Bought a new laptop: how to install Windows
You brought a new laptop home, switched it on — and instead of Windows there is a black screen with strange text or “No bootable device”. That is normal: in Batumi almost half of laptops are sold with Free DOS, i.e. without Windows. Below — everything in order: what is on your laptop, which Windows to install, the licence question and what to set up on day one.
Step 1. What is on your laptop
- Free DOS or “No OS” — no Windows. The laptop is cheaper and the system has to be installed separately. It says so on the price tag, the box or in the model name.
- Windows 11 Home or Pro — Windows is already installed; only the first setup is needed.
- Ubuntu or another Linux — on some models; Windows is installed instead.
- macOS — that is a MacBook; it doesn’t need Windows.
What Free DOS means in plain words
Free DOS is an almost empty laptop: no Windows and no Windows licence. The manufacturer saves on the licence, so the laptop is cheaper. When switched on it shows a black command line or “No bootable device” — it works fine, there just isn’t a system yet.
Step 2. Which Windows to install
- Windows 11 — for every new laptop.
- Home — home, study, games. Pro — work, office, BitLocker, Remote Desktop. More — Windows 11 Home vs Pro.
- Language — English, Russian or Georgian interface; any keyboard layouts can be added.
- New laptops support TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, so Windows 11 installs without workarounds.
Step 3. Licence
A Free DOS laptop has no Windows licence — you need to buy an official Windows 11 Home or Pro key. Without activation Windows works, but with an “Activate Windows” watermark and limited personalisation. I install official Windows only; the client buys the licence — I will tell you which one and where.
If the laptop was sold with Windows, the licence is built in and activates by itself once online.
Step 4. Drivers
After Windows comes drivers — without them Wi-Fi, sound, touchpad, camera, graphics and brightness keys don’t work. The right drivers come from the laptop manufacturer’s official site or Windows Update; manufacturers also have their own update apps. I don’t install drivers from “driver packs” or random sites.
Step 5. First setup
- Region — Georgia, time zone — Tbilisi.
- Microsoft account or local account — the difference: article.
- If device encryption or BitLocker turns on — save the recovery key (in your Microsoft account or on paper). Without it your data can’t be opened after a failure.
- All Windows updates to the end.
- Remove trial software.
- Layouts: English, Russian, Georgian — switched with a convenient key.
Step 6. Software and files
- Browser, PDF, WhatsApp, Telegram, Zoom — whatever you use.
- Office — official (Microsoft 365 or Office 2024), the client buys the licence; there are free alternatives too.
- Moving files, photos and bookmarks from the old laptop.
- Backup: OneDrive, Google Drive or an external drive.
- Antivirus — the built-in Windows Defender is usually enough.
What not to do
- Don’t install pirated “builds” and activators — they often contain viruses and miners.
- Don’t delete the manufacturer’s hidden recovery partitions.
- Don’t buy suspiciously cheap keys on dubious sites — they often stop working.
Warranty
Installing Windows doesn’t void the warranty: it is software, not opening the case. Keep the receipt and box. If the laptop was brought from another country — see “Laptop from Turkey or Europe”.
Day-one checklist
- Found out what is installed: Free DOS or Windows.
- Bought a licence for the right edition (if Free DOS).
- Installed Windows 11 in your language.
- Installed drivers from the manufacturer’s site.
- Saved the BitLocker recovery key.
- Ran all updates.
- Added keyboard layouts.
- Installed your software and Office.
- Moved files from the old laptop.
- Turned on backup.
How I can help
I come on the day you buy it — to your home, office or hotel in Batumi — and do everything on the list: official Windows 11, drivers, language, layouts, updates, software, file transfer. Windows installation — from 50 ₾, turnkey with software, Office and printer — from 80 ₾, evenings and nights — from 100 ₾. Urgent — urgent Windows installation. Models on sale in Batumi — Laptops in Batumi.