Playbook installation method

Complete these steps in order. Reinstalling Windows, applying updates, and installing Atlas takes about 30–45 minutes. Atlas itself takes about 15 minutes. Before you start, check whether Atlas fits your needs.

Step 1: Download Windows ISO

You need a clean Windows 11 ISO to reinstall Windows.

Which version?

Download x64 for an Intel or AMD CPU. Download ARM64 for a Qualcomm Snapdragon or another supported ARM CPU.

Architecture

Which should I download?

Intel/AMD CPUs use x64. ARM (Snapdragon) systems use ARM64.

To check your system: open Settings → System → About and look at System type. See how to check your CPU architecture for more detail.

Download network drivers now so you can reconnect if Windows does not install them.

  1. Search for your motherboard or device model followed by “network driver”
  2. Download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s support site
  3. Save the installer to a USB drive or other external storage

Can't find drivers?

Check your manufacturer’s support page or search Device Manager for your network adapter name.

Step 3: Reinstall Windows

Choose how to reinstall Windows.

Choose this method if: You already run Windows and want the simplest installation method.

  1. Disconnect internet (unplug ethernet, disable Wi-Fi)
  2. Mount the ISO:
    • Right-click downloaded ISO then Open With then 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 then Accept UAC prompt

BitLocker message?

See our BitLocker instructions to suspend BitLocker first.
  1. Complete Windows Setup:
    • Select No thanks when prompted for updates
    • Uncheck "I want to help make Windows installation better"
    • Click I don't have a product key
    • Choose Windows Pro (or Pro for Workstations/Enterprise)
    • Accept the license then Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
    • Select your Windows drive then Next then OK (Windows.old warning)
    • Wait for installation to finish (~15-20 minutes)

Step 4: Initial Windows setup

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

Step 5: Choose driver method

Choose this option for the simplest setup.

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

Step 6: Update Windows and Microsoft Store apps

Update Windows and Microsoft Store apps before installing Atlas.

  1. Update Windows:

    • Settings then 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 again to confirm everything is current

Important

Install every Windows and Microsoft Store update before you continue. After each restart, check both services again.

Step 7: Install AtlasOS

  1. If using Manual Driver Installation:

    • Run Disable Automatic Driver Installation.reg from the extracted Atlas release zip on your desktop
    • Restart your computer

  2. Download AtlasOS:

    • Open Edge then Go to atlasos.net
    • Click Get started then 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 blocks the app, select More info then Run anyway
    • Click Updates then Update AME Beta if available
    • Drag Atlas Playbook.apbx into AME Beta
    • Follow on-screen instructions

AME Beta deleted?

Follow the AME Beta troubleshooting steps.

Installation complete

Your system will restart automatically.

Next steps

Follow the First Setup guide:

  • Install drivers
  • Configure Atlas settings
  • Optimize hardware