[From Reddit /r/desktops](https://www.reddit.com/r/desktops/comments/1njtj28/this_is_how_i_install_windows_in_2025/)

I had to recently reinstall windows on multiple machines, and found myself writing a comprehensive guide. Fell free to add your tweaks ;)

1. **Download UniGetUI** to inspect installed software and save to package useful ones (will be useful for reinstall)

2. **(Optional) Use Windows Disk Management** to create a new disk partition `D: Data`, move data there, so that it doesn't get cleaned.

3. **Download official Windows 11**, use Windows 11 Installation Media for USB - [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11)

4. **This step will auto select Windows 11 Pro version**. On the USB’s root, create a file sources\ei.cfg (plain text). Put this content in it:

[EditionID]
Professional

[Channel]
Retail

[VL]
0

5. **When installing windows, it offers an option to select disk partition** where windows should be installed. Delete all paritions (except data disk in step 2), so that all space is unallocated. Select this unallocated partition as installation target.

6. **(Optional) If stuck on screen "Oops, you' ve lost internet connection".** On this screen or on country selection screen:

> Open cmd with Shift + F10 and type `OOBE\BYPASSNRO.`

> Your computer will restart and now you will have the "I don't have Internet" option.

7. **After windows installation, permanently activate Windows 11 and Microsoft Office 365:(**[**https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts**](https://github.com/massgravel/Microsoft-Activation-Scripts)**)**

> a. Open PowerShell as administrator and enter: `irm` [`https://get.activated.win`](https://get.activated.win) `| iex`

> b. Select `[1] HWID` - for windows activation. Follow activation steps.

> c. Select `[2] Ohook` - for Office download and activation. Then Press `[3] Download Office` - and follow hearts on the website to download Office 365. After installation, press `[1] Install Ohook Office Activation`.

8. **Debloat Windows 11 and set optimal configurations: (**[**https://github.com/Raphire/Win11Debloat**](https://github.com/Raphire/Win11Debloat)**)**

> a. Open PowerShell as administrator and enter: `& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm "https://debloat.raphi.re/")))`

> b. Select `(2) Custom mode` - press again `(2) Remove default` selection of bloatware apps, as well as mail & calendar apps, developer apps and gaming apps.

> c. Follow further steps onto your consideration. I click "yes" to 90% of proposed changes.

9. **Configure Windows Defender for optimal security:**

> a. Download `ConfigureDefender.exe` from [https://github.com/AndyFul/ConfigureDefender](https://github.com/AndyFul/ConfigureDefender)

> b. Launch ConfigureDefender and press `HIGH`.

> c. Close the app and you can now remove it.

10. **Install UniGetUI and reinstall all the apps**

11. **(Optional) Install some other cool apps:**

> a. Unchecky - when installing apps auto de-selects bloatware install options.

> b. Revo Uninstaller - when removing apps cleanups all residuals like registry keys and temp files.

> c. 7-Zip - file archiver

> d. VLC - media player (or more advanced: MPC-BE)

> e. qBittorrent - torrent client

> f. SumatraPDF - lightweight file reader

> g. Notepad++ - advanced text editor

> h. OBS - Desktop/Recording

EDIT:

Switched around uTorrent with qBittorent. Next time I will try using Rufus and ChrisTitusTech Win util for windows debloat 🙌