This article is a step-by-step guide for reinstalling Windows 11 using a USB drive. It’s a detailed technical guide that walks a user through resetting a PC by doing a clean Windows 11 installation from a USB stick.

It explains how to:

• Create a bootable USB installer with Windows 11
• Configure a computer to boot from the USB (via BIOS settings)
• Erase the existing system and perform a clean Windows installation
• Complete the initial setup while avoiding common issues (like internet connection requirements)

Steps to Complete USB Windows Installation

1. First, acquire a blank/new USB flash drive that is at least 8GB in size. You can get these locally or online, and any brand will work. The speed rating does not matter.
   
   
    
2. Insert the USB drive into any PC (it does not have to be the PC you are resetting yet) and go to this website: Microsoft Download Windows 11
3. Scroll halfway down to “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” and click the button to download the tool that will create a bootable Windows USB for you.
   
   
    
4. Clicking that button will download a “MediaCreationTool.exe” file to your Downloads folder in Windows. Locate the file and run it.
5. A license agreement screen will appear. Click Accept.
   
   
    
6. The next screen will show some options that you should not change. Click Next.
   
   
    
7. On the next screen, select the destination. Leave USB selected and click Next.
   
   
    
8. Select the USB drive you want to use. This will likely show only one option, but make sure it is the correct drive. Click Next.
   
   
    
9. The tool will begin downloading the Windows 11 installation files. This may take a few minutes.
   
   
    
10. It will then start writing the Windows 11 bootable installer to the USB drive. This may take a minute or so.
    
    
     
11. Once complete, click Finish.
    
    
     
12. Open File Explorer, locate your USB drive (likely the D: drive), right-click it, and select Eject. You can then remove the USB drive.
    
    
     
13. Insert the USB drive into the PC you want to reset. Now comes the important step: you need to boot the PC from the USB drive instead of the existing Windows installation on the C: drive.
    • Some PCs will automatically boot from a USB drive when it is inserted. Others require manual configuration.
    • As the PC starts, you need to enter the BIOS. The BIOS is the system that loads before Windows and controls hardware settings.
14. Accessing the BIOS varies by PC. Commonly, you press the Delete key or an F-key repeatedly during startup.
    • Once in the BIOS, locate the Boot Order settings and configure the USB drive as the first boot device. This will allow the system to boot from the USB and start the Windows installation.
15. After booting from the USB, the Windows installer will load and display the initial setup screen. Click Next.
    
    
     
16. Leave the keyboard input set to US and click Next.
    
    
     
17. Leave the settings as they are and click Next.
    
    
     
18. Accept the license agreement.
    
    
     
19. Next, you need to erase the current contents of your C: drive.
    • “Disk 0” is usually the main drive. When the screen appears, you will likely see multiple entries labeled “Disk 0 Partition.”
    • Delete all entries labeled “Disk 0 Partition.” If you see “Unallocated Space,” do not delete it.
    • In the end, you should only see “Disk 0 Unallocated Space.” Select it and click Next.
      
      
       
20. It’s now saying it’s ready to install Windows 11, just click Install
    
    
     
21. Windows will begin installing. This process may take several minutes.
    
    
     
22. Once installation is complete, you will see additional setup screens.
    
    
     
    • Important:
      • Do NOT select your region yet
      • If using an Ethernet connection, disconnect the cable
23. Press SHIFT + F10 (or SHIFT + Fn + F10 on some keyboards). A command prompt window will appear. Remove the USB drive from the PC.
    
    
     
24. In the command prompt, type: oobe\bypassnro
    Then press Enter. The system will restart.
    • The oobe\bypassnro command in Windows 11 disables the forced internet connection and Microsoft Account requirement during the initial setup (Out-of-Box Experience). 
    • It allows you to create a local, offline user account by enabling an "I don't have internet" option in the network menu.
25. After restarting, you will return to the setup screen. This time, you can select your region.
    
    
     
26. Select your keyboard layout (most users should keep it set to US) and click Yes.
    
    
     
27. Skip adding a second keyboard layout.
28. Next it’s going to show you the Wireless connection screen. You DON’T want to 
    connect to any wireless screen at this time, just click the “I don’t have internet” 
    option at the bottom.
    
    
     
29. Enter a Windows username. This is not related to Trackman.
    
    
     
30. When prompted for a password, it is recommended to leave it blank and click Next. This avoids potential lockout issues. 
    This password is only used to log in to Windows and is not related to Trackman. If you forget this password, Trackman will not be able to reset it, and you would need to reinstall Windows. It is therefore recommended to leave this blank.
    
    
     
31. Review the privacy settings. These are optional, and you can turn them off if preferred.
    Windows will complete setup and display the desktop. You can now reconnect the Ethernet cable.
    
    
     
32. Once you reach the desktop, Trackman can assist with updating Windows, installing the latest graphics drivers, and setting up TPS.