How to Install Windows on a New PC Build, Step by Step Guide
I'm Dave. I've been building and setting up custom PCs in Somerville, NJ since 2011. This guide covers everything, from creating your bootable USB to getting past Windows setup, including how to skip the Microsoft account requirement during OOBE if you'd rather keep it local.
What You Need Before You Start
Get everything on this list together before you touch the BIOS. Missing one item mid-install is the most common reason people get stuck.
- A USB drive, 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended. Everything on it gets wiped. Don't use one with anything you need.
- Windows 11 ISO downloaded directly from Microsoft. Go to microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11 and use the "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)" option. Don't download from third-party sites.
- Rufus, free tool at rufus.ie for creating the bootable USB. It also has a bypass option built in (more on that below).
- Your Windows product key, if you have one. New builds using a digital license tied to a Microsoft account can often activate automatically. Retail keys come on a card or email from the retailer.
- Motherboard manual. You'll need it to confirm which BIOS settings to enable (Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, UEFI mode, XMP/EXPO for RAM). Every board is different.
- An internet connection, either Ethernet cable plugged in, or your Wi-Fi password nearby. Windows Update and driver downloads happen right after setup.
- GPU drivers downloaded in advance (optional but smart). If you have a discrete GPU, download the latest driver from NVIDIA or AMD onto a second USB drive before you start, in case Windows can't find it automatically.
Step 1, Create Your Bootable Windows USB with Rufus
Do this on a working PC before you touch your new build. Takes about 10–15 minutes depending on your USB write speed.
Download and open Rufus
Go to rufus.ie and download the latest version. No install needed: just run it. Plug in your USB drive. Rufus will detect it automatically.
Select your Windows ISO
In Rufus, click the SELECT button and navigate to the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded from Microsoft. Rufus will auto-configure most settings once it reads the ISO.
Choose your Microsoft account bypass option (optional, do it now, not later)
When Rufus asks about "Windows User Experience," you'll see checkboxes including "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account." Check this box if you want to create a local account during setup. This is the cleanest and most reliable bypass method: it bakes the skip directly into the installer before Windows even starts. See full bypass method details in Section 5 below.
Click START and wait
Rufus will warn you that all data on the USB will be destroyed. Confirm and let it run. The write process takes 5–15 minutes. When it shows READY at the bottom, the USB is done. Safely eject it.
Step 2, Configure BIOS Before You Boot the USB
This is where most first-time builders get stuck. Windows 11 requires specific BIOS settings to install. Get these right first.
Set boot mode to UEFI, disable CSM / Legacy Boot
Find the boot settings in your BIOS and make sure UEFI mode is selected. Disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module) or Legacy Boot if it's present. Windows 11 requires UEFI. If CSM is enabled, Secure Boot and TPM may be hidden or non-functional.
Enable Secure Boot
Find Secure Boot and set it to Enabled. Windows 11 requires it. If Secure Boot is grayed out, CSM is likely still enabled: disable CSM first, then come back. On some boards you'll also need to be in "Standard" mode, not "Custom."
Verify TPM 2.0 is enabled
Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0. On Intel boards look for Intel PTT (Platform Trust Technology) and enable it. On AMD boards look for AMD fTPM (Firmware TPM) and enable it. These are software-based TPM solutions built into the CPU and are available on most hardware from 2016 onward.
Enable XMP or EXPO for your RAM (don't skip this)
This isn't required for Windows to install, but your RAM is almost certainly running at 2133MHz by default instead of its rated speed. Find XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD) in BIOS, usually on the main page or under AI Tweaker / D.O.C.P., and enable it. One click, big difference.
Set boot order, USB first
In the Boot tab, move your USB drive to the top of the boot order. Save settings and exit (usually F10). The PC will reboot and should start loading from the USB. If it boots into a "no OS found" screen, the USB wasn't created correctly or isn't being recognized.
Step 3, The Windows Installation Process
Once you boot from the USB, the installer takes over. Here's what each screen means and what to actually click.
Language, time format, and keyboard
Leave these as default for most US installs. Click Next, then Install now.
Enter your product key, or skip it
If you have a retail key, enter it now. If you're planning to activate digitally later (reusing a license tied to a Microsoft account) or you'll activate after setup, click "I don't have a product key." You won't lose functionality during install, activation can happen any time after.
Select Windows 11 edition
Choose Windows 11 Home for most personal or gaming builds. Choose Windows 11 Pro if you need BitLocker, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V, or domain join. Your product key determines which edition activates, if you skip the key, pick the edition that matches what you purchased.
Accept the license agreement, then choose "Custom: Install Windows only"
On the installation type screen, choose Custom, not Upgrade. You're doing a clean install on a new build. Upgrade is for keeping files and apps from an existing Windows installation.
Select your drive and partition
You'll see a list of drives and partitions. For a brand new NVMe SSD with no existing data, select the drive (it will show "Unallocated Space") and click Next. Windows will create the required partitions automatically. Don't manually create partitions unless you have a specific reason.
Drive not showing up? Some NVMe drives require a storage driver to be loaded during setup. Click Load driver, point it to the driver files (on a second USB), and your drive will appear. Check your motherboard manufacturer's site for the appropriate Intel RST or AMD RAID/AHCI driver.
Wait, this takes 10–25 minutes
Windows copies files, expands them, installs features, and reboots several times. Don't touch anything. When it reboots, it will load from the hard drive automatically (not the USB again). That's normal. Eventually it will land on the OOBE screen.
The Microsoft Account Screen, How to Skip It
Windows 11 will push hard to get you to sign in with a Microsoft account during OOBE. You don't have to. Here are every method that still works as of 2025, ordered from easiest to most involved.
Method 1: Rufus "Remove Microsoft Account" checkbox
Works on: All Windows 11 versions including 24H2 and 25H2. Most future-proof option.
- 1Create your USB with Rufus as described in Step 1
- 2When Rufus asks about "Windows User Experience", check "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account"
- 3Optionally also check "Disable data collection" to skip privacy telemetry screens
- 4Complete the install normally: OOBE will offer a local account option automatically
Method 2: "Domain Join Instead" during OOBE
Works on: Windows 11 Pro, all builds. Does not work on Home edition.
- 1During OOBE, when asked to sign in with a Microsoft account, select "Set up for work or school"
- 2On the next screen, click "Sign-in options"
- 3Click "Domain join instead"
- 4Enter a local username and password, you're done
Method 3: Registry BypassNRO via Shift+F10
Works on: Windows 11 Home and Pro, most builds as of mid-2025. May stop working in future updates.
- 1During OOBE, when you hit the network or Microsoft account screen, press Shift + F10 to open a command prompt
- 2Type the following command and press Enter:
- 3Then type
shutdown /r /t 0and press Enter to reboot - 4OOBE restarts: this time you'll have an "I don't have internet" option that leads to local account creation
Method 4: WinJS Developer Console
Works on: All Windows 11 editions including S Mode and 25H2 Preview builds. Cannot be used from the network or Microsoft account screen.
- 1During OOBE, navigate to the Secondary Keyboard Layout screen (the one after region and keyboard, do not click Skip yet)
- 2Press Ctrl + Shift + J to open the Developer Console
- 3Type exactly:
- 4Press Escape to close the console: the keyboard layout screen refreshes
- 5A Windows 10-style local account creation screen appears: enter username, password, and security questions
Step 4, After Windows Installs: Drivers and First Setup
Getting Windows installed is half the job. A fresh install with no drivers is missing critical functionality. Here's what to do in the first 30 minutes on the desktop.
Run Windows Update immediately, before anything else
Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and let it run completely, including optional updates. This pulls in many device drivers automatically and patches security vulnerabilities in the fresh install. Reboot when prompted.
Install your GPU driver from NVIDIA or AMD directly
Don't rely on the generic Windows display driver. Download the latest driver for your specific GPU from nvidia.com/drivers or amd.com/support. For NVIDIA, use the "Game Ready" driver. For AMD, use Adrenalin software. Run the installer, reboot.
Install your motherboard chipset driver
Go to your motherboard manufacturer's support page, enter your model number, and download the chipset driver. For Intel boards, this is the Intel Chipset Device Software. For AMD boards, this is the AMD Chipset Drivers package. These improve USB controller performance, storage controller behavior, and power management.
Install audio and network drivers if needed
Most modern builds get audio and network drivers through Windows Update. But if you have no sound or no network, grab the drivers from your motherboard manufacturer's support page. Look for Realtek Audio, Intel LAN, or whatever chipsets your board uses. The manual will list them.
Enable XMP/EXPO in BIOS if you haven't already, then verify RAM speed in Windows
If you skipped XMP/EXPO during the BIOS setup, go back now. After enabling it and rebooting, verify in Windows: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Performance tab → Memory. The "Speed" shown should match your RAM's rated speed. If it shows 2133MHz on DDR5-6000, XMP/EXPO is still disabled.
Activate Windows
Go to Settings → System → Activation. If you entered a retail key during install, it should show as activated. If you linked a digital license to your Microsoft account on previous hardware, sign in to activate. If it's not activating automatically, use "Change product key" and enter your key manually.
🖥️ Rather have us build and set it up? Drop off your parts or let us source them. We handle the full build, Windows installation, all drivers, and initial setup, ready to use when you pick it up.
📞 Call (908) 428-9558, Custom Build InfoWalk-in welcome · No appointment needed · Drop-off only · 75 N Bridge St, Somerville NJ
Custom Builds from Central New Jersey
From budget gaming builds to high-end workstations, customers across NJ trust us with their custom PC builds and setups.
"Bought all my parts and had no idea how to get Windows installed. Dave's set the whole thing up, BIOS, Windows, drivers, everything. Picked it up ready to go. Worth every dollar."
"Tried to install Windows myself and kept getting stuck at the Microsoft account screen. Used the WinJS trick from this guide and it worked perfectly. Finally have a clean local account setup."
"NVMe drive wasn't showing up during install, brought it to Dave's, they loaded the right driver in five minutes and got Windows on it same day. Saved me hours of frustration."
Common New Build Mistakes We See in NJ
After building and setting up hundreds of custom PCs at our Somerville shop, here are the problems we see most often.
⚡ XMP/EXPO Never Enabled, RAM Running at Half Speed
Easily the most common oversight on new builds. DDR5-6000 kits sitting at 2133MHz because XMP was never enabled in BIOS. One toggle, free performance boost. We check this on every build we set up.
🔒 CSM Still Enabled, Blocks Secure Boot and TPM
Builders who've worked on older hardware sometimes leave CSM on out of habit. This hides or disables Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 in BIOS, which blocks Windows 11 from installing correctly. Disable CSM first, then enable Secure Boot and TPM.
💿 NVMe SSD Not Detected During Windows Setup
Some Intel 12th/13th gen builds and certain AMD 500-series boards need an Intel RST or AMD RAID driver loaded during Windows setup for the NVMe drive to appear. Without it, the drive list is blank and people assume the SSD is dead. It's not, it just needs a driver.
🔑 Activating Windows with the Wrong Key Edition
Entering a Home key when Windows 11 Pro is selected (or vice versa) causes activation to silently fail. The key doesn't error out immediately: it just doesn't activate. If your key isn't working, verify you're on the correct edition in Settings → System → Activation.
Why NJ Builders Choose Dave's Computers
We've been building and setting up custom PCs in Somerville since 2011. Here's what that means for you.
Full Build Service
Drop off your parts or have us source them. We handle the build, Windows install, all drivers, BIOS tuning, and initial setup.
Proper BIOS Configuration
XMP/EXPO enabled, Secure Boot set, TPM verified, power profiles tuned. Every build leaves here configured correctly, not just "boots."
Your Hardware Stays Here
Your parts never ship anywhere. We build in-shop at 75 N Bridge St, same people, same address, accountable if something goes wrong.
Straight Answers on Parts
Not sure if your parts are compatible? Bring the list. We'll tell you what works, what to swap, and whether something is a bad value for what you're trying to build.
Fast Turnaround
Most builds are completed within 2–3 business days. Simple Windows installs on pre-assembled hardware often same or next day.
14 Years in Business
Serving central NJ from Somerville since 2011. 300+ Google reviews. We'll be here if something needs attention after the build.
Windows Install FAQs for NJ PC Builders
Common questions we get from customers building their first PC or setting up Windows in New Jersey.
Can I install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account in 2025?
Yes, but the old OOBE\BYPASSNRO command no longer works in Windows 11 25H2 and later. The methods that still work: the Rufus "Remove Microsoft account" checkbox (best option, do it before install), Domain Join (Pro only), the Registry BypassNRO command via Shift+F10, and the WinJS Developer Console method. All four are covered in detail in Section 5 of this guide.
My NVMe SSD isn't showing up during Windows setup, what do I do?
Some motherboards require a storage controller driver to be loaded during setup before NVMe drives appear. Click "Load driver" on the drive selection screen and point it to the driver files from your motherboard manufacturer (usually Intel RST for Intel builds or AMD RAID/AHCI for AMD). Put those files on a second USB drive before you start.
What's the difference between Windows 11 Home and Pro for a new build?
For most home users and gamers, Home is sufficient. Pro adds BitLocker full-disk encryption, Remote Desktop hosting, Hyper-V virtualization, and domain join, relevant for work machines or small business builds. Pro also gives you the Domain Join bypass to skip the Microsoft account during OOBE without any commands.
Does Dave's Computers do custom PC builds in New Jersey?
Yes. We build custom PCs at our Somerville NJ shop. Drop off your parts, or talk to us about sourcing. We handle the full build, Windows installation, driver setup, BIOS configuration, and initial tuning. Call (908) 428-9558 or visit our custom PC builds page for details.
Windows won't install, I get a "this PC can't run Windows 11" error. What now?
That error means TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is not enabled in your BIOS. Go back into BIOS: disable CSM, enable Secure Boot (set to Standard mode), and enable Intel PTT or AMD fTPM. Save and retry. If you're on hardware that genuinely doesn't support TPM 2.0 (pre-2016), you can't run Windows 11 officially: you'd need to stay on Windows 10 or use an unofficial workaround.
My RAM is showing at 2133MHz but it's rated for 6000MHz, what happened?
XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD) is not enabled in your BIOS. Your RAM runs at a safe default of 2133MHz until you enable the profile. Go into BIOS → AI Tweaker / D.O.C.P. / AMD Overclocking and enable XMP or EXPO. Save and reboot. Verify the speed in Task Manager → Performance → Memory.
Do you offer in-home PC setup near me in NJ?
No, we're a drop-off shop only at 75 N Bridge St, Somerville NJ 08876. We don't do house calls or on-site visits. Drop off your build and we handle everything in-shop. Most customers are 15–30 minutes away from central NJ locations.
Also Serving These NJ Communities
Customers drive to our Somerville shop from across central New Jersey, typically 15–30 minutes.One location, drop-off only. Dave's Computers has one location at 75 N Bridge St, Somerville NJ 08876. We do not offer on-site or in-home service anywhere in New Jersey. All builds and repairs are performed at our Somerville shop. Customers from surrounding towns drop off their machines and pick them up when ready. Curbside drop-off is available.
Need Help With Your New PC Build?
Drop it off at our Somerville, NJ shop, no appointment needed. We'll handle the Windows install, BIOS configuration, and driver setup. Ready to use when you pick it up.
📞 (908) 428-9558