Q4OS for Windows Setup

Install Q4OS alongside Windows in an easy way without modifying your existing Windows operating system.

Compatibility: This installer is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 versions and can handle Secure Boot if available in the PC firmware.

1. Introduction

The Windows installer allows you to install Q4OS alongside Windows in an easy way. You won't have to modify your existing Windows operating system, nor any of your software installed. Q4OS is installed inside Windows as any other application - no separate partitions, just a folder in the Windows filesystem.

Once you install Q4OS, you'll be able to switch back and forth between Windows and Q4OS each time you restart your computer. This installer is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 versions and can handle Secure Boot if available in the PC firmware.

🚀 Perfect Complement

Q4OS is not intended to be a replacement, but the perfect complement to an existing Windows installation. If your Windows becomes lagging, it's the right time to try Q4OS out.

⚡ Lightweight & Fast

Q4OS is a lightweight, snappy and easy to use operating system with a variety of applications available in repositories.

2. Installation

First, you need to get the setup executable, so download the file "q4os-winsetup-5.8-r1.zip" from the downloads section of the Q4OS website. Unzip and launch it the usual way by double-clicking from Windows file explorer.

Important: Keep the file explorer window pointing to the unzipped file throughout the installation process, to make temporary files available for the installer.

Security Warnings

On Windows 11/10, depending on the security policy of your system, a popup window titled "Windows protected your PC" may appear when trying to execute the installer. You only need to click "More info" and confirm the Q4OS setup is safe to continue.

Step 1: Click "More info"

When Windows Defender SmartScreen appears, click on the "More info" link to reveal additional options.

Step 2: Click "Run anyway"

After clicking "More info", a "Run anyway" button will appear. Click it to proceed with the installation.

Installation Process

In the User Account Control (UAC) window, click "Yes" and the Q4OS setup window will appear. Follow the instructions of the guide-style installer. You will be asked to choose the storage space - this means how much storage you would like to assign for Q4OS on your Windows drive.

Installation Time: The installer will start downloading, extracting and expanding the target image file. Installation takes some time, so please be patient.

Once the installation process has finished, close the installer window and restart your computer. Automatic post-install steps take place at the first boot in text mode - they last from seconds up to a few minutes depending on the disk size selected.

Do not interrupt: Don't interrupt running tasks and wait for the installer to complete the operations. Once finished, the system is fully set up and ready to run either Windows or Q4OS.

You will be allowed to select either Windows or Q4OS entry at boot time, as the installer registers a Q4OS entry into the UEFI boot menu. However, on some computers, firmware forces the Windows bootloader to be the only one in the boot list.

This means by default, you won't see the Q4OS entry when you boot your computer. Your computer will continue to boot into Windows and it will appear that nothing has happened. To boot into Q4OS, restart your computer and press the function key to pull up the boot menu.

Boot Menu Keys by Manufacturer

Manufacturer	Boot Keys
Acer	Esc, F9, F12
ASUS	Esc, F8
Compaq	Esc, F9
Dell	F12
EMachines	F12
HP	Esc, F9

Manufacturer	Boot Keys
Intel	F10
Lenovo	F8, F10, F12
NEC	F5
Packard Bell	F8
Samsung	Esc, F12
Sony	F11, F12
Toshiba	F12

Timing: You need to tap the function key straight away and before Windows boots. This will bring up a menu where you can choose to boot either Windows or Q4OS.

Secure Boot Issues

If Q4OS doesn't start when selected from the boot menu, you would need to enter BIOS setup and switch the Secure Boot mode to "Audit mode" instead of "Deployed mode". Another way to make Q4OS bootable would be to turn Secure Boot off completely.

4. Uninstallation

Uninstalling Q4OS is a simple matter of running the downloaded executable again, which will prompt you to uninstall the existing Q4OS operating system. Just launch the "q4os-winsetup.exe" installer again and the uninstall wizard starts.

Clean Removal: The uninstaller wipes out Q4OS completely. Uninstallation is quick and simple, and leaves no remnants or abandoned files.

Troubleshooting Tips

Boot Menu Not Appearing: Try different function keys listed above for your manufacturer
Q4OS Won't Start: Check Secure Boot settings in BIOS/UEFI
Installation Fails: Ensure you have enough free disk space (at least 5GB recommended)
Windows Blocks Installer: Use "More info" → "Run anyway" in SmartScreen

Need Help?

Visit our community forum for additional support and troubleshooting assistance.

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Q4OS for Windows setup user manual, rev. 01/2024