How to Install Windows 10 OEM on a New PC

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you're building a new PC or switching to Windows from Linux, buying an OEM version of Windows 10 is a great way to get a full copy of Windows at a reasonable price. As long as you have your OEM product key and Windows 10 installation media, the installation is simple. If your OEM license didn't come with software (or if the new PC doesn't have a DVD drive), you can easily create bootable installation media that will work on any PC. This wikiHow article will teach you how to install Windows 10 with an OEM license on a brand new or formatted PC.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Before You Begin

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you buy the OEM version of Windows 10, you're buying a special license (product key) for one computer only. These keys are intended for PC manufacturers to install on brand new computers before selling. Once you use the key on the new PC, you won't be able to use it again on another PC. [1]
    • If you've already used this key to install Windows on another computer, you won't be able to transfer it to your new computer.
  2. When it's time to activate Windows, you'll be asked to enter a product or license key. This 25-digit key will be in the packaging that came with your license and/or software, typically on a card. [2]
    • If you bought the OEM license online and didn't get anything mailed to you, check the receipt for your key.
    • After installing Windows and logging in with your Microsoft account, the product key will be linked to your Microsoft account. This means that if you ever have to reinstall Windows on this particular PC, you won't need to re-enter the key.
    3. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Creating Installation Media

PDF download Download Article
  1. If your OEM license came with a Windows 10 installation DVD and the new PC has a DVD drive, you can skip this and just use that to install Windows. If not, you'll want to create an install drive (USB flash drive) or bootable DVD using another computer. [3]
    • If you want to use a USB flash drive, make sure it can hold at least 8 GB of data. [4]
    • Alternatively, you can create a DVD with any blank DVD.
  2. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 . This is the Windows 10 download page.
  3. If the download doesn't start automatically, click Save or OK to start it now. [5]
  4. It's the one called MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe in your Downloads folder.
    • The xxxx will be a version number, not X's.
  6. Choose 32-bit for a 32-bit PC (less common these days) and 64-bit for a 64-bit PC.
  7. For example, if you have a Windows 10 Pro OEM license, choose that operating system. Make sure you don't choose the wrong operating system version, as your OEM license key won't work.
  8. Select USB flash drive to create a bootable flash drive, or ISO file to create a bootable image you can burn to DVD.
  9. 9
    Follow the on-screen instructions to create your media. If you're creating a flash drive, insert the drive and follow the prompts to create a bootable drive. If you're creating a DVD, insert the DVD and select Open DVD burner when prompted to create your disc.
    10. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Installing Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. Insert either the USB flash drive or DVD containing the operating system now. [6]
  2. If your BIOS is configured so that the PC will boot from removable media, the PC should instantly boot into the Windows installer (or ask you to press a key to start it). [7]
    • If you get an error, you'll need to change the boot order in the BIOS. The steps to enter the BIOS vary depending on the motherboard, but you'll usually need to press a key like ESC, F2, F8, F10, or Del right after restarting to get there. Depending on the computer, you may see which key you need to press next to "Enter Setup" as soon as the PC comes up.
    • Once you're in the BIOS, find the "boot order" or "boot" section and rearrange the options so your media type (USB or DVD/optical) is first in the boot order. Save your changes and reboot.
  4. When prompted, type the 25-character product activation key that came with your OEM license packaging.
  5. This installs Windows on the PC. When the installation is complete, the PC will reboot and you'll be prompted to set up Windows. [8]
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Change the Screen Brightness in Windows 10: A Quick Guide
      Turn Off Microsoft Defender in Windows 10: Temporarily or Permanently
      How to
      Recover Permanently Deleted Files in Windows 10
      How to
      Show Image Previews in Windows 10 & 11
      A Guide to Checking if Your Firewall Is Blocking Something
      How to
      Install Windows 10
      How to
      Use Function Keys Without Pressing Fn on Windows 10
      4 Easy Ways to Turn Off Automatic Updates in Windows 10
      How to
      Completely Uninstall the Riot Games Client & Vanguard
      How to
      Set Video As Wallpaper in Windows 10
      How to
      Adjust Brightness on Windows 10 Using the Keyboard
      Easy Ways to Open Task Scheduler in Windows 10 & 11: Run, CMD, and More
      How to
      Screenshot in Windows 10
      How to
      Test Your Laptop’s Battery Health in Windows 10
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.pcworld.com/article/397575/how-to-get-windows-cheap-or-even-for-free.html
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/find-your-windows-product-key-aaa2bf69-7b2b-9f13-f581-a806abf0a886
      3. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d
      4. ↑ https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
      5. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d
      6. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/install-windows-from-a-usb-flash-drive?view=windows-10
      7. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/install-windows-from-a-usb-flash-drive?view=windows-10
      8. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/install-windows-from-a-usb-flash-drive?view=windows-10

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Buy an OEM license and locate your key.
      2. Create a bootable Windows 10 install flash drive or DVD.
      3. Insert the bootable drive or disc into the new PC and boot from it.
      4. Choose your preferences.
      5. Enter the product key when prompted.
      6. Click Install Windows .

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 51,135 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement