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How to Install Windows 11 on a HDD
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Installing Windows 11 on a solid-state drive (SSD) is no different than installing it on a hard-disk drive (HDD).
First, we should mention that SSDs are preferred over hard drives for installing operating systems because they are faster.
But, since you’ve made up your mind, we’ll walk you through theprocess of installing Windows 11on a hard drive.
The procedure is straightforward: first, download the Windows 11 ISO file and then use the Rufus application to create a bootable file that can be installed using a flash drive.
Before stepping into installing Windows 11 on HDD, let’s check out how long it takes to install it.
How long does it take to install Windows 11 on HDD?
To answer this question, it depends on a few factors, such as the HDD model and computer performance.
It goes without saying that if you have an older HDD, the time it takes to install Windows 11 will be longer compared to newer models with a higher RPM.
To give you an estimate of how long it will take to install Windows 11, it will take about 45 minutes.
When calculating the time it takes to download then install Windows 11, you should alsoconsider the internet speed. The download and installation of Windows normally take an hour and thirty minutes.
System requirements for installing Windows 11 on HDD
After checking your system requirements, it’s time to install the OS on your HDD. The first step is to download the Windows 11 ISO file.
How can I install Windows 11 on HDD?
1. Download Windows 11 ISO file
2. Create a bootable Windows 11
We mustmake the Windows 11 ISO file bootablein order to install Windows 11 using a flash drive. Rufus can be used for this purpose.
3. Change boot order
To install Windows 11 using a flash drive, you must first change the target computer’s boot option to removable devices.
4. Install Windows 11
The process is the same whether you are installing Windows 11 on a hard drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). So, if you’re wondering what the difference is, it’s actually their overall performance.
As a result, we recommend that you alwaysinstall operating systems on SSDsif it is possible for you to do so.
Make sure your computer meets the system requirements before installing Windows 11. If it doesn’t, you won’t be able to install the operating system.
Have you succesfuly completed the above procedure? Let us know in the comments area below.
More about the topics:Windows 11
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
