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Windows 11 does not include one program officially named Setup Wizard. The instructions depend on what you are trying to do:
- To upgrade the Windows installation already on the PC, use Windows Update, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, or run
setup.exefrom installation media. - To install Windows from scratch, boot the PC from a Windows 11 USB drive or DVD.
- To complete first-time setup on a new installation, follow the Windows Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE).
Before starting an upgrade, back up important files, connect the PC to power, and disconnect unnecessary USB devices.
Run the Windows 11 setup wizard through Windows Update
Windows Update is the least disruptive upgrade method because it normally preserves your files, applications, and settings.
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- If Windows 11 is offered, select Download and install.
- Accept the Software License Terms by selecting Accept and install.
- When Windows asks, select Restart now.
The computer may restart several times. Do not turn it off while the upgrade is running. Microsoft releases Windows upgrades progressively, so a compatible PC might not immediately receive the Windows 11 offer through Windows Update.
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Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
The Installation Assistant is useful when Windows Update has not offered Windows 11 but the computer is eligible.
- Open Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page.
- Find Windows 11 Installation Assistant and select Download Now.
- Open the downloaded file and select Run.
- Approve the User Account Control prompt.
- After the assistant confirms compatibility, select Accept and install.
- Select Restart now when prompted.
The PC restarts automatically several times and should display the Windows sign-in screen when the upgrade is complete.
Installation Assistant requirements
Microsoft specifies the following requirements for this tool:
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| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Existing operating system | Windows 10 version 2004 or later |
| Free storage | At least 9 GB |
| Processor | x64 only; ARM-based PCs are not supported by the Assistant |
| License | A Windows 10 or Windows 11 license |
| Hardware | The PC must meet Windows 11 requirements |
If the Assistant says it needs more information, install Microsoft’s PC Health Check app. After checking the computer, return to the Installation Assistant and select Refresh.
Run setup.exe from a Windows 11 USB drive
Running Setup while signed in to Windows starts an in-place upgrade. This is different from booting from the USB drive, which starts the clean-install process.
- Sign in to Windows.
- Insert the Windows 11 installation USB drive.
- If AutoPlay appears, select Run setup.exe.
- If no prompt appears, right-click Start and select File Explorer.
- Select This PC in the navigation pane.
- Under Devices and drives, open the Windows 11 USB drive.
- Double-click
setup.exeand approve the User Account Control prompt. - Follow the Windows Setup screens.
- At Ready to install, check the retention option and select Install.
Do not select Install until you have confirmed what Setup will keep.
Run Setup from a Windows 11 ISO
You can also start the wizard from a mounted ISO file:
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- Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft’s software download page.
- In File Explorer, right-click the ISO file.
- Select Mount.
- Open the new DVD drive shown under This PC.
- Double-click
setup.exe. - Approve the administrator prompt and follow Windows Setup.
Choose what Windows Setup keeps
On the Ready to install page, select Change what to keep if you need to alter the default choice.
| Option | Result |
|---|---|
| Keep personal files and apps | Keeps personal files, installed applications, and Windows settings. This is the usual in-place upgrade option. |
| Keep personal files only | Keeps personal files but removes installed applications and Windows settings. |
| Nothing | Removes personal files, applications, and settings. |
If Keep personal files and apps is unavailable, select Back and check the edition, language, architecture, and compatibility of the installation media. Do not choose Nothing without a current backup.
Start the Windows 11 wizard from Command Prompt
To run Setup with commands, open Command Prompt as administrator, change to the drive containing the installation media, and run:
setup.exeFor a standard in-place upgrade, use:
setup.exe /auto upgradeThis asks Windows Setup to perform an upgrade while retaining apps and data when the upgrade path is supported. It can exit instead of continuing if compatibility checks prevent an in-place upgrade.
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setup.exe /auto upgrade /showoobe fullFor an unattended upgrade, license acceptance is required when using a noninteractive switch such as /quiet:
setup.exe /auto upgrade /quiet /eula acceptUse this only in a tested deployment process. A failed unattended installation can be harder to diagnose, and Windows Setup can report MOSETUP_E_EULA_ACCEPT_REQUIRED (0xC190010E) when license acceptance is missing.
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Complete the Windows 11 first-run setup wizard
The first-run wizard is called Windows Out-of-Box Experience, or OOBE. It is not the same as setup.exe. OOBE can ask for the region, keyboard layout, network connection, Microsoft account, Windows Hello, privacy settings, OneDrive, Microsoft 365, and manufacturer registration.
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On a new PC or freshly installed copy of Windows, start or restart the computer and follow the prompts. The exact screens and their order vary by Windows edition, release, hardware, and deployment configuration.
Windows 11 Home requires an internet connection and Microsoft account to complete first-use setup according to Microsoft’s current requirements. Work and school devices can show Set up for work or school and may be joined to Microsoft Entra ID on supported editions. Windows Home does not support Microsoft Entra join.
Reset a prepared image into OOBE
For image preparation and deployment—not for casually resetting an everyday PC—Microsoft documents this elevated command:
C:WindowsSystem32SysprepSysprep.exe /generalize /oobe /shutdownThe /oobe switch causes the next startup to enter OOBE. The /generalize switch removes system-specific information and should be used only as part of a proper imaging workflow.
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If you want to erase the current Windows installation, do not run setup.exe from within Windows. Boot from the installation media instead.
- Create or obtain Windows 11 installation media.
- Back up files from the PC.
- Insert the USB drive or DVD.
- Restart the computer.
- Open the firmware boot menu using the key shown by the manufacturer, often a key such as F12, F11, Esc, or Delete.
- Select the Windows installation media.
- Follow Windows Setup and select the target disk and partition.
A clean installation can remove Windows, applications, and personal files from the selected disk. Verify the disk and partition carefully before deleting or formatting anything.
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Common Windows 11 Setup problems
The Installation Assistant will not run
Check that the PC is running Windows 10 version 2004 or later, has at least 9 GB of free space, uses an x64 processor, and meets Windows 11 hardware requirements. Also start the Assistant with administrator permission. ARM-based PCs cannot use this x64 tool.
“Keep personal files and apps” is missing
This usually means that the selected media cannot perform the desired in-place upgrade. Check that the Windows edition and display language match the installed system and that the media uses the correct processor architecture. Hardware or application compatibility can also remove the option.
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Setup can exit when the upgrade option is unavailable or an application compatibility issue must be resolved. With Windows 11 version 22H2 and later, Microsoft requires the installation media to use the same System Default UI Language as the target installation for this command.
OOBE keeps restarting
Some restarts are normal when Windows changes language settings, installs a zero-day update, or applies a newer Windows build. If OOBE repeats pages, check that the network connection was not lost during the restart.
Windows Update is stuck
- Restart the PC.
- Check the network connection.
- Free disk space.
- Open the Get Help app and run the automated Windows Update troubleshooter.
- Return to Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
Do not force a shutdown merely because Setup appears slow. During a reset or reinstall, a black screen can last for an extended period; manually restarting the PC can cause the reset to fail.
The PC does not meet Windows 11 requirements
Microsoft’s baseline requirements include a compatible 64-bit processor running at 1 GHz or faster with at least two cores, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, TPM 2.0, DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and a display of at least 720p and 9 inches.
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Installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware can leave the PC in an unsupported state. The commonly circulated OOBE\BYPASSNRO command is not presented in Microsoft’s current requirements or OOBE documentation as a supported general installation method, and its behavior can vary by release.
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FAQ
Where is the Windows 11 Setup Wizard?
There is no single program with that name. For an upgrade, use Settings > Windows Update, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, or setup.exe from a mounted ISO or USB drive. The first-time configuration screens are called OOBE.
Can I run Windows 11 Setup without a USB drive?
Yes. Use Windows Update, the Installation Assistant, or download and mount a Windows 11 ISO, then open setup.exe.
Does running setup.exe erase my files?
When started from inside Windows, Setup normally offers Keep personal files and apps. Confirm the choice on the Ready to install page and back up important data first. Booting from installation media is the clean-install route and can erase the selected disk.
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On a new installation, restart the PC to continue OOBE. For prepared deployment images, use Sysprep with /generalize /oobe /shutdown; do not use that command casually on a normal everyday installation.
Why is Windows 11 not offered in Windows Update?
Microsoft rolls out upgrades progressively. The PC may be compatible but not yet eligible through Windows Update. Check compatibility with PC Health Check or use the Installation Assistant if its requirements are met.
The Bottom Line
For a normal upgrade, start with Start > Settings > Windows Update. If Windows 11 is not offered, use Microsoft’s Installation Assistant or run setup.exe from a mounted ISO or USB while inside Windows. Choose Keep personal files and apps when that option is available. Boot from the installation media only when you intend to perform a clean installation, and treat OOBE as the separate first-run wizard that follows installation.
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