Install Windows 11
Boot from USB
Insert the Windows 11 USB flash drive. Make sure both monitors are "on". Start the PC. In this case (HP Z4 PC), press F9 once at the "HP splash screen" and wait. Specifics vary from computer to computer. Consult your hardware manual.
You get the "boot menu". Select the USB flash drive to boot from.
Time and currency format
Dutch (Belgium). Keyboard or input method: “Belgian (Period).
Install now
Notice, you also have a "repair" option here... Choose "Install now".
Activation (depends)
The presence or absence of the "Windows activation" screen during the installation of Windows 11 23H2 can depend on various factors. If you get this screen, choose "I don't have a product key". If not, proceed to the next step.
Select OS (depends)
The presence or absence of the "Select the operating system you want to install" screen during the installation of "Windows 11 23H2" can depend on various factors. If you get this screen, choose "Windows 11 Pro". If not, proceed to the next step.
License agreement
Accept.
Type of installation
Select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)".
Installation location & partitioning
If you were able to do a secure erase in BIOS/UEFI, there are no partitions. If not, delete all partitions manually.
Make sure "Num Lock" is activated on your keyboard. Check the LED if possible. Select "New" and create a partition of 60 GB (61440 MB) and click "apply".
Read and comprehend the message.
Windows creates additional partitions. Notice, there is some "Unallocated space" left. This is for the Linux installation later on. Select "Drive 0 Partition 3" for the Windows installation.
Installing
Grab a coffee.
The PC reboots for the first time. UEFI/BIOS won't boot of the USB flash drive, as it finds a Windows installation on the (hard)drive.
Configuration
Personal preference here. I select "Belgium".
Personal preference here. I select "Belgian (Period)".
Select "Skip"
Windows reboots for the 2nd time.
Enter a computername. In this case "hp".
Windows reboots for the 3rd time.
The presence or absence of the "Let's connect you to a network" screen during the installation of Windows 11 23H2 can depend on various factors. If you get this screen, choose "Next".
Account
Select "Set up for personal use".
Read and comprehend the concept "Microsoft account". We do not want such an account for now. Previous versions allowed for a "local/offline account", via "Sign-in options". Starting of Windows 11 23H2, it does not work anymore. Use this trick: select "Sign in".
Enter the random e-mailaddress "no@thankyou.com"
Enter "whatever" as password and select "Sign in".
You get an error. Nevermind. Just select "Next".
Login: guru
Password: guru
Acknowlege the password: guru
Security question1: Doggy
Security question2: Wevelgem
Security question3: IT guru
Finishing
Location-based experiences: no.
Find my device: no.
Send diagnostic data: Required only.
Improving inking & typing: no.
Get tailored experiences: no.
Advertising id: no.
Updates.
Almost ready.
Installation done!
