3 Easy Methods for the Installation Of Operating System in 2026

The installation of operating system can start with something as simple as a USB drive, but that is not where the options end. Depending on your situation, you may have more than one way to get your computer up and running.

A regular installation is only part of the picture. What if you do not have a laptop ready, or the system you are trying to access will not boot? The methods below cover some interesting ways to handle these situations.

Quick Answer: You can install an operating system using a bootable USB drive, an Android phone, or a Live OS. The best method depends on your device and what you need to do.

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 respective OS’s official website (e.g., 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 and choose the ISO file.
• Select GPT (UEFI) or MBR (Legacy) based on your PC type.
• 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.
• Change the boot order so USB is the first boot device.
• Save and quit; your PC will restart and boot up from 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

Step 5: Choose the Type of Installation.

You usually get:

• Upgrade: Keeps your files and applications (not recommended if your old OS is corrupted).
• Custom (Clean Install): Overwrites all data and installs a fresh copy.

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).
• For a full format, delete the existing partitions, or choose the partition you want 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 several minutes.

Step 7: Automatic restart and setup.

• After installation, the system will restart automatically.
• When prompted to reboot into setup or 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 Device Manager (Windows) or 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 preferences.

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

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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 on your phone’s internal storage or SD card.

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 mounted, you will see folders such as boot, sources, etc.

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

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

Step 5: Connect Android to Your PC

• Connect your phone to the damaged PC with a USB cable.
• On Android, open the USB menu and choose Mass storage mode (or File transfer (MTP) on recent 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 SD card (phone storage) as the boot device.
• Save and reboot your computer; it should now 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

• Move the OS files from the SD card root to a subfolder (e.g., /SDCARD/old_install/) to prevent the BIOS from booting them every time.

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 changes your hard drive.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right method can make the process much easier, especially when your usual setup is not available. Whether you have a USB drive, an Android phone, or need a temporary system for an emergency, knowing your options gives you more flexibility when it matters. With the right approach and a little preparation, you can handle the setup with much less hassle.