How to Install Windows 11 Without DVD Drive: A Step-by-Step Guide

Long gone are the days when we relied on DVDs to install Windows. Modern laptops and even many desktops no longer come with DVD drives. So, what if you want to install Windows 11 but don’t have a DVD drive? Don’t worry—you don’t need one.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through different methods to install Windows 11 without a DVD drive, including using a USB flash drive, ISO files, and network installation. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get Windows 11 up and running smoothly, even if your PC doesn’t have an optical drive.

Table of Contents

Why You Don’t Need a DVD Drive Anymore

Back in the day, installing an operating system meant burning a DVD and booting from it. Today, that’s not only outdated but also unnecessary. With fast USB drives and cloud-based tools, installing Windows is much easier.

Plus, Microsoft no longer ships Windows on DVD. Instead, it offers:

Downloadable ISO files
Media Creation Tool (MCT)
Pre-activated OEM recovery options

So if your computer doesn’t have a DVD drive, you’re not missing out—you’re just keeping up with the times.

Methods to Install Windows 11 Without a DVD Drive

There are several ways to do it, depending on your preference:

USB Flash Drive (Most Common & Recommended)
Mounting ISO File in Windows
Network Installation (Advanced)
Using an External USB DVD Drive (Optional)

We’ll go through each method step by step.

Step 1: Prepare for Installation

Before starting, make sure you have:

A PC that meets Windows 11 system requirements
A USB flash drive (at least 8GB)
A stable internet connection
A backup of your important files
Your Windows 11 product key (if required)

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

This is the most popular method and works for nearly everyone.

Using Media Creation Tool (MCT)

Go to the Microsoft Windows 11 download page.
Download and run the Media Creation Tool.
Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO).
Select USB flash drive.
Insert your USB drive and select it.
The tool will download Windows 11 and make the USB bootable.

Now you have a Windows 11 installer USB drive.

Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive

Insert the bootable USB drive into your PC.
Restart your computer.
Enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, Delete, or Esc during boot).
Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive.
Save changes and restart.

Your PC should now boot into the Windows 11 installation setup.

Step 4: Install Windows 11

Select your language, time, and keyboard layout.
Click Install Now.
Enter your product key (or click I don’t have a product key).
Choose the Windows 11 edition (Home, Pro, etc.).
Accept the license terms.
Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) for a fresh install.
Select your drive partition (delete old ones if needed).
Click Next and wait for installation to finish.

After a restart, you’ll be guided through Windows 11 setup.

Method 2: Install Using ISO File (Without USB)

If you’re already running Windows 10, you can install Windows 11 directly using an ISO file.

Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft.
Right-click the file → Mount.
Open the mounted drive in File Explorer.
Double-click setup.exe.
Follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade.

This method works without USB or DVD drives but only if you already have a working OS.

Method 3: Network Installation (PXE Boot)

This is an advanced method, usually for IT pros. It involves installing Windows 11 over a local network.

Set up a PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) server.
Store the Windows 11 installation files on the server.
Configure the client PC to boot from network.
Start installation from the PXE server.

This is great for installing Windows on multiple PCs at once, but it requires technical knowledge.

Method 4: Use an External USB DVD Drive (Optional)

If you really want to stick with the old-school method, you can buy an external DVD drive that connects via USB. Just insert your Windows DVD and boot from it.

However, since Windows 11 doesn’t officially ship on DVD anymore, this is rarely necessary.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

PC won’t boot from USB → Check BIOS boot order or recreate the bootable USB.
Missing drivers error → Try another USB port (preferably USB 2.0).
Installation stuck → Disconnect unnecessary peripherals.
Product key not working → Ensure you’re using the correct edition (Home vs Pro).

Advantages of Installing Without DVD

Faster than DVD installation.
USB drives are reusable.
Easier to carry and store.
Compatible with modern laptops.

Conclusion

You don’t need a DVD drive to install Windows 11. With a bootable USB drive or ISO file, the process is faster, easier, and more reliable. Whether you’re upgrading from Windows 10 or doing a fresh install, the steps are straightforward.

Think of it this way: DVDs are like cassette tapes—nostalgic but outdated. USBs and downloads are the new standard, and once you try them, you won’t look back.

FAQs

1. Can I install Windows 11 without USB or DVD?
Yes, if you’re upgrading from Windows 10, you can use the ISO file directly.

2. What size USB do I need for Windows 11 installation?
At least 8GB, but 16GB is recommended.

3. Do I need a product key to install Windows 11?
You can install without one, but you’ll need a key to activate.

4. Can I reuse the same USB drive for multiple installations?
Yes, once created, the bootable USB can be used on multiple PCs.

5. What if my PC doesn’t support Windows 11 requirements?
You may need to enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in BIOS, or use workarounds (not recommended).