Install Windows on UEFI: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps to seamlessly install Windows on your UEFI system, ensuring that you can take full advantage of its capabilities.

Whether you’re upgrading or starting fresh, our customer-centric approach offers clear, easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips to ensure a smooth installation process.

Here is a quick step guide to install Windows on your UEFI system:

• Create a bootable USB drive

• You’ll need to change boot priority to boot from the USB drive

• Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows

• Choose how you want your hard drive divided.

• The installation process will begin, copying files and configuring settingsc

However, it’s important to note that this is just an overview of steps. Therefore, we encourage you to read the blog further, as we have mentioned more methods with their detailed step-by-step instructions later in the article.

How to configure the system in UEFI mode before installing Windows ?

Configuring your system in UEFI mode before installing Windows involves several steps. Here’s a concise guide to help you through the process:

1. Access the BIOS/UEFI Firmware Settings

• Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup. This is usually done by pressing a specific key during startup (commonly F2, Delete, Esc, or F10). Check your motherboard’s manual for the exact key.

2. Enable UEFI Mode

• Once in the BIOS/UEFI settings, look for the Boot tab or section.

• Change the boot mode from Legacy or CSM (Compatibility Support Module) to UEFI. This option may be labeled differently depending on your motherboard.

3. Disable Secure Boot (if necessary)

• If you plan to install a non-Windows operating system or if you encounter issues, you may need to disable Secure Boot. This option is usually found in the Security or Boot tab.

4. Set the Boot Order

• Ensure that your UEFI bootable USB drive or installation media is set as the first boot device. This can typically be done in the Boot Order or Boot Priority section.

5. Save Changes and Exit

• After making the necessary changes, save your settings (usually by pressing F10) and exit the BIOS/UEFI setup.

6. Prepare the Installation Media

• Make sure you have a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation files prepared in UEFI mode. You can use tools like the Windows Media Creation Tool to create this.

7. Install Windows

• With the UEFI mode configured and the installation media ready, restart your computer. It should boot from the USB drive, allowing you to proceed with the Windows installation.

By following these steps, you’ll have your system configured in UEFI mode, ready for a smooth Windows installation.

Also Check: How to set Drive Letter for Flash Drive in Windows 11 ?

How to install Windows on your UEFI system ?

In this section, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing Windows on your UEFI system.

To begin with, we’ll cover everything from preparing your installation media to configuring your BIOS settings and completing the installation. Moreover, we’ll provide all the information you need to ensure a smooth and successful setup.

Whether you’re upgrading or starting fresh, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process with ease.

Understanding UEFI

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s briefly understand UEFI. UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is a modern replacement for the traditional BIOS.

Additionally, it offers faster boot times, improved security, and supports larger hard drives.  

Method 1: Clean Installation on a New System

This method is ideal for new computers or when you want a fresh start.

Steps:

Create a bootable USB drive:

Download the Windows installation media (ISO file) from Microsoft.  

Use a tool like Rufus or Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive.    

Creating a Bootable USB Drive Using Rufus:

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s learn how to create a bootable USB drive using Rufus. Rufus is a free, open-source utility for creating bootable USB drives. Follow the steps mentioned below.

• Insert your USB drive: First, plug your USB drive into your computer. Ensure its empty or you’re ready to lose its contents.

• Run Rufus: Next, double-click the Rufus executable to open the application.

• Select the USB drive: Then, in the “Device” section, select the correct USB drive from the dropdown menu.

• Select Boot Selection: After that, click the “SELECT” button next to the “Boot selectable image” option.

• Choose ISO file: Subsequently, navigate to the location of your Windows installation ISO file and select it.

• Choose Partition scheme and Target system: Following this, for UEFI systems, leave the default options (GPT partition scheme for UEFI computers and NTFS) as they are.

• Start the process: Now, click the “Start” button. Rufus will format the USB drive and copy the Windows installation files to it.

• Confirmation: Next, a warning will appear. Click “OK” to proceed.

• Completion: Finally, once the process is finished, your bootable USB drive is ready.

Access UEFI BIOS:

• To begin, restart your computer and press the designated key (usually Del, F2, or F10) to enter BIOS.  

• Then, navigate to the boot options and set the USB drive as the first boot priority.  

Start the Windows installation:

• First, save changes and exit BIOS. Your computer will boot from the USB drive.  

• Next, follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows.  

• Then, choose the appropriate partition or create a new one.

Complete the installation:

• Initially, Windows will install necessary files and drivers.

• Lastly, set up your account and preferences.

Also Check: How to access shared folder with account and password in Windows ?

Method 2: Upgrade from an existing operating system

If you already have an operating system and want to upgrade to Windows without losing data, follow these steps:

• Create a bootable USB drive: To start,follow the same steps as in method 1.

• Back up your data: Next, it is essential to back up your important data before proceeding.

• Boot from the USB drive: Then, similar to method 1, access the BIOS and set the USB drive as the first boot priority.

• Start the upgrade: After that, choose the “Upgrade” option during the installation.

• Follow the on-screen instructions: Finally, Windows will guide you through the upgrade process.

Method 3: Dual-boot Windows and another OS

If you want to keep your current OS and install Windows alongside it, follow these steps:

• Create a bootable USB drive: First, follow the same steps as in Method 1.

• Reduce the size of your existing partition: Next, use Disk Management or a partitioning tool to create unallocated space for Windows.

• Boot from the USB drive: Then, similar to Method 1, enter the BIOS and set the USB drive as the first boot priority.

• Begin the installation: After that, choose the unallocated space as the installation location.

• Complete the installation: Finally, Windows will be installed alongside your existing OS.

Can’t install Windows in UEFI mode/system: What to do ?

If you’re having trouble installing Windows on a UEFI system in UEFI mode, there are several common issues and solutions you can try. Here’s a guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem:

1. Check UEFI Settings

• Access BIOS/UEFI: First, restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, Delete, or Esc).

• Enable UEFI Mode: Next, ensure that the boot mode is set to UEFI and not Legacy or CSM.

• Disable Secure Boot: Finally, if you encounter issues, try disabling Secure Boot temporarily to see if it resolves the problem.

Also Check: How do I disable Snap All function in Fusion multiple displays ?

2. Create a Proper Bootable USB Drive

• Use the Right Tool: To begin, make sure you use the Windows Media Creation Tool or a similar tool that supports UEFI.

• Format the USB Drive: Then, the USB drive should be formatted as FAT32, as UEFI systems typically require this format for bootable media.

• Check Partition Scheme: Lastly, ensure the USB drive is partitioned using the GPT (GUID Partition Table) scheme, which is necessary for UEFI installations.

3. Check Installation Media

• Verify ISO File: First, ensure that the Windows ISO file is not corrupted. You can re-download it from the official Microsoft website.

• Use a Different USB Port: Additionally, sometimes, using a different USB port (preferably a USB 2.0 port) can help, especially on older systems.

4. Partitioning the Hard Drive

• Use GPT Partitioning: To start, if your hard drive is currently using MBR (Master Boot Record), you may need to convert it to GPT to successfully install Windows on a UEFI system. You can do this using the Diskpart tool:

• First, boot from the installation media.

• Next, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.

• Then, type diskpart and press Enter.

• After that, type list disk to see your drives.

• Subsequently, select your disk (e.g., select disk 0).

• Next, type clean (this will erase all data on the disk).

• Then, type convert gpt to convert the disk to GPT.

• Finally, exit Diskpart and continue with the installation.

5. Check for Hardware Compatibility

• UEFI Firmware Update: Firstly, ensure that your motherboard’s firmware is up to date. Check the manufacturer’s website for any available updates.

• Check Hardware Compatibility: Additionally, some older hardware may not fully support UEFI. Verify that your motherboard and CPU support UEFI.

6. Use Windows Recovery Environment

If you have previously attempted to install Windows on a UEFI system and it failed, you can use the Windows Recovery Environment to troubleshoot:

• First, boot from the installation media.

• Next, select Repair your computer.

• Then, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

• Finally, use commands like bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot, and bootrec /rebuildbcd to repair the boot configuration.

7. Try a Different Installation Method

• As a last resort, if you continue to face issues while trying to install Windows on a UEFI system, consider trying a different installation method, such as using a DVD instead of a USB drive, or vice versa.

Also Check: How to restore thumbnail cache in Windows 11 ?

Conclusion  

Installing Windows on a UEFI system may seem daunting at first, but with the right approach, it’s a straightforward process.

To begin with we’ve guided you through multiple methods, from clean installations to upgrades and dual-boot setups, ensuring you can choose the best option for your needs.

First and foremost, remember to properly configure your UEFI settings, create a bootable USB drive correctly, and then follow the step-by-step instructions for a smooth installation.

If you encounter any issues, however don’t worry – we’ve provided troubleshooting tips to help you overcome common obstacles. From checking hardware compatibility to using recovery tools, these solutions should help you resolve most problems.

Ultimately, by following this guide, you’ll be able to harness the full potential of your UEFI system with Windows installed.

Source: [ tenforums, fit-pc, windowscentral, microsoft ]

Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’s)