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Computer Started Using the Windows Installation Media [Fix]
Delete a Registry key when you encounter the issue
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Recently, some of our readers complained of an error on their Windows PC which states that the computer started using theWindows installation media. This often occurs when you’re trying to install or reinstall the Operating system on your PC.
When you see this message, it means that the computer is attempting to boot from the Windows installation media rather than from itsinternal hard drive. In this article, we will take you through the causes and how to fix the error.
Why did the computer started using the Windows installation media?
From several users’ experiences, if your computer has started using the Windows installation media unexpectedly, it could be due to several reasons. Below are some of them:
The above are common reasons behind computer started using the Windows installation media. The next section will provide you with simplified steps on how to fix the issue.
What can I do if the computer started using the Windows installation media?
Try the following preliminary checks before using the advanced solutions provided for this error:
Having confirmed the above checks, the next section will take you through detailed steps on how to fix the computer that started using the Windows installation media error.
1. Delete a Registry key
If you’ve been getting the computer started using the Windows installation media error while trying to install Windows regularly, you can easily fix this problem by deleting theregistry key.
2. Format the external drive used for installation
This should fix the problem. However, if the issue persists after trying these methods, try to seek further assistance from a professional technician orMicrosoft support.
For further assistance, check out our detailed guide on what to do ifyou can’t install Windows on a USB flash drive using setup.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please use the comments section below.
More about the topics:Windows 11
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
