This wikiHow teaches you how to install an operating system on a new computer. If using Windows, you can install the operating system by inserting the installation CD/USB, then starting the computer from the CD/USB. If you buy a new Mac computer, the operating system is usually installed, but if the Mac drive was freshly formatted, you can reinstall the Mac's default operating system using Internet Recovery.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Windows Computer
Step 1. Insert the installation chip or drive
To install the operating system on a new Windows computer, you must insert the disc or USB drive containing the installation files. If you don't already have the operating system installation files, download them from the following link, depending on the version of Windows you want to install:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
Step 2. Restart the computer
Press and hold the power button on the computer until the computer turns off, then wait a moment and press the power button again to turn it on.
Step 3. Wait for the first computer home screen to appear
Once the home screen appears, you have a little time to press the settings button.
It is recommended that you press the setup button when the computer starts up
Step 4. Press and hold Del or F2 to enter the computer BIOS page.
The key to access the BIOS on your computer may be different -- press the appropriate key. After pressing the button, the BIOS settings will appear. In this setting, you can choose to start the computer with the installation drive or chip.
- Generally, you can access the BIOS by pressing the "F" key at the top of the keyboard. You may have to find and hold down the Fn key while pressing the appropriate "F" key.
- You can also look for buttons to press in the manual or computer support pages.
Step 5. Find the Boot Order setting
These settings are generally located on the main BIOS page. You may need to use the arrow keys to access the "Boot" or "Advanced" tab.
The location of the "Boot Order" option varies, depending on the type of computer. If you don't find the "Boot Order" page, consult your computer manual, or search the internet for your computer type to find a guide for that type of computer
Step 6. Select the device used to start the computer
You can start your computer from an internal or external drive, such as a flash drive.
Internal drives generally have the label CD-ROM Drive, while the external drive has the label Removable Devices.
Step 7. Move the drive of your choice to the top of the options
Generally, you can move the drive priority by pressing the button +, until the selected drive becomes the top option in the "Boot Order" list.
Check which key to press to move the drive in the list which is generally at the left or bottom of the BIOS page
Step 8. Save the settings, then close the BIOS
Generally, you can press a certain key to save the settings and close the BIOS. Press the button.
You may need to confirm the action by pressing Enter after selecting an option Yes.
Step 9. Restart the computer
After setting up the BIOS, the computer will start from the drive of your choice, and the operating system installation will begin.
Step 10. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the operating system
The stages of installation of each type of operating system are different.
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Restart your Mac
Press and hold the power button on the computer until the computer turns off, then wait a moment and press the power button again to turn it on.
- If your Mac has been turned off, press the power button to turn it on.
- To follow these steps, your Mac must be connected to the internet.
Step 2. Hold down Command. key, Options, and R simultaneously before the Mac start sound is heard.
Step 3. Release the buttons once you see the globe icon and the caption "Starting Internet Recovery. This will take a while".
Before continuing with the process, you may be asked to select a wireless network and enter a password
Step 4. Wait for the Mac operating system to download
The operating system download process can take up to several hours, depending on the size of the operating system and internet speed.
Your Mac will download its default operating system. For example, if your Mac includes OS X Yosemite as the default system, OS X Yosemite will be downloaded and installed
Step 5. Select the installation location
On the operating system page, select your Mac's drive, which is the gray icon in the middle of the page.
Step 6. Click the Install button at the bottom right of the page
Step 7. Wait until the operating system installation process is complete
The installation process may take up to several hours, including the type of Mac and the operating system to be installed. Once the installation is complete, your Mac will start with the new operating system.
