John Chad, Bachelor Degree in Computer Science & Computer Engineering.
Russel Collins
If you’re looking for a new computer, chances are that the first question on your mind is whether or not it includes Windows. But what if we told you that motherboards don’t have Windows included? In this post, we’ll discuss how to find and install Windows on any motherboard!
Windows is an operating system that is free for consumers. It can be installed on any computer or motherboard, but it’s not included in the package. Motherboards are designed by manufacturers to work with nearly all versions of Windows and will only function correctly when running the right version; For example, if trying to use the Apple Operating System (MacOS) a very large portion of motherboards are not compatible with it, as such, Installing a different operating system may result in various problems such as no video display, slow performance, etc.
Do Motherboards Come With Windows?
This is a very common question, “Is Windows pre-installed on the motherboard?”, as such we will go a bit in-depth on the answer, but generally, no not really you usually have to pay for any Operating System.
This is a difficult question to answer because it really depends on what you’re buying, if buying each hardware piece or buying a fully built desktop. If buying a fully built desktop they usually come with the hardware that will allow your PC to function, but they don’t necessarily have an operating system installed specifically onto them although a large majority do or at least they may ask for an extra fee to install the Operating System for you.
If you’re buying part by part then you’ll also have to buy the Operating System. As far as we know there are no motherboard manufacturers that have windows included with the boards.
If you need help deciding which motherboard would be best for your computer build project, just drop a comment below with your current hardware choices & budget and we will give you a hand at choosing.
Do New Processors Come With Windows?
No, like the motherboards, they do not come with Windows, you have to buy it separately and install it on your HDD/SSD.
How To Purchase Windows
Windows can be purchased from Microsoft directly or you may purchase it through a third-party retailer such as Amazon or most likely even in your local hardware shop.
Alternatively, you can probably ask your local hardware shop to install the operating system for you as they usually offer that kind of service.
How To Install Windows
Windows must be installed on the HDD/SSD. To do this, you need to have your Windows CD in hand and plug it into one of the available DVD slots or if you have your Windows on a USB then on the USB Slot. Then turn on your computer and wait until it boots up before following instructions from there.
Follow these steps:
The first thing you’ll see is an installation screen with two big options – Install Now or Upgrade now so select what suits you best.
You will then get a list of languages which are available for installation, choose English if using English as language otherwise change accordingly.
Next you’ll get to choose between Typical Installation and Custom Installation; go ahead with typical unless know exactly how much space needs to be allocated for example installing some specific software or for whatever reason you may have.
The next screen will ask which partition of your disk should Windows be installed on; this is usually C: (the system) so just click Next then New Volume in Unallocated Space before clicking OK twice. This will create a new volume ready for installation that can’t be deleted unless formatting takes place, so don’t worry about losing any files here.
Next up you’ll get prompted for how much space you want to allocate for your volume; the default should be fine so just click Next.
The next screen will show a summary of what’s going on and then ask if it makes sense – go ahead with Yes before rebooting your computer.
Then you just need to wait while it installs.
It’s a very simply process.