Step-by-Step Guide: Installing a New OS on Your PC

Select USB Drive

Initiate the Process. Click on the Start button at the bottom of Rufus to begin. Allow a few minutes for the process to finish. Once done, your USB drive will be ready to boot your computer.

Access BIOS Settings. Follow the steps provided to access BIOS settings. If you can't catch the key during startup, use the method outlined to access BIOS settings from within Windows.

Find Boot Order. Navigate through your BIOS menu to find the boot order settings. This option might be labeled as 'Boot' or similar.

Modify Boot Order. Ensure your computer boots from the USB drive or CD/DVD Rom first by adjusting the boot order settings in BIOS.

Save Changes and Exit BIOS. Once you've made the necessary adjustments, find the option to save your changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will restart.

Determine Installation Order. If you plan to install a Linux distribution alongside Windows, ensure Windows is installed first, followed by Linux, due to Windows' strict bootloader requirements.

Boot from Installation Media. Insert the installation USB drive or CD/DVD into the appropriate drive and reboot your computer to boot from the installation media. Follow the prompts to begin the operating system installation process.

Choose Language and Keyboard. During installation, select your language, keyboard layout, and time/currency format. Ensure the correct options are chosen and proceed by clicking Next or Continue.

Enter your Product Key. During Windows installation, input your product key for full access. If you don't have one, select I don't have a product key to continue with limited features, and purchase a key later.

Agree to Terms and Conditions. Before installing, agree to the license terms by checking the box. Then, proceed by clicking Next or Continue.

Choose Linux Update Options. During Linux Ubuntu installation, select update preferences and whether to include third-party software for better hardware compatibility.

Select Installation Type. Opt for a custom installation for Windows to avoid compatibility issues. For Linux, choose between installation alongside existing systems or a clean install.

Format Partitions. When installing Windows, choose the partition for installation. Linux partitions should be formatted in Ext4. Exercise caution when selecting partitions to avoid data loss.

Choose Your Location. When installing Linux Ubuntu, adjust the orange dot to your location to set the time zone. For Windows, select your country and keyboard layout.

Set Up Your User Account. For Windows, sign in with your Microsoft account and create a username and password. For Linux, enter your name, computer name, and password.

Wait for Installation. During installation, you may be prompted to enable certain features. Choose the options that suit you best, then wait for the installation to complete.

• For Linux installations, use the automatic setup if you're unfamiliar with disk partitioning. It will partition the disks for you.
• Before handling hardware, discharge static energy from your body to prevent damage.
• To speed up setup, move data instead of copying it when backing up, then defragment the disk. Do this before installation, especially with large IDE or SATA disks.

• Windows won't recognize Linux partitions.
• If installing Windows and going online, install antivirus software beforehand.
• Backup everything before proceeding, even during upgrades.
• If transitioning from Windows to Linux and unsure, consider installing Linux on a flash drive if your PC supports it. Otherwise, boot from CD.