To install Windows 11 on your System76 computer currently running Linux, you will need to follow these steps:
- Backup Your Data: Before proceeding, ensure that you back up all important data from your Linux system, as installing Windows will typically erase the existing operating system.
- Create Windows 11 Installation Media: You will need a bootable USB drive with Windows 11 installation files. You can create this using the Windows Media Creation Tool on another Windows computer:
- Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft's website.
- Use the tool to create a bootable USB drive.
- Prepare Your Computer:
- Insert the bootable USB drive into your System76 computer.
- Restart the computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F10, Del, or Esc during boot).
- Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
- Ensure that Secure Boot is disabled and that the system is set to UEFI mode.
- Install Windows 11:
- Save the BIOS settings and exit. Your computer should boot from the USB drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11. When prompted, choose to delete the existing Linux partitions to make space for Windows.
- Continue with the installation process, selecting your preferences and settings as needed.
- Complete Installation: Once the installation is complete, your computer will reboot into Windows 11. You may need to install drivers and updates afterward.
- Post-Installation Setup: After installation, ensure that you run Windows Update to get the latest patches and drivers for your system.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully install Windows 11 on your System76 computer.