Helpdesk - 1.2 installation of Windows

In this lesson, Wissam Bennaceur walks through installing Windows from a bootable USB key, the most common method used in a helpdesk job. A bootable USB key is simply a flash drive that contains a Windows ISO image arranged in such a way that the computer can start (boot) from it and launch the Windows installer. You insert the key, change the boot order at startup, and the installer takes over instead of the existing operating system.

Preparing the USB key with Rufus

The tool used to write the ISO onto the key is Rufus, a small free utility that turns any USB stick into a bootable installer. You need a USB key of at least 5 GB (a 32 GB key is used in the demo), and you should know that the key will be reformatted, so move any important file off it first. The lesson opens a Google search, clicks the first result for the official Rufus website, downloads Rufus 3.10, and runs the installer.

Once Rufus is open, the key is plugged in, the device dropdown is set to the USB stick, and the source is set to Disk image (ISO) with the Windows ISO selected. The volume label is renamed (for example to boot), and clicking Start confirms the format warning and begins writing the image. When Rufus finishes, you close it, unplug and re-plug the key, then restart the computer.

At boot, you press the boot menu key (often F2, F12, Esc or Del depending on the manufacturer) and pick the entry labelled USB Hard Drive. The Windows installer launches: you click Install now, enter a product key (or click I don't have a product key), choose the edition such as Windows 10 Pro, accept the license, select Custom install, pick the target disk and continue. Windows then copies the files and reboots. The first-run setup follows: region (France in the demo), keyboard layout (AZERTY French), and the choice between personal or organization use; an organization account or local account is created, a password and a security question are set, and Cortana plus optional telemetry can be enabled. After a few more configuration screens, Windows finishes installing and the desktop appears, ready to use.

Summary

This lesson demonstrates how to install Windows using a bootable USB key created with Rufus, a free utility software. The instructor covers downloading Rufus, preparing a minimum 5GB USB drive, creating the bootable installation media from a Windows ISO file, and restarting the computer to boot from USB. The guide concludes with essential post-installation configuration including region selection, keyboard layout, user account creation with password, security questions, and optional feature enablement like Cortana.

Key points

  • Bootable USB Key Concept: A USB drive containing a Windows image allows installation on any computer by booting from it instead of traditional installation media
  • Rufus Software Process: Download Rufus, select your USB device and Windows ISO image, configure settings, and start the formatting and writing process
  • Boot Menu Access: Restart your computer and press F12 or F2 (varies by machine) to access the boot manager and select USB as the boot device
  • Windows Installation Steps: Follow the Windows installer prompts, accept the license agreement, select target disk, and let the system complete the installation
  • Post-Installation Configuration: Set region, keyboard layout, create user account with password, configure security questions, and decide on optional features based on personal or organizational use
  • USB Drive Requirements: Minimum 5GB capacity required; drive will be formatted during the process, so backup any existing data before starting

FAQ

What is a bootable USB key and why is it used for Windows installation?

A bootable USB key is a USB drive containing a Windows installation image that allows you to install Windows on any computer without needing a CD/DVD drive. When inserted and the computer is restarted, it provides an alternative boot option that launches the Windows installer directly from the USB drive.

What is Rufus and how do you use it to create a bootable Windows USB?

Rufus is a free utility software that writes a Windows ISO image file to a USB drive, making it bootable. You launch Rufus, select your USB device from the dropdown, choose your Windows ISO file, optionally configure the volume label, then click Start. The software formats the drive and copies the Windows installation files automatically.

What are the minimum requirements and preparation steps for creating a bootable Windows USB?

You need a USB drive with at least 5GB capacity. Before starting, ensure you have backed up any important data on the USB drive, as Rufus will format and erase it completely during the process. You also need the Windows ISO file downloaded on your computer.

What post-installation steps are required immediately after Windows installation completes?

After Windows restarts, you must configure the region (country), select the correct keyboard layout, create a user account with a password, answer security questions, and choose whether to enable features like Cortana based on whether it's a personal computer or organizational device.