Installation and Configuration
✅ 1. What is Installation and Configuration?
Installation
The process of setting up Windows OS on a computer (from USB, DVD, ISO).
Configuration
Setting up system preferences, user accounts, network, security, and drivers after installation.
🚀 2. Windows Installation Process (Step-by-Step)
🖥️ A. Prepare for Installation
Backup Important Data (if reinstalling).
Prepare Bootable USB Drive:
Use tools like Rufus, Windows Media Creation Tool.
Download Windows ISO from Microsoft Official Website.
Check System Requirements for Windows version (e.g., Windows 11 needs TPM 2.0, Secure Boot).
🔑 B. BIOS/UEFI Setup (Boot Order)
Restart PC.
Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F10, DEL, ESC at boot).
Set USB Drive as First Boot Device.
Save and Exit.
💿 C. Boot and Install Windows
Insert USB/DVD and boot from it.
Choose Language, Time, Keyboard settings.
Click Install Now.
Enter Product Key (or click Skip/Do this later).
Choose Windows Edition (if applicable).
Accept License Terms.
Select Custom (Advanced) for clean installation.
Select Drive/Partition to install Windows:
Format partition (optional for clean install).
Create new partition if needed.
✅ Installation begins and PC will reboot automatically when done.
⚙️ 3. Windows Configuration (Post-Installation Setup)
🛡️ A. Initial Configuration
Create User Account
Set up local or Microsoft account.
Set Password and PIN
Secure user access.
Choose Privacy Settings
Location, diagnostic data, Cortana options.
Connect to Wi-Fi/Network
Internet access.
Set Time & Region
Accurate system time.
🛠️ B. Install Drivers & Updates
Install Device Drivers
Windows Update or manufacturer site.
Windows Updates
Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
Optional Driver Tools
Manufacturer tools (HP Support Assistant, Dell Command, Lenovo Vantage).
💼 C. Install Essential Software
Office Suite
Microsoft Office, LibreOffice.
Web Browsers
Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
Antivirus/Security
Windows Defender (built-in), Avast, Bitdefender.
PDF Readers
Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader.
Compression Tools
WinRAR, 7-Zip.
Communication
Teams, Zoom, Skype.
🔐 D. Configure Security and User Settings
Enable Windows Firewall
Protect against network threats.
Set Windows Defender/Antivirus
Enable real-time protection.
User Account Control (UAC)
Prevent unauthorized system changes.
Enable BitLocker (Optional)
Disk encryption for data protection.
🛜 4. Network Configuration
Connect to Wi-Fi
Setup internet access.
Set Static IP/DHCP
Via Network Settings.
Join Domain/Workgroup
For corporate environments.
Configure VPN (Optional)
Secure remote access.
Printer/Network Shares
Add printers and shared folders.
🧰 5. Useful Windows Configuration Tools
Control Panel
Traditional system settings.
Settings App
Modern configuration center.
Device Manager
Manage hardware/drivers.
Disk Management
Partition, format disks.
Task Manager
Manage processes, startup apps.
PowerShell/Command Prompt
Advanced configuration via command-line.
Windows Admin Tools
User management, group policy, event viewer.
✅ 6. Important Configuration Commands (CLI)
sfc /scannow
Check system file integrity.
chkdsk /f
Check disk for errors.
ipconfig /all
Check network configuration.
netsh wlan show profile
Show Wi-Fi profiles.
hostname
Show computer name.
shutdown /r /t 0
Restart PC immediately.
📅 7. Regular Maintenance After Installation
Check Windows Updates
Weekly.
Backup Important Files
Weekly/Monthly.
Run Disk Cleanup
Monthly.
Check Device Health
Monthly.
Update Drivers & Software
As needed.
🎯 8. Summary of Process
pgsqlCopyEditStep 1: Prepare Bootable USB/DVD
Step 2: Set BIOS/UEFI to boot from USB/DVD
Step 3: Install Windows (follow prompts)
Step 4: Set up User Account and Security
Step 5: Install Drivers and Updates
Step 6: Install Software and Tools
Step 7: Configure Network and Devices
Step 8: Secure System and Perform Maintenance🚀 Optional: Automated Windows Installation
Use Windows Deployment Services (WDS) or SCCM for corporate bulk installation.
Use Sysprep for creating Windows images.
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