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If you have bought a new PC without a preinstalled operating system, you cannot start the computer straight away. You need an operating system on another medium and have to make a few settings.
Starting a PC without an operating system with a CD
Computers without a preinstalled operating system are usually cheaper. However, you can’t just plug the computer into the mains and get started. The computer needs an operating system to be able to start.
- You can start the computer using an installation CD or a bootable USB stick.
- If you don’t have an installation CD for the desired operating system, a USB stick will suffice. Making a USB stick bootable with Linux or Windows is not difficult.
- Either insert the bootable USB stick or insert the installation disc into the drive and start the computer.
- You may then have to change the boot order in the BIOS. To do this, press the F2 key on the start screen. Another key, such as F8 or F10, may also open the BIOS. For other computers, you often need to press the DEL key.
- You will find the corresponding setting for the boot order in the BIOS under the “Boot” tab.
- Save the changes in the BIOS and exit the BIOS. The computer will then restart and this time start from the CD or USB stick.
- Modern computers no longer have a BIOS, but rather its successor, UEFI. UEFI differs from BIOS in several ways. To access the UEFI, restart your computer and press the F2, F8, F12 or Delete key during the boot process. You can find out exactly which key will take you to the UEFI in your motherboard’s user manual.
- In the UEFI menu, click on “Boot” or “Boot Order”. Change the boot order as required and click “Save & Exit”. The computer will restart, this time from the USB stick or CD – depending on which setting you have selected.
Install operating system
After you have gone through the above steps on your PC without an operating system, the installation routine should start.
- This means that the operating system is now being installed.
- The installation wizard will guide you through the necessary steps, which is a fairly simple process with easy-to-understand instructions. You will probably need a license key to install the operating system. If you have purchased the operating system physically, you will find the product key on a label on the packaging or on an enclosed card.
- You may need to format the hard disk for the installation and possibly also partition it. Note: If possible, back up important data from the hard disk beforehand. You can do this, for example, by connecting the hard disk to another computer as an external medium and downloading the data.
- The installation of the operating system can take some time. The computer will notify you when the process is complete and will then normally start up as usual.
