How Long Does it Take to Install Windows 10/11

The time it takes to install Windows 10/11 depends mainly on the specs of your computer. As a rough average, it can take somewhere around 2.5–3 hours. This article explains every detail about how to install Windows 10/11 and how long it takes to install Windows. Make sure to not turn off your computer during installation as it might damage the software.

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Jean

Updated on Mar 15, 2024

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Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Download and Install Windows Time If you are downloading and installing Windows 10 for the first time on your PC, it can take somewhere...Full steps
Windows Upgrade Time  Firstly, if you have an average-speed computer and a good internet connection, it will take 1-1.5 hours...Full steps
Installation Failed Solutions There can be multiple problems that might cause your windows installation process to fail. Here...Full steps

Installing Windows 10/11 is not a simple job. Therefore, it takes a bit long time to install. However, as you will be installing Windows hardly once a year, it might take a long time. On average, it is hard to predict the installation time.

Windows installation speed massively depends upon the internet connection, computer's SSD, processor, and some other factors, which makes it hard to predict. 

How Long Does It Take to Download and Install Windows

If you are downloading and installing Windows 10 for the first time on your PC, it can take somewhere from 2.5-3 hours, depending upon the specs of your computer. Moreover, downloading from the official Microsoft website is free of cost; you will have to buy the license later. Here is how you can download it:

create windows 10 installation media

  • Download and run the tool.
  • Read and accept the terms and conditions.
  • Now, click on create installation media.

windows setup installation media

  • Select language, architecture, and edition on the next screen and click on next.

select language architecture and edition

  • Follow all the commands, input the requirements, and click next on the next screen.
  • Lastly, click on Install now. 

install windows now

You will now see a window asking which type of installation you want? Click on the custom and proceed. 

install windows only

  • Lastly, select the drive you want to install your Windows in and click on next. 

drive for windows

Now just sit back relax because Windows will be automatically downloaded and installed. Your PC will restart several times during installation. Ensure that your PC does not turn off due to a power cut during the Windows installation. Any such shutdown can cause damage to your PC.

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2022 Fix: Windows 11 Cumulative Update Failed to Download and Install

A cumulative update preview build for both Windows 11 and Windows 10 is usually for bug fixes and feature improvements, which is regularly released on the 3rd/4th week of every month.

windows 11 update troubleshooters

How Long Does It Take to Upgrade to Windows 10

Firstly, if you have an average-speed computer and a good internet connection, it will take 1-1.5 hours to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 10. Moreover, this number can increase or decrease a bit depending upon the specs of your computer and your internet speed. 

If you follow the proper steps to upgrade Windows from Microsoft's official website, it might take less time. Here is how you can upgrade to Windows 10 from Microsoft's website:

update to windows 10

  • Now, download the Windows installation file and run it.
  • Read and accept the terms and conditions.

terms and condition

  • On the next screen, select Upgrade this PC now.

upgrade this pc

  • Now, follow all the commands and input basic requirements like language, edition, and architecture.
  • In the end, click on Install Now.

install  windows on pc now

  • Follow the prompts, and your PC will start downloading and installing Windows 10.

You can easily upgrade your Windows 8 computer to Windows 10 by following these simple steps. However, if you have Windows 10 and want to switch to Windows 11, the process can be lengthy. When compared to a typical Windows 10 feature update, installing Windows 11 will take more time.

The process can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours if you have a fast internet connection and high-end computer specifications. Otherwise, the process may be more time-consuming. 

Windows 10 Installation Failed Solutions

There can be multiple problems that might cause your windows installation process to fail. Here are all such troubles and their solutions:

1. Improper BIOS Settings

Improper BIOS settings are the most common reason causing Windows installation to fail. If you have altered primary bootable devices, they will cause problems during the windows installation.

Solution: Set your primary bootable device to your HDD (Hard disk drive) and restart the PC to solve this problem. If the problem still occurs, reset the BIOS settings to default, and it will reset all the priorities and rectify the problem.

2. In-Compatible Architectures

In-compatible architectures are another big reason for Windows installation failing. The processor computers are based on multiple architectures like 32-bit, 64-bit, and 86-bit. If you try to install an 86-bit version of Windows on a 64-bit or 32-bit processor, it will crash.

Solution: The solution to this problem is first to determine the architecture of your computer's processor. Suppose your computer's processor is based on 64-bit architecture; download and install the 64-bit version of Windows to solve this problem.

3. Faulty Peripheral Devices

If some of your computer's peripheral devices are faulty, they might cause the software to malfunction. This software malfunction can block and cause the windows installation to fail.

Solution: To solve any such issue, remove all the peripheral devices from your laptop or computer. The peripheral devices include joysticks, external speakers, mics, or printers.

4. A Third-Party Antivirus

The latest versions of Windows have a Windows defender and firewall system, which protects Windows from viruses and bugs. Therefore, there is not much need for a third-party antivirus. Such type of antivirus can cause problems while installing Windows.

Solution: Go to the Control Panel

(Important Note:  Before you install or update Windows 10/11 on your PC, it is suggested that you try EaseUS Todo Backup to help you back up the files, hard disks, and partitions. In addition to the backup functions, this professional software also works well in cloning hard drives on both Windows/Mac and migrating OS to SSD.)

Conclusion

If you are using an older version of Windows, it will be wise to upgrade to the latest version. The newest version of Windows comes with many new features and upgrades. Moreover, the installation time in upgrade and first-time installation may vary.

Upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 10 can take 1-1.5 hours. However, the installation of Windows can make you wait almost 3-3.5 hours. So. plan accordingly and avoid any power cuts or shutdowns during the installation.

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EaseUS Todo Backup is a dependable and professional data backup solution capable of backing up files, folders, drives, APP data and creating a system image. It also makes it easy to clone HDD/SSD, transfer the system to different hardware, and create bootable WinPE bootable disks.

  • Updated by

    Daisy

    Daisy is the Senior editor of the writing team for EaseUS. She has been working at EaseUS for over ten years, starting as a technical writer and moving on to being a team leader of the content group. As a professional author for over ten years, she writes a lot to help people overcome their tech troubles.…
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  • Written by

    Jean

    Jean is recognized as one of the most professional writers in EaseUS. She has kept improving her writing skills over the past 10 years and helped millions of her readers solve their tech problems on PC, Mac, and iOS devices. …
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