How to Install Windows 11 on an ASUS Laptop

Introduction

Installing a new operating system can feel like jumping into the deep end without knowing how to swim, but it’s much easier than it seems. Windows 11 brings a fresh look and enhanced performance to your ASUS laptop, and with this guide, you’ll be able to navigate the process like a pro. Whether you’re upgrading from Windows 10 or starting fresh, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get Windows 11 up and running on your ASUS laptop.

Pre-Installation Preparation

Before diving into the installation, there are a few crucial steps to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Check System Requirements

Windows 11 has specific system requirements that your ASUS laptop must meet. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC).
• RAM: 4 GB or more.
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
• Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x.
• Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p).

To check if your laptop meets these requirements, you can use the PC Health Check Tool provided by Microsoft.

Backup Your Data

Before making any major changes to your system, it’s always wise to back up your data. This ensures that you don’t lose any important files during the installation process. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage, or both for maximum security.

Create a Windows 11 Installation Media

You’ll need a Windows 11 installation media to perform the installation. This is typically done using a USB drive. Here’s how you can create one:

Downloading Windows 11

You have a couple of options for downloading Windows 11.

Using the Microsoft Website

1. Go to the Microsoft Windows 11 download page.

2. Click on Download now under the “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” section.

3. Follow the prompts to download the Media Creation Tool.

Windows Update Option

If your laptop is eligible for the upgrade, you might see a Windows 11 upgrade option in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

Once you have the installation media, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive.

Using the Windows Media Creation Tool

1. Open the Media Creation Tool and accept the license terms.

2. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next.

3. Choose USB flash drive and select Next.

4. Insert your USB drive and follow the prompts to create the bootable drive.

Alternative Methods

If you prefer, you can use third-party tools like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive. Just download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft and use Rufus to write the ISO to your USB drive.

BIOS/UEFI Settings

Before installing Windows 11, you may need to adjust your laptop’s BIOS/UEFI settings.

Accessing BIOS/UEFI

1. Restart your laptop.

2. During startup, press the key to enter BIOS/UEFI settings. This is usually F2, F10, or Delete.

3. Navigate to the boot menu.

Adjusting Boot Order

1. In BIOS/UEFI, find the Boot Order settings.

2. Set your USB drive as the first boot device.

3. Save changes and exit BIOS/UEFI.

Installing Windows 11

With your bootable USB drive ready and BIOS/UEFI set up, you’re ready to install Windows 11.

Starting the Installation Process

1. Insert the USB drive into your ASUS laptop and restart.

2. Your laptop should boot from the USB drive, and you’ll see the Windows Setup screen.

Following the Installation Wizard

1. Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click Next.

2. Click Install now.

3. Choosing Installation Type

You’ll be prompted to choose between Upgrade or Custom installation. Choose Custom if you’re doing a clean install.

Post-Installation Setup

After Windows 11 is installed, you’ll need to go through some setup steps.

Setting Up User Accounts

1. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your user account.

2. You can choose to sign in with a Microsoft account or create a local account.

Installing Drivers and Updates

1. Once logged in, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.

2. Install any available updates, including drivers for your hardware.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

During or after installation, you might encounter some issues.

Installation Errors

If you face errors during installation, make sure your USB drive is properly created and try reinstalling. Check online forums for specific error codes if the problem persists.

Driver Issues

If some hardware isn’t working correctly, visit ASUS’s support website to download the latest drivers for your laptop.

How to create a Windows 11 bootable USB?

Since Windows 11 won’t support the “Windows to Go” function, no matter what reason that makes you need a Windows 11 to Go USB, how to create a Windows 11 bootable USB will be the problem you may think about more than once.

Don’t worry, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional will solve this issue for you. This powerful third-party software has a “Windows To Go Creator” function which is specifically devised for making a bootable device to help users enjoy their OS wherever they go. You can integrate your beautiful life into your PC.

Step 1. Insert the USB in and wait for your computer to detect it. If it failed, you can check solutions here.

Step 2. Install and run AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. On the top toolbar, click "Tools" > "Windows To Go Creator".

Step 3. Choose “Create Windows To Go” for personal computer and click “Next”.

Step 4. Choose the suitable option "Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO" or “Create Windows To Go with the current system”. If Windows 11 ISO file isn’t detected automatically, click the folder icon to select manually. Then, click “Next”.

Step 5. Select a USB drive as target and click “Proceed”

Step 6. You’ll receive the message that all data on this USB drive will be erased. Click “Yes” to continue.

After that, you can disconnect the USB, and try to boot it on another PC.

Note: If you choose “Create Windows To Go with the current system”, there will be 2 more steps after steps 3 and 4.

1. After you choose the creating way, you’ll see current system info.

2. After you selected a USB, the program will restart into the Windows PE environment to create Windows To Go. Wait until the progress reaches 100%.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 11 on your ASUS laptop can seem like a big task, but with this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to handle it. By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth installation process and get to enjoy all the benefits of Windows 11. Remember to keep your system updated and backed up to maintain its performance and security.

FAQs

Can I install Windows 11 on an older ASUS laptop?

It depends on your laptop’s specifications. Check the system requirements and use the PC Health Check Tool to see if your device is compatible.

Do I need to back up my files before installing Windows 11?

Yes, backing up your files is recommended to prevent data loss during the installation process.

How long does the installation of Windows 11 take?

The installation time can vary, but it typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour.

What if my laptop doesn’t recognize the USB drive?

Ensure the USB drive is properly created and try different USB ports. You may also need to check BIOS/UEFI settings.

Can I revert to Windows 10 after installing Windows 11?

Yes, you can revert to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading. After that, you may need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10.