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Operating System Installation for Intel® NUC

Content Type: Install & Setup   |   Article ID: 000005471   |   Last Reviewed: 02/06/2025
Note See the Supported Operating Systems for Intel® NUC Products for a list of Windows* versions supported by your Intel® NUC.

Prepare to install

  1. Review the model-specific table below for any special information that applies to your Intel NUC model. 
  2. Install necessary hardware components in the Intel NUC (memory and drive, purchased separately).
  3. Use another computer connected to the Internet to download the latest wired or wireless network driver for your Intel NUC (just search for the NUC model at the link). Save it to a USB portable device.
  4. Get your Windows image ready (purchased separately) on a USB portable device.   If Windows, tools to create USB bootable drives can be found at the below links:
    1. Windows 11*
    2. Windows® 10

Click or the topic for details:

Model-specific information

See the table for special information you should know before you begin installing the operating system. If your Intel NUC model isn't listed in this table, there are no additional special instructions and you can proceed directly to the installation steps.

Intel® NUC Kit Model Operating System  Special Information
NUC7i3BNH
NUC7i5BNH
NUC7i7BNH
Windows® 10

If you plan to install both a hard drive and Intel® Optane™ Memory

Models that have only USB 3.0 ports:
NUC6i7KYK
NUC6i5SYH
NUC6i5SYK 
NUC6i3SYH 
NUC6i3SYK 
NUC5CPYH 
NUC5PPYH
Windows 7*
 

Install Windows*

  1. Plug in the device with the Windows installation image (USB port or USB optical drive, if the Windows image is on a CD/DVD).
  2. Power on the Intel NUC.
  3. At the prompt during boot, press F10 to open the boot menu and select the installation drive.
  4. Follow all setup instructions during Windows installation. If installing Windows 11 see Unable to Install Windows 11*, as it Requires an Internet Connection During Setup

After installation is complete

  1. After Windows Setup is complete, install the wired or wireless network driver you downloaded in Prepare to install - Step 3.
  2. Connect to the Internet.
    1. What to Do If an Intel® NUC’s Local Area Network (LAN) Port Is Not Working
    2. Troubleshooting WiFi and Bluetooth Issues on Intel® NUC Products
  3. Install Windows updates (optional).
  4. Download and install the rest of the Intel NUC drivers from Download Center (just search for the NUC model at the link) or utilize the Intel® Driver & Support Assistant.

Linux* resources

OS troubleshooting resources