Installing Windows 10 to your Gaming PC

Updated August 29, 2024 11:53

Sometimes, Windows may have some errors that can’t be resolved within the operating system and would require a fresh installation of Windows. Prior to starting this process, if you have any files you deem important, please back up these files. A fresh install of Windows will cause the loss of all applications, personal data, and configuration files. NZXT is not responsible for any of your personal data, backing up your personal data is the responsibility of the user.

Firstly, you will need to create a bootable Windows 10 Install Drive. In order to do this, you will need the following:

Working internet connection
Windows PC
One 8GB or larger USB Flash Drive (USB 2.0 or better)

Making the bootable Windows 10 Drive is super easy, firstly, insert your flash drive into your Windows 10 PC. Next, please download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Then follow the on-screen prompts below to create the flash drive.

Once you have started the flash drive creation process, a Windows 10 Installer will be made on this flash drive that is bootable. After this is completed, please eject the flash drive within Windows and then move your flash drive to the PC you will be installing Windows onto.

Next, you will need to make sure your PC has been shut down fully. We will need to access the motherboard's boot override in order to run the Windows 10 Installer. As a reinstall shouldn't be done within Windows.

Here is some instruction on how to access the boot override over multiple motherboard manufacturers.

NZXT Motherboards: Press "Del" on your keyboard until the BIOS comes up. Go to Advanced > Exit > Then you will see the boot override section

ASUS Motherboards: Press "Del" on your keyboard until the BIOS comes up. Go to Boot > Then you will see the boot override section

ASRock Motherboards: Press "Del" on your keyboard until the BIOS comes up. Go to Advanced Menu > Exit > Then you will see the boot override section

MSI Motherboards: Press "Del" on your keyboard until the BIOS comes up. Go to Advanced > Settings > Save & Exit > Then you will see the boot override section

Once the boot override section is visible you will then need to click on your flash drive to force the PC to load up the Windows 10 Installer.

On "Windows Setup," click Next to begin the process.
Click the Install Now button.
Click the I don't have a product key if your PC didn't have a license key sticker on the back. If your PC does have a license key sticker on the back, take a picture of it and then type it into the box. PCs without a license key should auto-activate once Windows is set up.
Select the edition of Windows 10 (if applicable). This selection must match the edition of your product key activates.
Click the Next button.
Check the I accept the license terms to agree. Otherwise, you can't continue.
Click the Next button.
Click on the Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced) option.
Select the partition with the current installation of Windows if you have one storage device then that will be "Drive 0". If you have multiple storage devices, only one of your devices will have Windows on it. This will be indicated by one of the drives having a Primary, MSR (Reserved), and System partition under "Type". Once you have identified the Drive containing your previous operating system, you will need to select each partition and then press Delete.
Select the now empty drive you previously deleted.
Click the Next button.