AtlasOS

Playbook installation method

Follow these steps in order. The entire process takes approximately 30–45 minutes.

Step 1: Download Windows ISO

  1. Visit Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page
  2. Choose the appropriate ISO:
    • For Intel/AMD CPUs: Click Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices
    • For ARM CPUs: Click Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for ARM64 devices
  3. Select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO) Confirm
  4. Choose your language Confirm
  5. Click the appropriate download option:
    • 64-bit Download for x64 systems
    • ARM64 Download for ARM systems

Tip

Which version? Intel/AMD CPUs use x64. ARM (Snapdragon) systems use ARM64. Make sure you download the correct ISO for your CPU architecture.

You may lose internet connection after Windows installation if network drivers aren’t available.

Download now:

  1. Search for your motherboard or device model + “network drivers”
  2. Download the latest drivers
  3. Save to a USB drive or external storage

Info

Can’t find drivers? Check your manufacturer’s support page or search Device Manager for your network adapter name.

Step 3: Reinstall Windows

Choose your installation method below.

Best for: Users already running Windows who want the easiest installation method.

  1. Disconnect internet (unplug ethernet, disable Wi-Fi)

  2. Mount the ISO:

    • Right-click downloaded ISO Open With File Explorer
    • Note the drive letter (e.g., H: )

  3. Launch Windows Setup:

    • Press Win + R
    • Type: H:\sources\setup.exe (replace H with your drive letter)
    • Press Enter Accept UAC prompt

  4. Complete Windows Setup:

    • Click No thanks (updates)
    • Uncheck “I want to help make Windows installation better”
    • Click I don’t have a product key
    • Select Windows Pro (or Pro for Workstations/Enterprise)
    • Accept license Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
    • Select your Windows drive Next OK (Windows.old warning)
    • Wait for installation (~15-20 minutes)

BitLocker Error?

See troubleshooting to suspend BitLocker first.

Step 4: Initial Windows setup

  1. Select language and keyboard layout
  2. Press Shift + F10 Command Prompt opens
  3. Type: start ms-cxh:localonly Press Enter
  4. Create account:
    • Enter username, password, security questions
    • In Privacy section: Turn off all options Accept

Step 5: Choose driver method

Best for: Beginners who want the easiest setup.

  • Connect to internet
  • Windows installs drivers automatically
  • Proceed to Step 6

Step 6: Update Windows and Microsoft Store apps

Before installing AtlasOS, ensure all Windows Updates and Microsoft Store apps are up to date.

  1. Update Windows:

    • Settings Windows Update
    • Install all updates (including optional updates)
    • If paused, click Resume Updates
    • Restart your computer if prompted

  2. After restart (if applicable):

    • Check Windows Update again and install any remaining updates
    • Repeat until no more updates are available

  3. Update Microsoft Store apps:

    • Open Microsoft Store
    • Click Library (or search for “Updates”)
    • Click Get updates to update all apps
    • Wait for all updates to complete

  4. After restart (if applicable):

    • Open Microsoft Store again
    • Check for updates once more to ensure everything is up to date

Important

Make sure all Windows Updates and Microsoft Store apps are fully updated before proceeding. If you restart during this process, check both Windows Update and Microsoft Store again after the restart.

Step 7: Install AtlasOS

  1. If using Manual Driver Installation:

    • Run Disable Drivers Installation in Windows Update.reg from Playbook folder
    • Restart your computer

  2. Download AtlasOS:

    • Open Edge Go to atlasos.net
    • Click Get started Already following the guide?
    • Download Atlas Playbook and AME Beta

  3. Extract files:

    • Extract both to desktop

  4. Install AtlasOS:

    • Open AME Beta.exe
    • If SmartScreen warning: More info Run anyway (safe to ignore)
    • Click Updates Update AME Beta if available
    • Drag Atlas Playbook.apbx into AME Beta
    • Follow on-screen instructions

AME Beta deleted?

Add it as an exclusion in Windows Security or disable Real-time protection temporarily.

Installation complete

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed AtlasOS. Your system will restart automatically after the installation completes.

Next steps

Follow the First Setup guide to complete your AtlasOS installation:

  • Install drivers
  • Configure Atlas settings
  • Optimize your hardware

Enjoy your optimized Windows experience!