How to Install Windows 11 or Windows 10 From a Dell Windows Recovery DVD

Summary: Use our guide to learn how to successfully install Windows 11 and Windows 10 on a Dell computer with a Dell Windows Recovery DVD.

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Instructions

Note: Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. See our Microsoft Windows 10 End of Support Announcement for more information.

From Dell Windows 11 or Windows 10, use Dell operating system media that is supplied with the computer:

Note: The Dell Recovery media that ships with the computer looks for specific partition information about the drive. If that partition information is missing, then this media is not successfully install Windows 11 or Windows 10. See the Windows 11 and Windows 10 options below:
  1. Start the computer while tapping the F2 key to enter the BIOS.
  2. Confirm the boot priority - Internal Hard Drive as primary Boot Device/First boot device.
    Note: Confirm that the BIOS is set to UEFI. Dell Windows 10 DVD media does not support Legacy mode.
  3. Go to Exit and Exit Saving Changes.
  4. Reboot and use the F12 boot menu option.
  5. Choose the UEFI DVD/USB boot option and then press the Enter key.
  6. The Dell screen shows for a few moments.
    Note: A delay may occur (1 to 5 minutes) to boot to the Dell Screen with Spinning Circles.
  7. A prompt appears stating Press any key to boot from CD or DVD. Press the Spacebar to continue.
  8. When prompted, choose your language (English is default).
  9. Choose your region (US is default).
  10. Choose Troubleshoot.
  11. Choose Recover from a drive.
  12. Choose either Remove my files or Fully clean drive.
  13. A window appears, click the Recovery button.
  14. A Dell screen shows recovering this personal computer XX%.
  15. The computer reboots to Windows 11 or Windows 10 when the installation is finished.

How to Reinstall Windows 10 Dell

Duration: 07:41 (hh:mm:ss)
When available, closed caption (subtitles) language settings can be chosen using the Settings or CC icon on this video player.

Note: An error message may occur due to the BIOS SATA settings associated with the CDROM. Generally, this error can be ignored by clicking Continue and Windows 11 or Windows 10 correctly installs. Alternatively, you can temporarily disable the SATA ports in the BIOS that are not hard drives and retry the installation.

Download Windows 11 or Windows 10 Media Creator tool (USB option)

Create a retail image of Windows with the Microsoft Media Creation Tool

More information and support for your Windows operating systems can be found on our Windows Support webpage.

Affected Products

Chromebook, G Series, Alienware, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Legacy Laptop Models, Latitude Tablets, Surface, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations

Products

Vostro, XPS, Venue, XPS Tablets
Article Properties
Article Number: 000132479
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 06 Aug 2025
Version:  19
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