How to Install Windows on a New PC Without a CD Drive? [Easy Steps]

Installing Windows without a CD drive mainly relies on a USB installation media. Microsoft provides an official tool called the Media Creation Tool that allows users to download Windows and transfer it to a USB flash drive. This USB then acts like a portable installer.

A bootable USB drive allows the computer to start directly from the USB instead of the internal storage. Once the system boots from the USB drive, the Windows Setup program launches automatically and guides you through the installation process.

Before starting the installation, you should make sure you have the following:

A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage.
A stable internet connection to download Windows installation files.
Another working computer to create the bootable USB drive.
A Windows product key, if it is required.

Once these requirements are ready, you can begin installing Windows on your new PC without needing any optical drive.

This guide explains how to install Windows on a new PC without a CD drive using simple and easy steps.

Let’s do it!

Table of Contents

How to Install Windows on a New PC Without a CD Drive?

To install Windows on a new PC without a CD drive, create a bootable USB drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool, insert the USB into your computer, access the BIOS or UEFI boot menu, select the USB drive as the boot device, and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows on your system.

Let’s learn the steps in detail!

Step 1: Prepare a USB Flash Drive

The first step is to prepare a USB flash drive that will be used to store the Windows installation files. The USB drive must have at least 8 GB of free storage space. It is also important to ensure that the USB drive does not contain important files because the process will erase all existing data on the drive.

Insert the USB drive into a working computer. Make sure the system detects the USB drive properly before proceeding. This drive will later be converted into a bootable Windows installation media.

Preparing the USB drive is essential because it will act as the installation source for Windows when installing the operating system on your new PC.

Step 2: Download the Windows Media Creation Tool

Next, you need to download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website. This tool helps users download the latest version of Windows and automatically create a bootable USB installer.

Open a web browser on your working computer and search for the Windows Media Creation Tool download. Navigate to the official Microsoft download page and download the tool.

Once the file is downloaded, open the program and accept the Microsoft license terms to continue.

The Media Creation Tool simplifies the entire process by automatically downloading the Windows installation files and preparing the USB drive.

Step 3: Create a Bootable Windows USB Drive

After launching the Media Creation Tool, choose the option labeled Create installation media for another PC. This option allows you to create a bootable USB drive that can be used on your new computer.

The tool will ask you to select the language, Windows edition, and system architecture, such as 64-bit. Most modern computers use the 64-bit version of Windows.

After selecting the required options, choose USB Flash Drive as the installation media. The tool will detect the connected USB drive. Select your USB drive and continue.

The tool will now download Windows and copy the installation files to the USB drive. This process may take some time, depending on your internet speed.

Once the process is complete, you will have a fully bootable Windows USB installer.

Step 4: Insert the Bootable USB into the New PC

Now move to the new computer where you want to install Windows.

Insert the bootable USB drive into one of the computer’s USB ports. Make sure the system is turned off before proceeding to the next step.

This USB drive will now serve as the boot device that launches the Windows installation program.

Step 5: Access BIOS or UEFI Settings

The next step is to access the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings of the computer. These settings control how the computer starts and which device it boots from.

Turn on the computer and immediately press the BIOS access key repeatedly. Common keys include F2, F10, F12, Delete, or Esc, depending on the motherboard manufacturer.

Once inside the BIOS or UEFI interface, locate the Boot Menu or Boot Priority settings. This section allows you to choose which device the computer should start from.

Change the boot priority so that the USB drive is placed at the top of the list.

Save the changes and restart the computer.

Step 6: Boot the Computer from the USB drive.

After restarting the computer, the system will detect the bootable USB drive and load the Windows Setup screen.

You will see the Windows installation interface asking you to choose the language, time format, and keyboard layout. Select the appropriate settings and click Next.

Then click Install Now to begin the Windows installation process.

If prompted, enter your Windows product key. If you do not have it at the moment, you can choose the option to skip and activate Windows later.

Step 7: Select the Installation Type

During the installation process, Windows will ask you to choose the type of installation.

Select Custom Install Windows Only. This option is used when installing Windows on a new computer or new storage drive.

The setup will display the available storage drives connected to your computer.

Choose the primary drive or SSD where you want to install Windows. If the drive is new, you can create a new partition and allow Windows to format it automatically.

After selecting the drive, click Next to continue.

Step 8: Complete the Windows Installation

Windows will now begin copying files from the USB drive to the system storage. During this stage, the computer may restart several times automatically.

Do not remove the USB drive until the installation process is complete.

After the files are copied and installed, Windows will start the initial setup process. You will be asked to configure settings such as:

User account name
Password
Region
Keyboard layout
Privacy settings
Internet connection

Once these settings are configured, Windows will finish preparing the system.

Step 9: Remove the USB Drive and Start Windows

When the installation is complete, remove the USB flash drive from the computer.

The system will now boot directly into the Windows desktop from the installed storage drive.

At this point, your new PC is ready to use. You can begin installing drivers, software programs, and system updates.

FAQs

Can I install Windows without a USB drive?

Installing Windows usually requires some form of installation media. If your PC does not have a CD drive, a USB flash drive is the most common method. Without a USB or disc, installation becomes much more difficult.

How large should the USB drive be for installing Windows?

A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage is recommended for creating a Windows installation media.

Do I need internet during Windows installation?

An internet connection is required to download Windows and create the bootable USB drive. However, the actual installation process can be completed offline.

Can I install Windows on a new PC without an operating system?

Yes. A new computer can install Windows directly from a bootable USB installer, even if no operating system is currently installed.

What happens if my PC does not boot from USB?

If your PC does not boot from the USB drive, you should check the BIOS boot order settings and ensure that the USB drive is set as the primary boot device.