• 6 hours
  • Easy

Free online content available in this course.

course.header.alt.is_video

course.header.alt.is_certifying

Got it!

Last updated on 5/12/22

Install Windows 10

Launch the Installation

In this chapter, you will learn how to install and configure Windows 10. You will also create a Microsoft account and take full advantage of their services.

Now, let’s walk through the first steps of setting up Windows 10 in this video.

Once you insert the media into the computer, Windows 10 automatically launches the installation. The same is true if you bought a PC will a pre-installed license. You don't need to worry about the license if you need to re-install Windows on a computer.

When getting set up, choose the language for the operating system, the time format, and the keyboard method.

Let's look at the default installation steps, mainly the licensing:

Language choice for Windows 10
Language choice for Windows 10

Then click on Install now.

Starting the installation
Starting the installation

Enter the product key or click on “I don’t have a product key.” The key is sent to you when you download Windows (as discussed in chapter 1). If you bought a computer with Windows pre-installed, you don’t need the key as it’s saved in the computer’s motherboard. 

Activating Windows 10 with a product key
Activating Windows 10 with a product key

Choose which edition you want to install.

Choosing your edition of Windows 10
Choosing your edition of Windows 10

You can now install Windows 10.

Windows 10 being installed
Windows 10 being installed

Windows will ask you to create a Microsoft account so that you can sign in. If you don’t already have one, click Create account.

Configure Your Settings

Good work! Now that the correct version of the OS is installed, let's focus on the settings you can configure on your device - an essential part of any Windows 10 installation.

To start, log in using an existing Microsoft account. If you don’t already have one, create one now. You can also sign in with a security key.

Creating a Microsoft account
Creating a Microsoft account

Next, create a four-digit PIN code to sign in on your computer.  

Setting up your PIN
Setting up your PIN

If you let Microsoft use your location, Cortana, Microsoft's virtual assistant, will send you location-based experiences such as the weather forecast for your current location.

Let Microsoft use your location
Let Microsoft use your location

If you choose "Yes" on the Find my device page, it activates a security feature to help you find your computer if you lose it.

Find my device
Find my device

Diagnostic data allows Microsoft to check how you are using Windows. If you select Basic, you will only send Microsoft hardware data and no personal data. Select Full if you want to share more data that is specific to your experience using Windows 10. It allows Microsoft to receive information about the websites you browse.

Send diagnostic data to Microsoft
Send diagnostic data to Microsoft

If you select Yes, then Microsoft will send you tips, often via Microsoft Store, based on how you use your computer. If you do not wish to receive such tips, then click No.

Get tailored experiences from Microsoft
Get tailored experiences from Microsoft

Finally, you must decide if you wish to receive more personalized advertising or not.

To receive more personalized advertising
To receive more personalized advertising

There you go, you have installed Windows 10. You also now have a Microsoft account, which allows you to download applications from the Microsoft Store.

Let's Recap!

  • Once you have inserted the media, the installation process for Windows 10 will start automatically once the computer is turned on.

  • You must enter the product key to continue the installation . If you don't have one, select "I don't have product key", which will give 30 days to acquire one.  

  • You will have access to a list of every edition of Windows 10, so make sure you select the correct edition to install.

  • You must create a Microsoft account to use Microsoft and its features.

  • To sign in on your device, and only on this specific device, you can create a PIN code.

  • Unlike the PIN code, your Microsoft account password allows you to sign in to your account on various devices.

In the next chapter, you will learn how to configure your computer’s network card in Windows 10 so that it can communicate with the company’s other devices.

Ever considered an OpenClassrooms diploma?
  • Up to 100% of your training program funded
  • Flexible start date
  • Career-focused projects
  • Individual mentoring
Find the training program and funding option that suits you best
Example of certificate of achievement
Example of certificate of achievement