If the Windows Setup installer skips the edition selection screen (for example, Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro), it's usually because the installation media is configured to automatically install a specific edition.
Adding a small configuration file to your Windows installation USB will force Windows Setup to display all available editions during installation.
💡 Before You Begin
Before starting, make sure you have:
✅ A Windows installation USB drive
✅ Administrator access to your PC
✅ A text editor such as Notepad
Why This Happens
Windows installation media can include a configuration that automatically selects a Windows edition without asking.
If the edition selection screen is skipped, you may be unable to install the edition that matches your product key.
Creating an ei.cfg file tells Windows Setup to show the edition selection screen again.
🎥 Video Guide
If you prefer, you can follow our video walkthrough.
Text instructions are also provided below.
Step 1 – Create the Configuration File
Open Notepad.
Copy and paste the following exactly as shown:
[Channel] Retail [VL] 0
Step 2 – Save the File as ei.cfg
Click File → Save As.
In File name, enter:
ei.cfg
Set Save as type to All Files (.).
Save the file.
Important: Make sure the file is named ei.cfg and not ei.cfg.txt.
Step 3 – Copy the File to Your Windows USB
Open your Windows installation USB drive.
Open the Sources folder.
Copy the ei.cfg file into the Sources folder.
The file should be located here:
USB Drive\Sources\ei.cfg
Step 4 – Start Windows Setup Again
Restart your PC.
Boot from the Windows installation USB.
Begin the Windows installation.
You should now see the Select the operating system you want to install screen, where you can choose the correct Windows edition (such as Windows 11 Pro or Windows 11 Home).
✅ Still Not Seeing the Edition List?
If the edition selection screen still doesn't appear:
Verify that ei.cfg is inside the Sources folder.
Confirm the file is ei.cfg, not ei.cfg.txt.
Safely remove and reconnect the USB drive before trying again.
If you're using a custom Windows ISO, consider recreating the installation USB using Microsoft's official Media Creation Tool or official ISO.
Need More Help?
If you're still unable to select your Windows edition, please contact our support team and include:
Your Windows product key (or your order number)
A screenshot of the Windows Setup screen
The Windows version you're trying to install (Windows 10 or Windows 11)
We'll be happy to help you get the correct edition installed.