Setting up a new Windows environment can be a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps. Whether you are installing Windows on a new machine or performing a clean installation on an existing one, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Examples:

Step 1: Prepare Installation Media

To begin, you need a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation files. You can create this using the Windows Media Creation Tool.

1. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
2. Run the tool and select "Create installation media for another PC."
3. Choose the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows.
4. Select USB flash drive as the media to use.
5. Follow the prompts to create the bootable USB drive.

Step 2: Boot from USB Drive

1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the computer.
2. Restart the computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing a key (usually F2, F12, DEL, or ESC) during the boot process.
3. Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
4. Save the changes and exit BIOS/UEFI settings. The computer should now boot from the USB drive.

Step 3: Install Windows

1. When prompted, select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click "Next."
2. Click "Install Now."
3. Enter your Windows product key if prompted, or choose "I don’t have a product key" to enter it later.
4. Accept the license terms and click "Next."
5. Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" for a clean installation.
6. Select the drive/partition where you want to install Windows. You can delete existing partitions to create a new one, but be aware that this will erase all data on the drive.
7. Click "Next" to start the installation process. The computer will restart several times during this process.

Step 4: Initial Setup

1. After installation, you will be prompted to customize your Windows settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your region, keyboard layout, and network.
2. Create a user account and set up a password.
3. Choose your privacy settings and other preferences.

Step 5: Install Drivers and Updates

1. Once you reach the Windows desktop, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to check for updates.
2. Install all available updates to ensure your system is up-to-date.
3. Install any necessary drivers for your hardware. You can usually download these from the manufacturer's website.

Step 6: Install Essential Software

1. Install your preferred web browser, office suite, and any other essential software.
2. Set up your antivirus software to protect your system.

Example Commands via CMD and PowerShell

Using Command Prompt to Check Disk Space:

dir

Using PowerShell to List Installed Drivers:

Get-WmiObject Win32_PnPSignedDriver | Select-Object DeviceName, DriverVersion, Manufacturer

Using Command Prompt to Check Network Configuration:

ipconfig /all