Problems with Microsoft supplied Windows 10 install media? Use this procedure to install Windows 10 on your NUC.

[AlHill]

The Microsoft installation media seems to have issues installing Windows 10 properly. 

To correct this problem, you can use the12-step procedure below. Certain assumptions are made here – UEFI mode, 64-bit, that you have a valid license, that you know what version of W10 you should be using, that you know how to enter the BIOS, and so on. If you are not familiar with these assumptions, there are a number of tutorials on the net that you can use. This 12-step procedure is short and will get W10 installed on your NUC. Also, we assume you have a HDD or SSD installed in your NUC.

WARNING: If you have data on the HDD or SSD that you want to keep, back it up now.

Ok, enough with the assumptions.

Step 1. Use the procedure here to make your USB install stick: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

Do not use a MAC or Linux OS to make the USB stick. And, make sure you have a USB stick of at least 8GB.

Step 2. Make sure you know on which drive you want to install W10. If you are confused by this, just disconnect/remove the drive(s) you do not want to install W10 on.

Step 3. If you need to update your NUC BIOS, now is a good time to do so. Get the latest BIOS from the Intel site. Make sure you set your BIOS to defaults. At this point, we assume UEFI mode, and NOT LEGACY.

Enter the BIOS using F2, then use F9 to set the BIOS to defaults, and then save using F10, and shut down the NUC.

Step 4. Insert the USB stick created using the procedure on the Microsoft site above. 

Have the LAN cable plugged in, or be prepared to connect to a wireless network later.

Power on the NUC, and immediately start pressing F10 to select the boot menu. 

Step 5. When in the boot menu, choose the UEFI option of the USB stick you created.

Step 6. We are going to assume that you created your USB stick for 64-bit. 

Step 7. All of those questions about language, time, currency, keyboard, etc. you should be able to answer. Click Next.

When prompted with the choice of Install now or Repair your computer, Click on Install now

Step 8. If you have a product key, enter it and click on Next. If not, click on I don't have product key. You can deal with this later and perform the proper activation. This all depends on if you have a key, or a digital license, or upgraded from Windows 7 or 8.x, or you have an OEM key embedded in the device.

Step 9. If you are prompted to select a version of Windows 10 (home, pro, etc.), then do so. Check the box "I accept the license terms" and click on Next.

Selecting the version for which you are authorized is very important.

Step 10. Now, this is important. Select CUSTOM install. Do not format the drive where you want W10 installed. Instead, DELETE ALL EXISTING PARTITIONS until you have just one unallocated space, and select that space to install W10. This is to ensure that a UEFI GPT Partition Table is created. DO NOT DELETE PARTITIONS OF DRIVES OTHER THAN THE DRIVE ON WHICH YOU INTEND TO INSTALL W10.

Step 11. Press NEXT and complete the installation. 

After the install, the system will want to restart. At this point, you can remove the USB stick if you want.

Step 12. You are on your own with all of the questions and information collection Microsoft wants.

Doc

[LAlex4]

I'm on it. I am faniliar with everything. Thanks for the help. I have a brand new SSD, I got licence on Windows...​ I am doing it now...thank you for all the advices...literally you helped me loads... thank you

[JonBackman]

Hi @AlHill! When I try to boot my usb stick with the UEFI option the screen goes black for a second and then it just shows the same boot option screen again. When I choose the other option it starts the Windows installation. Would this procedure work even though I can't choose the UEFI option?

/ Jon Backman