Building Your First PC: Installing the Operating System

Installing the Operating System

With your PC assembled and powered on, the next step is to install the operating system (OS). This process involves setting up the software that will run on your hardware, enabling you to use your new PC for work, gaming, or other tasks. Windows is the most commonly used OS, but you might also consider Linux or another OS depending on your needs.

A. Creating a Bootable USB Drive

Before you can install an OS, you need a bootable USB drive containing the OS installation files. Here’s how to create one:

1. Download the OS Installation Media:

   • For Windows:

     • Go to the official Microsoft Windows download page (or the specific version you’re installing).

     • Download the Media Creation Tool.

   • For Linux (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora):

     • Visit the distribution’s official website and download the ISO file for the version you want to install.

2. Prepare a USB Drive:

   • You’ll need a USB drive with at least 8GB of space. Ensure there’s nothing important on it, as this process will erase all data on the drive.

3. Create the Bootable USB:

   • Using the Media Creation Tool for Windows:

     • Run the Media Creation Tool and follow the prompts to create installation media. Select “USB flash drive” when asked where to save the OS.

     • The tool will download the necessary files and create a bootable USB drive.

   • Using Rufus for Linux or Other OS:

     • Download and run Rufus, a popular tool for creating bootable USB drives.

     • Select the USB drive, then choose the ISO file you downloaded earlier.

     • Click “Start” to create the bootable USB drive.

B. Booting from USB and OS Installation

Once your bootable USB drive is ready, it’s time to install the operating system on your new PC.

1. Insert the USB Drive:

   • Plug the bootable USB drive into an available USB port on your PC.

2. Enter the BIOS/UEFI:

   • Power on your PC (or restart it if it’s already on) and immediately press the BIOS/UEFI entry key (usually Delete, F2, or F10).

   • Navigate to the Boot menu and set the USB drive as the first boot device. This tells the PC to boot from the USB drive instead of the internal storage.

3. Save and Exit the BIOS/UEFI:

   • Save your changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI. Your PC will restart and boot from the USB drive.

4. Start the OS Installation Process:

   • Windows: After booting from the USB, you’ll see the Windows setup screen. Select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method, then click “Next” and “Install Now.”

   • Linux: The process varies slightly depending on the distribution, but generally, you’ll be prompted to try or install the OS. Choose “Install” to proceed.

5. Enter the Product Key (Windows Only):

   • If you’re installing Windows, you’ll be prompted to enter your product key. If you don’t have one yet, you can skip this step and enter it later.

6. Choose the Installation Type:

   • Custom Installation: Choose this option if you’re installing the OS on a new drive or want more control over partitions.

   • Upgrade: Only select this if you’re upgrading from an older version of Windows and want to keep files and settings.

7. Select the Installation Drive:

   • Choose the drive where you want to install the OS. If you have multiple drives, ensure you select the correct one (typically, your fastest drive, like an NVMe SSD, for the OS).

   • If necessary, you can delete existing partitions and create new ones. Be aware that this will erase all data on the drive.

8. Begin Installation:

   • Click “Next” (or the equivalent) to begin the installation process. The OS will start copying files and installing features. This process may take some time, depending on your hardware.

9. Follow On-Screen Prompts:

   • During installation, you’ll be prompted to configure settings such as your region, keyboard layout, network preferences, and user accounts.

   • In Windows, you may be asked to set up or sign in with a Microsoft account, choose privacy settings, and set a PIN.

C. Installing Drivers and Updates

After the OS installation is complete, it’s crucial to install the necessary drivers and updates to ensure all your hardware functions correctly.

1. Connect to the Internet:

   • If your network adapter is recognized by the OS, connect to the internet via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

2. Install Motherboard Drivers:

   • Insert the driver disc that came with your motherboard, or download the latest drivers from the motherboard manufacturer’s website.

   • Install the chipset, audio, LAN, and any other relevant drivers.

3. Install GPU Drivers:

   • Visit the official website of your GPU’s manufacturer (NVIDIA or AMD) and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.

   • Install the drivers and restart your PC if prompted.

4. Install Additional Drivers:

   • Install any other necessary drivers for peripherals like printers, webcams, or specialized hardware.

5. Run Windows Update (Windows Only):

   • Open the Settings app, go to Update & Security, and click Check for updates. Install any available updates, including important security patches and optional updates.

6. Configure Automatic Updates:

   • Set up automatic updates to keep your system up to date with the latest patches and drivers.

D. Basic OS Configuration

After installing the OS and drivers, configure your system to suit your preferences.

1. Set Up User Accounts:

   • Create user accounts for yourself and any other users who will be using the PC. For Windows, you can choose between local accounts and Microsoft accounts.

2. Configure System Settings:

   • Display Settings: Adjust screen resolution, refresh rate, and scaling according to your monitor’s capabilities.

   • Power Settings: Configure power plans to balance performance and energy usage, especially if you’re using a laptop or want to save power.

   • Privacy Settings: Review and adjust privacy settings to control what data your OS collects and shares.

3. Install Essential Software:

   • Install web browsers, productivity software, security software, and any other essential applications you need for your daily tasks.

   • Consider using tools like Ninite

     for Windows to streamline the installation of multiple programs at once.

4. Set Up Backup Solutions:

   • Configure a backup solution to regularly back up your important data. This can include cloud storage services, external hard drives, or NAS devices.

5. Personalize Your Desktop:

   • Customize your desktop background, theme, and icons to make your workspace more comfortable and personalized.

6. Create a System Restore Point (Windows Only):

   • Once your system is fully set up and configured, create a system restore point. This allows you to revert to this state if something goes wrong in the future.

With the operating system installed, drivers updated, and basic configurations complete, your PC is ready for use. Whether you’re setting up a gaming rig, a workstation, or a general-purpose computer, following these steps ensures that your new build will run smoothly and efficiently. Enjoy your newly built PC!