (Windows 11)
    • RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) for Windows 10; 4 GB for Windows 11
    • Storage: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit) for Windows 10; 64 GB for Windows 11
    • Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver
    • Display: 800x600 resolution minimum
    • Windows 11 requires UEFI firmware with Secure Boot and TPM 2.0
  • Check that all applications and device drivers are compatible with the target Windows version.
  • 64-bit Windows versions offer better performance, support more RAM, and require 64-bit drivers.
  • Use tools like msinfo32.exe to review system hardware and software details.
  • Be aware that small form factor PCs or older devices may not meet all requirements, especially for Windows 11.

Windows Editions and Licensing

  • Windows 10/11 are available in several editions:
    • Home: Basic features for home users
    • Pro: Adds features for business use, such as BitLocker, Hyper-V, Remote Desktop, Group Policy, and support for Active Directory/Azure AD
    • Enterprise: Designed for large organizations, includes volume licensing and enhanced security
    • Pro for Workstations: Enhanced performance for advanced hardware
  • Windows 11 Home requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account for installation.
  • OEM licenses are tied to the original hardware and cannot be transferred to another computer.
  • Retail and upgrade licenses can be moved to new hardware.
  • Product keys may be stored in motherboard firmware or provided with purchase; always keep a copy.

Networking and User Accounts

  • Windows supports different network types:
    • Workgroup: Peer-to-peer network with decentralized management; each computer manages its own resources and security.
    • Domain: Centralized management using Active Directory, common in enterprise environments; users have domain accounts managed by administrators.
    • Azure AD: Cloud-based directory service for managing users and devices over the internet; supports BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios.
  • User account types:
    • Local Account: Exists only on the local computer, not recognized by other systems.
    • Domain Account: Managed through Active Directory, used in domain environments.
    • Microsoft Account: Uses an email address to access Microsoft cloud services like OneDrive.
  • Any account type can be assigned standard or administrator privileges.

Planning and Preparing for Installation

  • Gather all necessary software, device drivers, and backup important data before starting installation.
  • Ensure you have installation media (USB, DVD, or ISO file) and product keys.
  • Set BIOS/UEFI boot order to prioritize installation media; disable any security features that might block changes to the boot sector.
  • For laptops, connect to AC power to avoid interruptions.
  • If not reformatting the drive, run antivirus software to ensure the system is malware-free.
  • Be prepared to reinstall applications and drivers after installation, unless performing an in-place upgrade.

Installation Methods and Clean vs Upgrade Installs

  • In-place upgrade: Preserves existing applications and data; suitable when moving between similar versions (e.g., Windows 10 to 11, or 64-bit to 64-bit).
  • Clean install: Wipes the drive and installs a fresh copy of Windows; required when upgrading from 32-bit to 64-bit or when the system is corrupted.
  • ISO files can be mounted in Windows or burned to DVD; can also be used to install Windows in a virtual machine.
  • Product key may not always be required for reinstalling Windows if stored in firmware, but always keep a backup.
  • For dual-boot setups, the bootloader menu allows selection between multiple installed Windows versions.

Installing in Virtual Machines

  • Virtual machines (VMs) allow multiple operating systems to run on a single host computer.
  • Popular hypervisors for Windows include:
    • Client Hyper-V (built into Windows 10/11 Pro)
    • VirtualBox (Oracle)
    • VMware Workstation Player
  • Host hardware must support hardware-assisted virtualization.
  • Generation 1 VMs support both 32-bit and 64-bit OS installations; Generation 2 VMs require 64-bit OS.
  • Hyper-V supports dynamic memory and storage allocation, allowing resources to be adjusted as needed.
  • VMs require significant memory and disk space; turn off VMs when not in use to free resources.
  • VMs are useful for testing, development, and running isolated environments.

Post-Installation Tasks

  • Verify network connectivity by opening a browser and navigating to a website (quickest method to confirm internet access).
  • Run Windows Update to install the latest updates; this may require multiple reboots.
  • Install or update device drivers, especially for hardware not automatically detected.
  • Configure antivirus and security settings before connecting to the internet.
  • Set up user accounts, transfer or restore user data and preferences from backups.
  • Install required applications and verify their compatibility.
  • Use Device Manager to troubleshoot hardware issues, update drivers, or resolve conflicts.

Enterprise Deployment and Imaging

  • Standard images (WIM files) allow for mass deployment of Windows with hardware independence.
  • Image deployment methods:
    • Local installation: Bootable USB or DVD with Windows PE and the image file.
    • Network installation: Boot from network and apply the image from a server.
    • Push/automated installation: Fully automated remote deployment with no technician intervention.
    • Unattended installation: Uses answer files to automate responses during setup.
  • USMT (User State Migration Tool) is used to migrate user profiles and data during large deployments:
    • ScanState: Copies user settings and files from the source computer.
    • LoadState: Applies settings and files to the destination computer.
    • USMT supports encryption and advanced drive management; commands can be scripted in batch files.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • TPM (Trusted Platform Module): Security chip required for Windows 11.
  • UEFI: Modern firmware replacing BIOS, supports Secure Boot.
  • Domain: Centralized network structure using Active Directory for user and resource management.
  • Workgroup: Decentralized peer-to-peer network.
  • ISO File: Disk image containing OS installation files.
  • Hypervisor: Software that enables creation and management of virtual machines.
  • USMT (User State Migration Tool): Tool for transferring user data and settings.
  • Product Key: 25-character code used for Windows activation.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review and confirm minimum hardware requirements for Windows 10 and Windows 11.
  • Back up all important data before installing or upgrading Windows.
  • Download necessary device drivers and collect all required software installation media.
  • Practice Windows installation steps on a test system or in a virtual machine environment.
  • Familiarize yourself with post-installation tasks, including updates, driver installation, and user account setup.
  • For enterprise environments, learn about image deployment and user data migration tools.

Full transcript