HOW TO SET UP AND CUSTOMIZE YOUR WINDOWS 11 INSTALLATION

The Windows 11 setup process is similar to that of Windows 10, but there are a few surprises when it comes to account access, privacy, security, and other features. And installing the new OS is only half the battle. Afterward, you have to go through a host of setup screens to customize and configure Windows 11 the way you want it.

-  LANCE WHITNEY

INITIAL SETUP

First, you install Windows 11 via your preferred method—a dedicated PC, a dual-boot system, or a virtual machine. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the OS, at which point the setup screens appear. You’ll be asked to designate your country or region, followed by keyboard layout or input method. Confirm the correct ones and click Yes.

The next screen asks if you want to add a second keyboard layout. If you plan to add another language in Windows 11 with a different keyboard layout, click Add layout and choose the one you want. Otherwise, click Skip.

Windows then checks for available updates. Review the license agreement and click Accept. You are then asked to name your Windows 11 PC; Microsoft offers a few guidelines and requirements. The name can’t start with a number or be longer than 15 characters, and it can’t include spaces or certain special characters.

If you plan to install Windows 11 on just one PC or one place, you can go with a generic name, such as Windows11. If you’ll be installing it on multiple computers or places, give it a more unique name with the PC make or model, such as Win11LenovoT14 or Windows11HP. After typing the name, click Next.

SELECT ACCOUNT TYPE