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Installing Windows 11 on a PC with no OS.

Rich Temen 5 Reputation points
2026-05-10T18:00:38.41+00:00

How do I load Windows 11 on my PC where I have deleted all files on the C drive.

Is there a way to accoumplish this from the BIOS?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
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  1. EmilyS726 238.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-10T18:35:59.6466667+00:00

    Yes, you will need to do a clean install by definition.

    To perform a clean installation of Windows 11 using the Windows Media Creation Tool. You do need to get access to another computer so you can download the Windows installation files into a flash drive, then use the flash drive to help your computer. Hopefully you have a spare computer, or you can have friend or family help you.

    The following steps should be done on a working Windows computer:

    Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's official website. https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11 click on the "download now" button under "Create Windows 11 Installation Media"

    Run the tool and select "Create installation media for another PC."

    Choose "USB flash drive" as the media to use for the installation and select "Next."

    Connect a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of free space to your computer.

    Select the USB flash drive you want to use, and then select "Next."

    The tool will then download the required files and create the installation media.

    =====================================================

    Now these steps will  be done on your problematic computer:

    Go to the computer's BIOS boot menu to have it boot from the USB drive. (if you are not sure how to do this step, let me know your computer's brand and model)

    Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11, making sure to choose "Custom install" and select the option to delete all existing partitions.

    Once the installation is complete, you'll have a clean installation of Windows 11 on your computer.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-10T18:00:48.0233333+00:00

    Windows 11 cannot be installed directly “from BIOS” alone. BIOS/UEFI can only boot from a device that contains installation media (for example, a USB flash drive). To install Windows 11 on a PC where the C: drive has been wiped, use bootable installation media.

    Steps to install Windows 11 on a PC with no OS:

    1. On a working Windows PC, create Windows 11 installation media
    2. Connect the USB to the PC with no OS
      • Insert the Windows 11 USB installation media into the target PC.
    3. Boot from the USB via BIOS/UEFI
      • Power on the PC and immediately press the key that opens the boot menu (often F1–F12 or DEL, depending on the manufacturer).
      • In the boot menu, select the USB drive as the boot device.
      • If the PC does not boot from USB, enter BIOS/UEFI setup and change the boot order so the USB drive is first, then save and restart.
    4. Run Windows 11 Setup
      • When the PC boots from the USB, Windows Setup starts.
      • Select language, time, and keyboard settings, then select Next.
      • Choose Install Windows 11.
    5. Perform a clean install
      • When asked where to install Windows, select the existing partitions on the drive and delete them if you want a completely clean install, until the drive shows as Unallocated space.
      • Select the unallocated space and continue. Setup will create the required partitions and install Windows 11.
      • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.

    Notes:

    • A clean installation removes all personal files, apps, and settings on the drive.
    • Ensure the device meets Windows 11 system requirements (for example, by checking with the PC Health Check app on another Windows installation before proceeding, if possible).

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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