Installation and Configuration

✅ 1. What is Installation and Configuration?

Term	Meaning
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.

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🚀 2. Windows Installation Process (Step-by-Step)

🖥️ A. Prepare for Installation

1. Backup Important Data (if reinstalling).

2. Prepare Bootable USB Drive:

   • Use tools like Rufus, Windows Media Creation Tool.

   • Download Windows ISO from Microsoft Official Website.

3. Check System Requirements for Windows version (e.g., Windows 11 needs TPM 2.0, Secure Boot).

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🔑 B. BIOS/UEFI Setup (Boot Order)

1. Restart PC.

2. Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing F2, F10, DEL, ESC at boot).

3. Set USB Drive as First Boot Device.

4. Save and Exit.

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💿 C. Boot and Install Windows

1. Insert USB/DVD and boot from it.

2. Choose Language, Time, Keyboard settings.

3. Click Install Now.

4. Enter Product Key (or click Skip/Do this later).

5. Choose Windows Edition (if applicable).

6. Accept License Terms.

7. Select Custom (Advanced) for clean installation.

8. 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.

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⚙️ 3. Windows Configuration (Post-Installation Setup)

🛡️ A. Initial Configuration

Task	Description
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.

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🛠️ B. Install Drivers & Updates

Action	Tool/Place
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).

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💼 C. Install Essential Software

Category	Examples
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.

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🔐 D. Configure Security and User Settings

Task	Description
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.

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🛜 4. Network Configuration

Task	Description
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.

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🧰 5. Useful Windows Configuration Tools

Tool	Purpose
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.

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✅ 6. Important Configuration Commands (CLI)

Command	Purpose
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.

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📅 7. Regular Maintenance After Installation

Task	Frequency
Check Windows Updates	Weekly.
Backup Important Files	Weekly/Monthly.
Run Disk Cleanup	Monthly.
Check Device Health	Monthly.
Update Drivers & Software	As needed.

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🎯 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

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🚀 Optional: Automated Windows Installation

• Use Windows Deployment Services (WDS) or SCCM for corporate bulk installation.

• Use Sysprep for creating Windows images.