3 Easy Methods for the Installation Of Operating System in 2025

The process of installation of Operating Systems has come a long way in the past couple of years. In the past, people would install Windows or Linux using DVDs. The process has definitely become easier and faster. Today, you can install an Operating System simply by using a USB drive, your smartphone, or even the internet.

No matter if you are fixing a computer that has a broken Operating System, working on a new laptop, or even testing any systems, knowing how to install an Operating System is a very useful skill to have.

In this blog, we are going to discuss four relatively simple and modern ways to install an OS in 2025: using a bootable USB drive, using your Android phone, using a Live OS for space. Let’s jump right in! 

Different Methods of Installation Of Operating System

Method 1: Installing an Operating System Using a Bootable USB Drive

Step 1: Download the OS Image

• Visit the official webpage of the OS (i.e., Microsoft, Ubuntu, Fedora).
• Get the ISO file – a compressed image of the OS OS installation files.
  • Example: Windows 11.iso or ubuntu-24.04.iso.

Step 2: Prepare a Bootable USB Disk.

You’ll need:

• A USB drive (8 GB or more).
• An application such as Rufus, Ventoy, or Balena Etcher.

Process:

• Insert the USB in a working computer.
• Open Rufus – choose the ISO file.
• Select GPT (UEFI) or MBR (Legacy) based on the type of PC.
• Click Start – Rufus will make your USB bootable.

Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive

• Insert the bootable USB into the target computer.
• Reboot the system and get into the BIOS/UEFI configuration.
  • Common keys: F2, F10, F12, DEL.
• Switch the boot order to have USB as the first boot device.
• Save and quit, your PC will restart and boot up into the USB.

Step 4: Begin Installation

• The setup window (Windows/Linux) is displayed.
• Choose Language, Territory, and Keyboard layout.
• Click on Install Now.

Also read: Functions of Operating System: A Beginner’s Guide 2025

Step 5: Choose the Type of Installation.

You usually get:

• Upgrade: Store files and applications (not recommended in case your old OS has been corrupted).
• Custom (Clean Install): Overwrites all the data and installs new.

Select Custom and have a complete clean install.

Step 6: Partition the Disk

• Choose the drive which you would like to install the Operating system(typically, it is Drive 0).
• If you wish to have a full format, delete the existing partitions, or simply choose which one to install the OS on.
• Click Next to continue.

Install files and prepare your system will now be copied by the installer. This can take a number of minutes.

Step 7: Automatic restart and setup.

• After its installation, the system will restart automatically.
• When asked to choose either to re-boot into setup or to remove the USB, remove the USB drive.

Step 8: Configuring after the installation.

• Upon restarting, you will be requested to:
• Create a user account.
• Connect to Wi-Fi.
• Select privacy and location.
• When it is complete, you will be in your new desktop world.

Step 9: Install Drivers and Updates.

• Access to Device Manager (Windows) or to Software & Updates (Linux).
• Install display, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and audio drivers.
• Patch security and performance. Run system updates.

Step 10: Install Apps and Tools

• Install your basic applications: browsers, IDEs, antivirus, office applications, etc.
• Configure your system preference.

Also read: 8 Different Types of Operating Systems You Should Know

Method 2: Install an OS Using an Android Phone (No Laptop Needed)

Step 1: Install the OS Image on your Android phone.

• Get an ISO or IMG file of the operating system you wish to install (e.g., Windows 11, Ubuntu 24.04).
• Store it in the internal storage or SD in your phone.

Step 2: Mount the ISO File on Android

• Mount the image using a file manager program such as ZArchiver, MT Manager or ISO Extractor.
• Once it is mounted, there will be folders such as boot, sources, etc.

Step 3: Copy SD Card Root Directory Files to SD Card

• Make copies of all the mounted files in the root folder of the SD card (not in a folder).
• Example: /SDCARD/ must be the direct place where files such as bootmgr, setup.exe, and /sources/ are displayed.
• After the copying, unmount the copy safely.

Step 5: Connect Android to Your PC

• Connect your phone to the damaged PC with a USB.
• Android has a USB menu, choose Mass storage mode (or File transfer (MTP) on recent cell phones).

Step 6: Boot the PC from the SD Card

• Reboot the PC and get into BIOS/UEFI (press F2, F10, F12, or DEL).
• Select the boot device as SD card (phone storage).
• Save and reboot your computer now should boot to the mounted OS files.

Step 7: Install the Operating System.

• Install Windows or Linux following the on-screen instructions.

Step 8: Post-Installation Cleanup

• Transfer the OS files on the SD card root to a subfolder (e.g.,/SDCARD/old_install/) to ensure that they are not booted every time by the BIOS.

Also read: Components of an Operating System

Method 3: Use a Live OS for Data Recovery or Emergency Use

Step 1: Download a Live OS Image

• For Example: Ubuntu Live, Kali Linux Live, Hiren’s Boot PE, or Fedora Live.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB or Use Android

• Use your smartphone to transfer the Live OS ISO to your SD card or USB and mount it.
• Boot your computer from that media.

Step 3: Boot Into the Live OS

• Go to the BIOS / UEFI and select your SD card or USB as the boot device.
• The operating system runs directly from RAM; no installation is needed.

Step 4: Recover or Test

• Access the other partitions (possibly D: or E:) to recover files from the damaged or unbootable operating system.
• Use the built-in tools for diagnostics or virus scanning.

Step 5: Shutdown

• When finished, just shut down the PC.
• The Live OS will disappear because it never makes any changes to your hard drive.

If you want to learn how operating systems work with software, AI, and real-world applications, GUVI’s AI Software Development Course is a great place to begin. You’ll also get hands-on experience by building real-time projects guided by industry mentors. By the end, you’ll have the practical skills and confidence to start your career as a job-ready tech professional.

Wrapping It Up…

And that’s it! We’ve discussed a few of the easiest and effective ways to install an operating system in 2025. Whether you’re using a USB drive, an Android phone, or a Live Operating System, they will all help you get your system working fast. I hope that you found this blog post useful and learned something new today. 

1. What is the easiest way to install an OS?

The easiest and most common way to install an OS on any machine is to use a bootable USB drive.

2. Can I install an OS without a USB?

Yes! You can install an OS using your Android phone to mount the ISO file and connect it to your computer in mass storage mode.

3. What is a Live OS?

A Live OS allows you to run an operating system from a USB or SD card without having to install it on the hard drive, which is great for testing and data recovery.

4. How long does it take to install an OS?

It typically takes about 20-45 min depending on the speed of the computer and type of OS.