Instal Windows 11 without Bloat | Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Prepare the Windows 11 USB installer

The process starts with a second Windows computer and a USB stick with at least 32GB of storage. The Windows 11 ISO should be downloaded from the official Microsoft website, rather than from an unofficial source. On Microsoft's download page, select the Windows 11 disk image ISO for x64 devices, choose the required language and save the file, preferably to the desktop.

Next, download the Rufus executable from the Rufus website. Rufus does not need to be installed, so it can be run directly. In Rufus, select the downloaded Windows ISO as the boot selection and start the process. Rufus then presents customisation options for the Windows installation. The video recommends selecting the available options to help avoid common Windows 11 installation problems, and also shows the option to create a local account with a chosen username. Rufus copies the ISO to the USB stick and makes it bootable.

Configure the computer's BIOS

Insert the bootable USB into the computer where Windows 11 will be installed and turn it on. The key used to enter BIOS depends on the motherboard, but the video identifies Delete or F2 as common options. Newer systems may support mouse navigation, while some older motherboards require the keyboard.

In BIOS, switch to advanced mode if necessary, then open the boot settings. The video recommends disabling the Compatibility Support Module, or CSM. Under Secure Boot, select Windows UEFI mode and use the standard Secure Boot configuration. The exact names can vary between systems. Finally, set the USB drive as the boot device, replacing Windows Boot Manager as the first boot option. Save the changes, shown as F10 in the video, and restart the computer with the USB still connected.

Complete a clean Windows 11 installation

When the installer starts, select the language and regional settings. The example uses English Australian. The video then selects the previous version of setup to access additional installation options, before starting the Windows 11 installation.

When asked for a product key, select the option indicating that one is not available, then choose the Windows 11 edition to install. The example uses Windows 11 Home. Accept the terms and select a custom installation.

The installer displays the drives and partitions in the computer. The recommendation is to disconnect every drive except the intended boot drive before starting. On the installation drive, delete the existing partitions until only unallocated space remains. The video says there is no need to reformat the space or create a new partition manually, as selecting the unallocated space and pressing Next begins the installation. Windows then copies its files and restarts.

Set up drivers after installation

After installation, the video shows a plain Windows 11 desktop with only the basic software. The local user account is named Techman Pat, and no password is initially set, with a password requested at the next restart.

Internet access can be connected during or after the installation. The video states that connecting later results in standard Windows services and products being added, while the unwanted games and other preinstalled software targeted by this process are absent. Drivers still need to be installed for the motherboard, chipset, processor and graphics card.

For the example Asus motherboard, Asus DriverHub can connect to the relevant website and provide motherboard and chipset updates. Graphics drivers need to be downloaded according to the installed hardware, such as an AMD or Nvidia GeForce graphics card. The video also notes that many current computers do not include a CD drive, so drivers generally need to be downloaded instead of installed from a disc.