I recently built my own computer and am now attempting to install Windows 10 on it. However, when I boot from the USB device, the installation process freezes after a few seconds. I have tried both creating an installation USB with the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and creating an ISO with the tool and then using Rufus to transfer it to a USB, but both methods result in the same issue.
The screen either freezes while the loading dots are turning, the installation start screen appears and then freezes, or the language selection screen appears and then freezes. I have tried waiting for an extended period of time and have tried using two different USB devices, but the problem persists.
I have also tried installing Ubuntu and Windows 7 on the computer, but they both fail as well. However, the Windows 10 installation does work on another computer. I do not have a disc drive, so using a USB is my only option.
I have tried several troubleshooting methods such as power cycling, resetting the motherboard to factory settings, using different USB slots, disconnecting various components such as the RAM, mouse, and keyboard, and more.
Does anyone know what could be causing this issue and how I can fix it?
3 Answers
Introduction
Building your own computer can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, the process of installing an operating system can sometimes be challenging, especially if you encounter issues like the one described above. In this blog post, we will explore some possible causes of the freezing issue during Windows 10 installation on a homebuilt machine and provide some solutions to fix it.
Hardware Compatibility Issues
One possible cause of the freezing issue during Windows 10 installation on a homebuilt machine is hardware compatibility issues. This can happen if your computer components are not compatible with Windows 10 or if there are conflicts between them.
To check if your hardware components are compatible with Windows 10, you can visit the Microsoft website and search for the Compatibility Center. This tool allows you to search for your hardware components and see if they are compatible with Windows 10. If you find that some of your components are not compatible, you may need to replace them with compatible ones.
Another way to check for hardware compatibility issues is to run a hardware diagnostic test. Many computer manufacturers provide diagnostic tools that you can download and run to check for hardware issues. If you find any hardware issues, you may need to replace the faulty components.
BIOS Settings
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is a firmware that is installed on your computer’s motherboard. It is responsible for controlling the hardware components during the boot process. Sometimes, the BIOS settings can cause issues during the Windows 10 installation process.
To fix this issue, you can try resetting the BIOS settings to their default values. To do this, you need to enter the BIOS setup utility during the boot process. The key to enter the BIOS setup utility varies depending on your computer’s manufacturer. You can check your computer’s manual or search for the key online.
Once you have entered the BIOS setup utility, look for the option to reset the BIOS settings to their default values. This option may be located in the Exit menu or the Advanced menu. After resetting the BIOS settings, save the changes and exit the BIOS setup utility. Then try to boot from the USB device again and see if the issue is resolved.
USB Device Issues
Another possible cause of the freezing issue during Windows 10 installation on a homebuilt machine is USB device issues. This can happen if the USB device you are using is faulty or if there are issues with the USB ports on your computer.
To check if the USB device is faulty, you can try using a different USB device to install Windows 10. If the issue persists, you can try using a different USB port on your computer. Sometimes, USB ports can become damaged or malfunction due to various reasons such as power surges or physical damage.
If none of the above solutions work, you can try creating a bootable DVD or CD instead of using a USB device. This may require you to purchase a DVD or CD drive if your computer does not have one.
Software Issues
Software issues can also cause the freezing issue during Windows 10 installation on a homebuilt machine. This can happen if there are conflicts between the software components or if the installation files are corrupted.
To fix this issue, you can try downloading the Windows 10 installation files again from the Microsoft website. Make sure to download the correct version of Windows 10 that is compatible with your computer’s hardware components.
You can also try disabling any antivirus software or firewall software during the installation process. Sometimes, these software programs can interfere with the installation process and cause issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, encountering issues during the Windows 10 installation process on a homebuilt machine can be frustrating, but there are several solutions that you can try to fix the freezing issue. These solutions include checking for hardware compatibility issues, resetting the BIOS settings, checking for USB device issues, and fixing software issues. By following these solutions, you should be able to successfully install Windows 10 on your homebuilt machine.
There are several potential issues that could be causing your installation of Windows 10 to freeze when you boot from a USB device. Here are a few things you could try to troubleshoot the problem:
- Check the integrity of your installation media. It’s possible that the installation files on your USB drive are corrupted or incomplete, which could cause the installation to freeze. You can try creating a new installation USB using a different tool, or downloading a new copy of the Windows 10 ISO file and using it to create a new installation USB.
- Check your computer’s hardware. Make sure all of your components are compatible with Windows 10 and are functioning properly. You can try disconnecting and reconnecting each component to make sure it’s seated correctly and functioning properly.
- Check your motherboard’s BIOS settings. Make sure your motherboard is set to boot from a USB device first, and that all other necessary settings are correct.
- Check for any BIOS updates. It’s possible that an outdated BIOS could be causing the installation to freeze. Check with your motherboard manufacturer to see if there are any BIOS updates available for your specific model.
- Try a different installation method. If you have access to a DVD drive, you can try burning the Windows 10 ISO file to a DVD and installing from that instead of a USB drive.
I hope these suggestions help! If you’re still having trouble after trying these steps, it might be helpful to provide more details about your hardware and the exact steps you’re taking to install Windows 10. This will allow me to give you more specific troubleshooting advice.
I attempted to use memtest86, but my BIOS did not recognize the key. I looked for a solution and found that the only option was to flash my motherboard, which I did.
Since flashing the BIOS was already recommended as a solution to my problem, I decided to try installing Windows 10 before using memtest86. I had not done this before because all of the advice was accompanied by a warning that it should be done at my own risk, and I was hesitant.
Flashing the BIOS ended up fixing my issue and was a straightforward process using M-Flash. It was also quick, reducing the chances of a power interruption.