Last updated on Jun 8, 2024
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1
Choose your OS
2
Backup your data
3
Prepare your installation media
4
Install the new OS
5
Configure your new OS
6
Restore your data and programs
7
Here’s what else to consider
Installing a new operating system (OS) on your computer can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the process. However, with some preparation and careful steps, you can successfully upgrade or replace your current OS and enjoy the benefits of a new system. In this article, we will guide you through the basic steps for installing a new OS, whether you want to use Windows, Linux, or Mac OS.
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1 Choose your OS
The first step is to decide which OS you want to install on your computer. There are many factors to consider, such as compatibility, performance, security, features, and personal preference. You can research the pros and cons of different OS options online or ask for recommendations from other users. Some of the most popular OS choices are Windows 10, Ubuntu Linux, and Mac OS Catalina. You can also choose to dual-boot or run multiple OS on the same computer, but this requires more advanced skills and configuration.
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Yogiraj Shinde
AI & ML Core Team Member @Code Crafters IITM | Data Science @IIT Madras | C++, Java, Python Programmer | (3⭐)HackerRank, LeetCode | LinkedIn Top Voice'2024
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When deciding on a new operating system, consider what environment you are most comfortable in and what your usage needs are. For example, if you require specific software for work, check compatibility. Research new features in the latest OS versions that appeal to you.
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Cicero Agustinho
IT Specialist | Mackenzie University Mentor | Judicial Mediator | Data Science
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Para instalar um novo sistema operacional dependendo do tipo de (SO) que deseja, você precisa:1 -> Verificar os requisitos de sistema e fazer o backup dos dados;2 -> Criar ou baixar uma mídia de instalação para o sistema que você quer;3 -> Gravar/Salvar no CD, DVD, ou pendrive a mídia ISO; 4 -> Verificar a configuração do SETUP do computador para ver se vai dar boot;5 -> Inserir a mídia de instalação no computador e reiniciar;6 -> Seguir as instruções na tela para formatar o disco, particionar, escolher o idioma e as configurações.
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Carlo Monasterial
IT Specialist at WiConnect
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1. Make sure that your computer is compatible and meet the minimum requirements of the new OS.2. Make an image or backup of your system, not just data. No matter what happen during installation or upgrade your system and data are safe.2. Install the new OS that you want, if you have issues, you can easily restore your original OS and data using the image backup.3. In Windows, when you install a new OS on top of your existing OS, you can always go back to the previous OS, as long as you don't delete the previous OS version which is saved when you upgrade to another OS.4. Install all available updates from Windows and from the computer manufacturer to prevent driver issues and to apply all patches to resolve known issues.
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Khurram Fayyaz
Deputy Director @ State Bank of Pakistan | CISA, Cybersecurity Risk
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Bassey Okon
Manager @ Lekki Freeport Terminal | IT Project Management, Business Analysis, Quality Assurance, Organizational Change Management, IT Service Management, Agile, Service Delivery
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To install a new operating system, follow these steps: backup data, create installation media, insert media, boot from media, follow the installation wizard, partition, install OS, set user account, install drivers, update OS, install software, restore data, customize settings, set security measures, and restart. The exact steps may vary depending on the operating system, so refer to the official documentation for detailed instructions. Remember to backup important data and follow the installation wizard for proper installation.
2 Backup your data
The second step is to backup your data before installing a new OS. This is very important, as you may lose some or all of your files during the installation process, depending on the type and method of installation. You can backup your data to an external hard drive, a cloud service, or a flash drive, depending on the size and location of your files. You should also make a list of the programs and settings that you want to keep or restore after the installation.
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Keith Hennessy
Senior Solutions Architect Microsoft Security
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Venu Gopal
SAP Integration Alchemist | SAP PI/PO/CPI Visionary 🌐| Bridging Systems for Business Harmony | Top Voice in Enterprise Resource Planning and Information Technology on LinkedIn💡
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Before installing a new OS, safeguard your data by creating a comprehensive backup. Identify crucial files, use external storage or cloud services, and verify the backup's integrity. Consider creating a system image for a complete snapshot. Confirm all important documents, media, and settings are included. Use built-in tools or third-party backup software. Once confident in your backup, proceed with the OS installation. This precaution ensures data recovery in case of unexpected issues during the installation process.
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Yogiraj Shinde
AI & ML Core Team Member @Code Crafters IITM | Data Science @IIT Madras | C++, Java, Python Programmer | (3⭐)HackerRank, LeetCode | LinkedIn Top Voice'2024
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Backing up your data is a crucial step before installation to prevent permanent data loss. Copy important files to an external drive and cloud storage. Backup entire system images for simplified restore. Organize backups by project, date or file type for future access.
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Kauê Carvalho
Head de Marketing | Head de TI | Digital | Inovação | Growth | Branding | Comunicação | Mídias | CRM | Ads • MBA
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Realizar o backup dos seus arquivos mais importantes é uma etapa crucial, independente de instalar ou não um sistema operacional. Mantenha seus arquivos seguros sempre. Há opções de backup sincronizado em nuvem e o bom e velho HD Externo. Por fim, antes de instalar seu novo sistema operacional, certifique-se de que já não exista uma opção nativa do SO atual para assegurar softwares previamente instalados.
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3 Prepare your installation media
The third step is to prepare your installation media, which is the source of the OS files that you will use to install the new OS. There are two main types of installation media: optical discs and USB drives. Optical discs, such as CDs or DVDs, are more traditional and reliable, but they may not be compatible with newer computers that do not have a disc drive. USB drives, such as flash drives or external hard drives, are more convenient and faster, but they may require some formatting and booting settings. You can download the OS files from the official website of the OS provider or buy a pre-made installation media from a store or online.
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Venu Gopal
SAP Integration Alchemist | SAP PI/PO/CPI Visionary 🌐| Bridging Systems for Business Harmony | Top Voice in Enterprise Resource Planning and Information Technology on LinkedIn💡
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Prepare your installation media by obtaining the OS image from the official source. Download a tool like Rufus for Windows or BalenaEtcher for Mac/Linux to create a bootable USB drive. Insert the USB, run the tool, select the OS image, and initiate the creation process. Ensure the USB is large enough and back up any existing data, as the process will erase it. Once completed, safely eject the USB. This bootable media is essential for initiating the OS installation on your computer.
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Sonia Velasco
Consultant at Mazztec
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Yogiraj Shinde
AI & ML Core Team Member @Code Crafters IITM | Data Science @IIT Madras | C++, Java, Python Programmer | (3⭐)HackerRank, LeetCode | LinkedIn Top Voice'2024
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Creating installation media like a bootable USB drive simplifies installing your new OS. Download the official ISO file for your preferred OS and use utility software to correctly create bootable media that launches the installation upon reboot.
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Muhammad Ruli Rahardi
Mini-MBA, Google PM Certified, Atlassian Agile PMP Certified, SFC™, PMI Certified, IIBA Certified, IBM Certified, Cisco Certified, AWS Certified, CompTia Certified, Microsoft Certified, CFI® Certified
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As an IT project manager, my experience has taught me the importance of thorough preparation. Before initiating the installation process, ensure that you have a comprehensive backup of essential data to prevent any loss during the installation. This precautionary step serves as a safety net, allowing for a seamless recovery in case of unforeseen issues. Additionally, carefully review the system requirements for the new operating system to guarantee compatibility with the hardware and software environment. This includes verifying that all necessary drivers are available and up-to-date. Addressing these prerequisites proactively reduces the likelihood of encountering compatibility issues during or after installation.
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Chin Guo Qiang (ITIL)
Disruptive Technology | Google Chromebook Evangelist | Ensuring the working conditions of the IT cog wheels
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Installation media can be done with the tool available for self-creation, for example.1. Windows OS - Bootable image file for USB drives2. Other software - Installer packages or bootable installer packages, depending on the software design3. Any other software that is required by the user(s) and company requirements - Can be in-house prep workMost common medium will be USB drives but it might be also available via push from other places like Windows SCCM or any management platform, to the local user computer systems.
4 Install the new OS
The fourth step is to install the new OS on your computer. This is the most critical and complex step, as it involves several steps and options that vary depending on the OS and the installation media. Generally, you will need to insert or connect your installation media to your computer, restart your computer, and follow the instructions on the screen. You may need to change some settings in your BIOS or boot menu to boot from the installation media. You may also need to choose between different types of installation, such as clean install, upgrade install, or custom install. A clean install will erase everything on your hard drive and install the new OS from scratch. An upgrade install will keep your files and settings and install the new OS over the old one. A custom install will let you choose which partitions and drives to use and format for the new OS.
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Yogiraj Shinde
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When booting from your installation media, follow the on-screen prompts to install the new OS. Options include erasing/repartitioning drives, selecting file systems, configuring disk encryption and designating mount points. Document choices to refer to later.
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Waheed Alizada, PMP, MCT, MCE, MIE
IT Director @ Emyode | Leading IT training and development
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To install a new operating system, first, confirm your computer meets system requirements. Create installation media, like a USB or DVD, and restart your computer to boot from it. Follow on-screen prompts to select language, region, and settings. Choose an installation location, enter a product key if needed, and wait for the installation to complete. Post-installation, set up a user account, install drivers, update the OS, and configure settings. Finally, install software, restore data, and ensure system activation for proper functionality.
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Juan Beltrán
Driving Innovation in AI & Crypto 🌐🤖 | Inspiring Speaker 🎤 | Expert Trainer 🎓 | High-Tech Specialist 🔧 | People-Oriented Sales Pro 🌟
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Antes de instalar el sistema operativo nuevo hay que cerciorarse de que existen drivers de los dispositivos que lleva la máquina donde se va a instalar. Para que sea más económica su instalación (en caso de que no sea OpenSource) existen versiones llamadas OEM las cuales se pueden instalar con un equipo nuevo. Estás versiones ya se pueden descargar online y mediante un USB con sistema de arranque, instalarlo. Muy importante es, que como ahora vienen los equipos con diferentes tipos de discos duros (muchos de memoria solida (SSD o NVME) y otros móviles (HDD)) hay que elegir el que sea más rápido (habitualmente NVMe) ya que depende mucho de la velocidad del propio sistema operativo.
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Jorge Luiz I.
Arquiteto de Testes de Software | Especialista em Testes de Software | Coordenador equipe QA | Instrutor de Testes | Software Test Architect | QA Senior | Analista de Soluções|
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A rotina de instalação do novo Sistema Operacional já deve incluir a execução do backup dos dados do seu dispositivo. Se isso não ocorrer é fundamental que tenha esses dados salvos em mídia separadas do seu dispositivo.Geralmente a instalação de um novo SO já formata o seu dispositivo para receber o novo SO. Considere que é um caminho sem volta, a partir do início dessa rotina.Faça um checklist das suas ações de instalação pra não ter dúvidas depois de instalado.A instalação de um novo Sistema Operacional não é uma rotina qualquer. É um procedimento de UTI eu diria. Apenas execute essa rotina em caso de extrema necessidade.
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Jean Lins
IT Infrastructure Analyst
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Lembre-se que de seguir cada passo e leia bem, se tiver dúvidas procure sobre para entender mais, lembre-se também de configurar corretamente as partições, dividir bem o HD pode permitir uma recuperação mais simples quando nescessário.
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5 Configure your new OS
The fifth step is to configure your new OS after the installation is complete. This is where you can customize your new OS to suit your needs and preferences. You can change the language, time zone, keyboard layout, display settings, network settings, security settings, and other options. You can also activate your OS with a product key or a license if required. You can also install the drivers and updates for your hardware and software to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
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Jackson Lee
Technology Support Analyst at Latham & Watkins
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Yogiraj Shinde
AI & ML Core Team Member @Code Crafters IITM | Data Science @IIT Madras | C++, Java, Python Programmer | (3⭐)HackerRank, LeetCode | LinkedIn Top Voice'2024
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Post-installation configure user accounts and accessibility options. Install must-have software programs and tweak settings/preferences to maximize productivity. Import files/data from backups and recreate folder structure. Thorough configuration early on eases long-term usage.
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James Nguyen
Chief Information Officer, The Task Force for Global Health
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Be sure to update the OS software since the version you installed may be older than the current version. You may need to also visit the device manufacturer's website and search for the device model to download the latest version of the driver that is compatible with the OS. Do not download drivers from a third-party site, visit the manufacturer site directly. For example, for a Dell laptop, visit www.dell.com.
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Robert Mondeel
Systeembeheerder @ Kendis Digitale Oplossers
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Rithya Kimsour
Information Technology Manager at Luus KH Co., Ltd
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- Ensure that your operating system is up to date with the latest updates and security patches.-Set up user accounts with strong passwords. Consider creating a standard user account for daily use and a separate administrator account for making system changes.-Review and adjust privacy settings based on your preferences. This includes settings related to data collection, location services, and app permissions.
6 Restore your data and programs
The final step is to restore your data and programs that you backed up before the installation. You can copy your files from your backup media to your new OS or use a backup software or service to restore them. You can also reinstall your programs from their original sources or download them from the internet. You may need to re-enter your passwords, licenses, or settings for some programs. You can also test your new OS and make sure everything works properly and smoothly.
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Rodrigo Ribeiro
Tech Manager - Canais Digitais - Mobile - CyberSecurity - Antifraude
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Na escolha do sistema, destaco o Ubuntu Linux pela segurança e personalização. Ao fazer backup, considero serviços em nuvem, como o Google Drive. Prefiro drives USB pela versatilidade na preparação da mídia. A instalação requer atenção, especialmente em dual boot. Após configurar, explore ferramentas online para produtividade. Na restauração, mantenha senhas seguras e crie um ponto de restauração. Equilibrar praticidade e necessidades específicas garante uma transição suave.
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Dieter T.
AI Enthusiast, AI Consultant, AI Trainer, Keynote Speaker, Sales- und Marketingexperte |Effizienz, Innovation und Transformation mit generativer KI im Unternehmen | #askMrD
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Besonderes Augenmerk gilt Autentifizierungsanwendungen, zum Beispiel für Multi-Faktor-Autentifizierung, die oft nicht aus der Datensicherung wiederhergestellt werden können.Eine saubere Trennung von Daten und Betriebssystem hilft, diese zu sichern und später wiederherstellen zu können.
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Yogiraj Shinde
AI & ML Core Team Member @Code Crafters IITM | Data Science @IIT Madras | C++, Java, Python Programmer | (3⭐)HackerRank, LeetCode | LinkedIn Top Voice'2024
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Methodically restore backups to appropriate locations in the directory tree. Link application shortcut locations if changed. If existing software compatibility issues arise in the new environment, explore alternative options before attempting migration workarounds.
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Jorge Luiz I.
Arquiteto de Testes de Software | Especialista em Testes de Software | Coordenador equipe QA | Instrutor de Testes | Software Test Architect | QA Senior | Analista de Soluções|
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Depois de um novo Sistema Operacional instalado, é hora de restaurar seus dados salvos, e iniciar um teste no novo SO. Esse teste deve incluir as rotinas anteriores e a nova rotina para o qual o novo SO foi instalado. Se os testes não resultarem em 100% satisfatório, talvez você precise ficar no SO antigo e incluir nele novas rotinas.
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Waheed Alizada, PMP, MCT, MCE, MIE
IT Director @ Emyode | Leading IT training and development
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Restoring data involves accessing your backup source, whether it's an external drive or cloud storage, and copying the necessary files or folders back to your computer. You can also use backup software to streamline this process. Verify that the restored data is accessible and intact. When it comes to programs, reinstall them using installation media, official websites, app stores, or package managers for Linux. If applicable, copy program settings from the backup and have license keys ready for activation. After reinstalling, confirm the programs' functionality by opening and checking their operations. Always refer to the documentation of your backup tools and software for specific guidance tailored to your system.
7 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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Eleni Nicolaides
Chief Corporate Development Officer @ PeopleCert | Sustainable Business Growth | Positive Impact
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Simplicity is key. In general, try to find the provider that can provide the most solutions for your business. Consistency: try for consistency - ideally all employees should work with the same system.Supplier: choose wisely your suppliers. Find partners that you share values and mentality. This is a long term relationship. Consultant: if you feel uncomfortable with this change, you can engage a consultant. Good luck 🤞🏼
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Francis Kuh Yaoto
KnowledgeBase Writer at Lexmark International (Asia Pacific)
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Installing a new OS for the first time may not go as smooth as you think, and that is okay. Just remember to go back to basics when troubleshooting and check for everything which could have caused the problem. Finding the solution to an issue is an adventure which usually gives an experience that you will never forget.
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Rafael G.
Consultor de Servicios TI - Madrid Digital en Comunidad de MadridMiembro del Observatorio del Impacto Social y Ético de la Inteligencia Artificial (OdiseIA)
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Mi consejo es que cuando la empresa disponga de opción y tamaño suficiente se plantee el uso de puestos de trabajo digital que directamente corran el sistema operativo en la nube. De esta forma no tengo que tener preocupación por parches de seguridad, accesos no autorizados, etc. Lo ideal es contratar un Hardware as a Service o un Software as a Service que te den el servicio, tamaño de disco, memoria de procesamiento, sistema operativo y software que necesitas, sin necesidad de estar cambiando de hardware y SO cada poco tiempo. El PaaS es también algo a considerar.En general debemos estudiar como migrar nuestro negocio a la nube. Esto nos ayudará si lo hacemos de manos de buenos proveedores de servicios como Google, Microsoft o Amazon.
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Lisa Bentham
Business Change & Release Manager - Fiona Stanley Hospital
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Clea McLemore, M.S.
Information Technology Consultant | Instructional & Learning Development Advocate for the Workforce
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When backing up data it’s easy to remember to backup docs, files, photos and videos. Do not forget to backup program files. For example, do you want your list of favorites for bookmarks. Have graphics been downloaded to work in certain programs such as Camtasia? If this answer is yes, remember to backup those program files as well.
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