Installing a Windows 10 gaming PC can be a complex task that requires deep technical knowledge and some patience. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps that all gamers should follow to quickly and effectively install a Windows 10 gaming PC. First, startup a computer and insert the Windows 10 installation media into the primary drive. Once the media is in the drive, press F12, or the proper key for the manufacturer of your PC, to boot from the optical drive. Once the Windows 10 installer is loaded you will be prompted to select a language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout. Once these steps are complete, you’ll be asked to activate your current license key or purchase a new license key.
System Setup
Select the “Install Now” button to begin the install process. When prompted, accept the terms and conditions of the license agreement and choose between an upgrade or a custom installation. For a gaming PC, a custom installation of Windows 10 is recommended. Then, choose an available partition or create a new partition to install Windows on. Alternatively, it is possible to remove all installed partitions and create one primary partition on which to install Windows. Once the above steps are complete Windows 10 will begin to install on the desired partition with the default settings.
Driver Installation
Once the install process is complete, the system will boot into the brand new Windows 10 installation. To ensure the best gaming performance, the relevant drivers should be installed. Begin by performing a system scan to automatically detect and install drivers. If the scan does not locate drivers, locate the hardware manufacturer website and obtain the latest drivers for each device. After the drivers are installed, restart the computer to ensure that the drivers are loaded and running smoothly.
System Optimization
The install process is nearly complete. To make sure the system is running at its best for gaming, certain tweaks and optimizations need to be performed. This includes removing unnecessary startup services and process, disabling automatic updates, and installing security updates. Additionally, it is recommended to update all device firmware and video card drivers. Lastly, install the latest Windows 10 Service Pack, as these contain critical security fixes and updates.
PC Tuning And Performance
Though a clean install of Windows 10 should provide sufficient performance for gaming, gamers may want more out of their system. There are several steps that can be taken to reinforce Windows 10 performance, such as shutting down background processes and non-essential applications. Additionally, gamers can remotely monitor system performance and prevent overheating with applications such as SpeedFan, which supports Windows 10. Additionally, games can be optimally configured, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Windows Tweaks
Windows has a plethora of features that are essential for gaming and optimize the Windows 10 experience. By enabling or disabling certain features, gamers can remove or improve certain behaviors within Windows. Examples of Windows tweaks include disabling data collection, preventing automatic upgrades, monitoring the startup process, and turning off visual effects. Though not all of these tweaks are directly related to gaming, they will certainly help improve system performance.
Game Installation
Now that the system is properly installed, configured, and optimized, the last step of the process is to begin installing the latest games. With the latest games in hand, insert the installation media or downloaded setup file. Following the on-screen prompts during installation, it is important to remember to select the proper installation path for the game, depending on personal preference. After the installation process is complete, it is important to run the game to ensure it installs and functions properly.
