Installation FAQ

Common questions and troubleshooting for AtlasOS installation.

Prerequisites

What do I need to install AtlasOS?

• Windows 11 license (Pro, Pro for Workstations, or Enterprise)
• 64-bit CPU (x64) or ARM CPU (ARM64) - Use x64 Windows ISO for Intel/AMD CPUs, or ARM64 Windows ISO for ARM systems
• USB drive (only if installing from USB)
• Backup of important data

Can I install on a virtual machine?

Yes, but some optimizations may not apply. Use the Playbook installation method.

Which Windows editions are supported?

• Windows Pro
• Windows Pro for Workstations
• Windows Enterprise (excluding LTSC, IoT LTSC)

Installation process

How long does installation take?

About 30-45 minutes, depending on your hardware and internet speed.

What if I get a BitLocker error?

If you see “Make sure BitLocker Drive Encryption is suspended”:

1. Boot back into your original Windows
2. Control Panel BitLocker Drive Encryption
3. Click Suspend protection for your system drive
4. Restart and continue installation

What if Windows Update fails?

1. Check your internet connection
2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter (Settings Update & Security Troubleshoot)
3. Restart and try again

Why disconnect internet during Windows installation?

Prevents Windows from auto-installing drivers and updates, giving you more control over the process.

What if installation fails?

Common causes:

• Not enough disk space (need at least 64GB free)
• Corrupted ISO file (re-download)
• BitLocker enabled (suspend it first)
• Hardware incompatibility (check Windows 11 requirements)

Post-installation

How do I remove Windows.old?

1. Settings System Storage
2. Click Temporary files
3. Select Previous version of Windows Remove files

What should I do after installation?

After installation, follow these guides:

• Essential Setup - Install drivers and optimize hardware
• Atlas Configuration - Configure Atlas Folder settings