How to Do a Clean Install of Windows 11 and Activate with a License Key September 28 2025 , 5 min reading time
Learn how to perform a clean install of Windows 11 Pro or Home. EgeSysoft publishes a ''Step-by-step guide'' with USB setup, installation, and activation using a license key.
Doing a fresh installation of Windows 11 can help speed up your PC, fix system errors, or prepare a brand-new computer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step how to install Windows 11 from scratch, and then activate it with a valid license key .
✅ What You’ll Need
A computer with internet access
A USB stick (at least 8 GB)
A Windows 11 license key (you can purchase one [here – insert your shop link])
About 30–60 minutes of time
Step 1: Download the Windows 11 Installation Tool
Go to Microsoft’s official download page: Download Windows 11 .
Under “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” , click Download Now .
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Stick
Insert your USB stick into the PC.
Run the downloaded installation tool.
Choose Create installation media for another PC .
Select your preferred language, edition (Windows 11 Pro or Home), and architecture (64-bit).
Choose USB flash drive and follow the steps until the tool finishes.
Step 3: Boot from the USB Stick
Insert the USB stick into the computer where you want to install Windows.
Restart the PC and enter the boot menu (usually by pressing F2, F12, ESC, or DEL depending on your computer).
Select your USB stick as the boot device.
Step 4: Install Windows 11 (Clean Install)
When the Windows setup starts, choose your language, time, and keyboard layout. Click Next .
Select Install Now .
If you don’t yet have a product key, click I don’t have a product key (you’ll enter it later).
Choose Windows 11 Pro or Home , depending on your purchase.
Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) .
Delete all existing partitions if you want a completely fresh system, then choose the unallocated space and click Next .
Windows will now install automatically. Your computer may restart several times.
Step 5: Complete Setup
After installation, follow the on-screen instructions:
Choose region & keyboard
Connect to Wi-Fi
Sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one)
Adjust privacy & update settings
Once setup is done, you’ll land on your fresh Windows 11 desktop.
Step 6: Activate Windows with Your License Key
Click Start → Settings → System → Activation .
Under Activation state , click Change product key .
Enter your Windows 11 Pro or Home license key and click Next .
Windows will activate online.
🎉 Done!
You now have a fresh, fully activated installation of Windows 11.
👉 Need a license key? Get yours securely [HERE ] .
⚡ Pro Tip:
If you ever need to reinstall Windows in the future, your activation will remain linked to your Microsoft account and hardware.
Tags
Windows 11 Clean Install
Windows 11 Home USB
Windows 11 license key
Windows 11 Pro Usb
Windows usb stick