📅 March 24, 2025

How To

Alex Ruben

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Revive Your Old PC: A Comprehensive Guide to Installing Windows 11 Using CMD

Are you considering throwing away your old PC? Think again! You can breathe new life into it by installing Windows 11, even if your machine is unsupported. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step through the process of using the Windows Media Creation Tool and Command Prompt (CMD) to install Windows 11. By following these steps, you will not only save money but also gain access to the latest features and updates that Windows 11 has to offer.

Before you begin, make sure you have the following prepared:

• Windows 11 Installation Media: Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
• USB Drive: A USB drive of at least 8 GB, preferably formatted and empty.
• Backup Data: Ensure that all important data on your old PC is backed up, as the installation process will erase everything.

Create a Windows 11 Installation USB

The first step in reviving your old PC is to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 11. To do this, follow these instructions:

1. Visit the official Microsoft Windows 11 Download Page and download the Media Creation Tool.
2. Run the tool and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive with Windows 11.

Boot From the USB Drive

Once your USB drive is ready, you need to boot your old PC from it:

1. Restart your PC and press the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, or Esc) to open the boot menu.
2. Select the USB drive from the list of boot devices and hit Enter.

Access the Command Prompt

After booting from the USB, you will need to access the Command Prompt:

1. At the Windows Setup screen, press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.

Create the Necessary Partitions

In this step, you will create the required partitions for the installation:

1. In the Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

• diskpart – Launches the Disk Partition tool.
• create partition efi size=500 – Creates an EFI partition.
• format fs=fat32 quick – Formats the partition as FAT32.
• assign letter=m – Assigns the letter ‘M’ to the EFI partition.
• create partition primary – Creates the primary partition.
• format quick – Formats the primary partition quickly.
• assign letter=o – Assigns the letter ‘O’ to the primary partition.

Identify the USB Drive Letter

You need to find out the letter assigned to your USB drive:

1. Type list disk to see all connected drives.
2. Note the letter assigned to your USB drive, which you will use in the next steps.
3. Type exit to leave Diskpart.

Copy Windows Files to the USB Drive

Now, you will navigate to the USB drive and copy the necessary installation files:

1. Type o: (or whatever letter you noted for your USB drive) and press Enter.
2. Type CD sources to navigate to the sources folder.
3. Check the Windows version by typing dir and ensure you see the installation files.
4. Choose the version of Windows you want to install (for example, for Windows 11 Pro, type index 6).
5. Install Windows by typing the command and pressing Enter.

Finalizing the Installation

After the files have been copied, remove the USB drive and restart your PC:

1. If prompted for an internet connection, press Shift + F10 again to access CMD.
2. Type OB /bypass NRO and press Enter to proceed without an internet connection.
3. Set up a local account without internet access when prompted.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows 11 on your old PC.

Extra Tips & Common Issues

To ensure a smooth installation process, keep these tips in mind:

• Always back up important data before starting the installation as the process will erase everything on your old PC.
• Make sure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, even if it is unsupported.
• If you encounter issues during installation, double-check your USB drive for proper formatting and file integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Windows 11 on any old PC?

While you can install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, it may not perform as well as on a machine that meets the official requirements.

What if I encounter errors during installation?

Common errors can often be resolved by ensuring your USB drive is correctly formatted and contains all necessary files. If problems persist, consider using a different USB drive or checking for hardware issues.

Is it safe to bypass the internet connection?

Yes, setting up a local account without an internet connection is safe, and it can help you avoid potential issues during installation.

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