Are you struggling to install Windows 10 on your laptop with a broken screen? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! A broken screen can make it challenging to navigate through the installation process, but it’s not impossible. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to install Windows 10 on your laptop with a broken screen.
Preparation is Key
Before you begin the installation process, there are a few things you need to prepare:
Backup Your Data
If your laptop’s screen is broken, you may not be able to access your files and data. Make sure to backup all your important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service like Google Drive or OneDrive. This will ensure that your data is safe and you can access it later.
Prepare an External Monitor
You’ll need an external monitor to connect to your laptop to complete the installation process. Make sure the monitor is compatible with your laptop’s video output (VGA, HDMI, or USB-C). If you don’t have an external monitor, you can borrow one from a friend or purchase a cheap one from a local electronics store.
Download the Windows 10 ISO File
You’ll need to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website. You can do this on another computer or device with a working screen. Make sure to download the correct version of Windows 10 that matches your laptop’s architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Drive
To install Windows 10, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive. This will allow you to boot from the USB drive and install Windows 10 on your laptop.
To create a bootable USB drive, you’ll need:
- A USB drive with at least 8GB of free space
- A computer with a working internet connection
- The Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded earlier
Follow these steps to create a bootable USB drive:
- Insert the USB drive into the computer
- Open the Command Prompt as an administrator
- Type the following command to create a bootable USB drive:
diskpart - Use the following commands to select the USB drive and make it bootable:
list disk
select disk X(where X is the number of the USB drive)
clean
create partition primary
format fs=fat32 quick
assign - Exit the Command Prompt and open the File Explorer
- Mount the Windows 10 ISO file and copy all the files to the USB drive
Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive
Now that you’ve created a bootable USB drive, it’s time to boot from it on your laptop with a broken screen.
Follow these steps to boot from the USB drive:
- Insert the USB drive into your laptop
- restart your laptop and press the key to access the boot menu (usually F2, F12, or Del)
- Select the USB drive as the boot device and press Enter
Step 3: Install Windows 10
Once you’ve booted from the USB drive, you’ll see the Windows 10 installation screen.
Follow these steps to install Windows 10:
- Select your language and region
- Accept the license terms and conditions
- Select the Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) option
- Delete any existing partitions on your laptop’s hard drive
- Create a new partition and select it as the installation location
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process
Step 4: Connect to an External Monitor
Once the installation process is complete, you’ll need to connect an external monitor to your laptop.
Follow these steps to connect an external monitor:
- Connect the external monitor to your laptop using a compatible video cable (VGA, HDMI, or USB-C)
- Turn on the external monitor and set it to the correct input
- You should see the Windows 10 login screen on the external monitor
Step 5: Configure Your Display Settings
Now that you’ve connected an external monitor, you’ll need to configure your display settings.
Follow these steps to configure your display settings:
- Login to Windows 10 using your login credentials
- Right-click on an empty area of the desktop and select Display settings
- Select the external monitor as the primary display
- Adjust the display settings to your liking (resolution, brightness, etc.)
Conclusion
Installing Windows 10 on a laptop with a broken screen can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully install Windows 10 on your laptop and connect an external monitor to complete the setup process. Remember to backup your data, prepare an external monitor, and create a bootable USB drive before starting the installation process. Good luck!
Can I install Windows 10 on a laptop with a broken screen if I don’t have a replacement screen available?
You can still install Windows 10 on your laptop even if you don’t have a replacement screen available. In this case, you can use an external monitor to complete the installation process. Make sure your laptop is connected to the external monitor and it’s set as the primary display. This way, you can follow the installation steps on the external monitor while keeping your laptop’s broken screen turned off.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to configure your laptop to use the external monitor as the primary display. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + P and selecting the “Extend” or “Second screen only” option. This will allow you to use the external monitor as the primary display, and you can proceed with the installation process.
Do I need to back up my data before installing Windows 10 on a laptop with a broken screen?
Yes, it’s highly recommended to back up your data before installing Windows 10 on your laptop, especially since the screen is broken. You won’t be able to access your files and data during the installation process, and there’s a risk of data loss if something goes wrong. Make sure to connect your laptop to an external hard drive or cloud storage service and transfer all your important files and data.
You can use the Windows Backup and Restore tool or a third-party backup software to create a system image backup or file backup. This will ensure that your data is safe, and you can restore it after the installation process is complete.
Can I use a USB drive to install Windows 10 on a laptop with a broken screen?
Yes, you can use a USB drive to install Windows 10 on your laptop, even with a broken screen. You’ll need to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 installation media and insert it into your laptop. Make sure your laptop is set to boot from the USB drive, and you can follow the installation steps on an external monitor.
During the installation process, you’ll need to configure your laptop to use the external monitor as the primary display. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + P and selecting the “Extend” or “Second screen only” option. This will allow you to complete the installation process using the external monitor.
Will I be able to use my laptop’s keyboard and touchpad during the installation process?
Yes, you can use your laptop’s keyboard and touchpad during the installation process, even with a broken screen. The keyboard and touchpad will still be functional, and you can use them to navigate through the installation steps on an external monitor.
However, if your laptop’s keyboard or touchpad is also damaged along with the screen, you may need to use an external keyboard and mouse to complete the installation process. Make sure to connect the external keyboard and mouse to your laptop before starting the installation process.
Can I install Windows 10 on a laptop with a broken screen in Safe Mode?
Yes, you can install Windows 10 on a laptop with a broken screen in Safe Mode. In fact, Safe Mode can be a good option if you’re experiencing issues with the installation process or if your laptop is having trouble booting up. To install Windows 10 in Safe Mode, you’ll need to boot your laptop from the Windows 10 installation media and select the “Safe Mode” option when prompted.
During the installation process, you’ll need to configure your laptop to use an external monitor as the primary display. You can do this by pressing the Windows key + P and selecting the “Extend” or “Second screen only” option. This will allow you to complete the installation process in Safe Mode using the external monitor.
How long does it take to install Windows 10 on a laptop with a broken screen?
The installation time for Windows 10 on a laptop with a broken screen can vary depending on several factors, including the speed of your laptop’s processor, the amount of RAM, and the size of the installation media. On average, the installation process can take around 30 minutes to an hour, but it can take longer if your laptop is older or slower.
Make sure to have all the necessary drivers and software ready before starting the installation process, as this can save you time and ensure a smooth installation. Additionally, consider using a fast external hard drive or SSD to speed up the installation process.
Will I need to reinstall all my drivers and software after installing Windows 10 on a laptop with a broken screen?
Yes, after installing Windows 10 on a laptop with a broken screen, you’ll need to reinstall all your drivers and software. The installation process will erase all data on your laptop, including drivers and software. Make sure to have all the necessary installation media and licenses ready before reinstalling your drivers and software.
You can download the necessary drivers from your laptop manufacturer’s website or use a driver update tool to simplify the process. Additionally, you can reinstall your software from the original installation media or download them from the software vendor’s website.