Win 11 install

gistfile1.md

✅ Windows 11 Install Guide (Belcher Software Method)

🔧 Prerequisites & Requirements

Hardware Requirements

• CPU: 8th gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 2000 series (or newer)
• RAM: 4GB minimum (8GB+ recommended)
• Storage: 64GB available space
• TPM: TPM 2.0 chip (required)
• Secure Boot: UEFI with Secure Boot capability
• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible

What You'll Need

• USB drive: 8GB or larger (will be formatted)
• Windows 11 ISO: Download from Microsoft's official site
• Belcher Software: Available at belcher.dev
• Product Key: Have your Windows 11 license ready (if applicable)

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🔥 Step 1: Create Bootable USB

Download and Prepare

1. Download Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's official website
2. Install and open Belcher OS Creator
3. Insert your USB drive (backup any important data first - it will be erased)

Configure Belcher Settings

1. Select your USB drive from the dropdown menu
2. Browse and load the Windows 11 ISO file
3. Configure settings:
   • File System: NTFS
   • Partition Scheme: GPT (required for UEFI)
   • Volume Label: Windows11 (optional)
4. Click "Create Bootable USB" and wait for completion

⚠️ Warning: This process will erase all data on your USB drive

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🔒 Step 2: BIOS Configuration

Accessing BIOS/UEFI

Common BIOS access keys (press immediately after powering on):

Brand	BIOS Key	Boot Menu Key
Dell	F2	F12
Lenovo	F2 or Enter→F1	F12
HP	ESC → F10	F9
ASUS	DEL or F2	ESC
Acer	F2	F12
MSI	DEL	F11
Gigabyte	DEL	F12

Pro tip: Start pressing the key repeatedly as soon as you power on the machine

Required BIOS Settings

Navigate through your BIOS menus to enable/disable:

✅ Enable These:

• UEFI Boot Mode (disable Legacy/CSM)
• Secure Boot (usually under Security tab)
• TPM 2.0 (may be called "PTT" on Intel or "fTPM" on AMD)

❌ Disable These:

• CSM (Compatibility Support Module)
• Legacy Boot (if separate option)
• Fast Boot (recommended for troubleshooting)

Save and Exit

• Press F10 (usually) to save changes and exit
• Confirm changes when prompted

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💻 Step 3: Boot and Install Windows 11

Boot from USB

1. Insert the bootable USB into your computer
2. Power on and immediately press the Boot Menu key (e.g., F12)
3. Select: UEFI: [USB Drive Name] from the boot menu
4. Press Enter to boot from USB

Installation Process

1. Windows Setup loads - select language, time, and keyboard
2. Click "Install now"
3. Enter product key (or select "I don't have a product key" to enter later)
4. Select Windows 11 edition (Home, Pro, etc.)
5. Accept license terms
6. Choose installation type:
   • Custom: Install Windows only (recommended for clean install)
   • Upgrade (if keeping existing files)

Disk Partitioning

For a clean install:

1. Delete all existing partitions (this erases everything)
2. Select the unallocated space
3. Click "Next" - Windows will create necessary partitions automatically

For dual boot or specific partitioning:

• Create new partitions as needed
• Select the partition where you want Windows 11 installed

Complete Installation

• Windows will copy files and install (15-30 minutes)
• Your computer will restart multiple times - don't interrupt
• Remove the USB drive after the first restart

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🛠️ Step 4: Post-Installation Setup

Initial Windows Setup

1. Region and keyboard selection
2. Connect to internet (Ethernet recommended for drivers)
3. Account setup:
   • Microsoft Account: Full cloud integration
   • Local Account: Better privacy (select "Sign-in options" → "Domain join instead")

Privacy and Security Settings

Recommended privacy settings:

• Disable location services (unless needed)
• Turn off advertising ID
• Disable app suggestions
• Turn off Cortana (if not needed)
• Minimize diagnostic data sharing

Essential Post-Install Tasks

1. Install Windows Updates:

   • Go to Settings → Windows Update
   • Install all available updates
   • Restart as needed

2. Install drivers:

   • Graphics drivers (NVIDIA/AMD)
   • Motherboard chipset drivers
   • Network drivers (if needed)

3. Install essential software:

   • Antivirus (Windows Defender is built-in)
   • Browser of choice
   • Essential productivity apps

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🔧 Troubleshooting Common Issues

TPM 2.0 Not Detected

• Check if TPM is enabled in BIOS (may be under Security → TPM or Advanced → PTT/fTPM)
• Update BIOS to latest version
• Some older systems may need a TPM module installed

Secure Boot Issues

• Ensure UEFI mode is enabled (not Legacy)
• Clear Secure Boot keys and restore defaults
• Update BIOS firmware

Installation Hangs or Fails

• Try different USB ports (USB 2.0 if USB 3.0 fails)
• Recreate bootable USB with different software
• Check RAM with memory diagnostic tools
• Disconnect unnecessary peripherals

Can't Create Local Account

• Disconnect from internet during setup
• Use Command Prompt bypass: OOBE\BYPASSNRO at account creation screen
• Skip network connection during initial setup

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📝 Additional Notes

• Backup important data before starting the installation
• Keep installation media for future repairs or reinstalls
• Document your product key and store it safely
• Create a recovery drive after installation is complete
• Consider creating a system image backup once everything is set up

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This guide is designed for clean installations. Always backup your data before proceeding with any OS installation.