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How to Download Windows 11 ISO [Best Upgrade Solutions]

Seamlessly upgrade to the latest Windows iteration in no time

11 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

There is no secret that Microsoft unveiled its latest PC-powering software. A new OS doesn’t come around very often; chances are you want to take advantage of that and download it immediately.

Windows 11 captured everyone’s attention with an extra sheen of polish that we’ve all been waiting for.

The story is quite the same for most of us: Windows remains the place where we discovered the pure joy of gaming, edited our very first photos, realized how simple it is to connect with our loved ones, and so much more.

You’d love to walk down memory lane when it comes to Windows, that’s for sure, yet the present is far more exciting.

Is Windows 11 ISO available for download?

If you want toreinstall Windows 11, you’re going to need an ISO file, and the good news is that you can download it for free from Microsoft’s website.

In case you’re planning toinstall Windows 11 on an unsupported processor, you’re going to need an ISO file in order to circumvent the built-in protection.

Many users want tomake a bootable USB drive for Windows 11, and this process requires an ISO file and third-party tools.

Microsoft released a list of all system requirements for the new OS on itsofficial Windows 11 page, along with this statement:

There may be additional requirements over time for updates, as well as requirements to turn on specific features within the OS.

For now, the basic requirements for installing Windows 11 on your PC are as follows:

As long as your computer or laptop meets the minimum requirements, you can update to Windows 11 the same way you usually update to new versions of Windows 10.

Also, remember that Windows 11 download size is 9 GB, as per Microsoft, but you need more free space to install updates released in the future.

If you’re interested in finding out more about Windows 11 requirements, such as itsspecifications, supported devices, and Windows 11 CPU compatibility list, definitely check out our article.

The good news is that the OS will be offered as a free upgrade for all Windows 10 users. However, OEMs will still have to pay for a Windows 11 license.

People are also expecting Windows 11 to be available for standalone purchase to consumers like Windows 10 is.

Windows 7 users were offered free upgrades to Windows 10 when it was released, and things are no different when it comes to the new OS.

If you’re still using them, you will receive a free upgrade this time as well. However, you will need to do a clean install or reinstall the OS before being eligible.

Besides knowinghow much Windows 11 will cost, also note that for Windows 11, the company is planning to return to the normal schedule of one content update per year.

Can I download Windows 11 now?– that’s most likely the question that you also have in mind, given the circumstances, so let’s discover together the precise answer.

First of all, see if your PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11. In that regard, you should simplydownload PC Health Check.

Click theCheck Nowbutton and you’ll either be informed thatThis PC can run Windows 11and you will be notified when it becomes available, or you’ll continue to receive Windows 10 updates.

PC Health Check app was temporarily removed by Microsoft, as the appwas not fully prepared to share the level of detail or accuracy,but the Redmond giant brought it back again and it’savailable for download.

There’s also an alternative to Microsoft’s PC Health Check App namedWhyNotWin11, which offers an even more detailed system view.

For most, Windows 11 should be worth upgrading. The revamped UI and various other user-friendly changes are bound to enhance your Windows experience.

Windows 11 has a seamlessSettingsapp, a newFile Explorerwith various options suitably placed, an intuitiveStartmenu, and an advancedAction Center, amongst other changes. So, if you are up for a neater OS, Windows 11 is worth a try!

We have covered the changes in Windows 11 in a later section, so do check it out.

No, it won’t, as long as you choose the right settings during the upgrade process. Make sure to select theKeep personal files and appsoption in the Windows 11 Setup.

But we still recommendbacking up the data on your PC, in case things go south during the process.

How can I easily download Windows 11?

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO

Windows 11 is available to download under an ISO file format. You can download Windows 11 ISO directly from the Microsoft official website, therefore it is a very safe and secure download. Here is what you need to do:

Visit theofficial Windows 11 Downloads page.
Click onSelect downloadunderDownload Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), then chooseWindows 11.

3.Now hit theDownloadbutton.

Select the product language you desire, then click theConfirmbutton.
After that, you will receive a download link and you will be able to click on the64-bit Downloadbutton to get the Windows 11 ISO.
Right click the ISO file you downloaded and select theMountoption.An alternative to this is tocreate a bootable USBor DVD.

7.A new virtual drive will appear in yourFile Managerwindow. Just click on it and then double-click the setup file to start the installation process.

2. Upgrade to Windows 11 using Windows Update

It will start to download and then, the installation will begin. You will also be prompted for a restart.

3. Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

This is the easiest way to install Windows 11 if your PC is meeting all the requirements because the Installation Assistant will perform all the tasks for you.

We also have aguide on how to install Windows 11 without using the Assistantso if you wish to avoid it, you can do that easily.

4. Use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool

If your PC is not prepared with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, this solution will not work for you because when the installation starts, those requirements will be checked.

However, we have acomplete guide on how to install Windows 11 without TPM and Secure Bootthat will help you avoid this issue.

5. Create a bootable drive using the Rufus tool

After the downloading process is complete and you finished creating the bootable drive, you can install Windows 11 using it.

You should also know that Rufus has an option in theBoot sectionto select an ISO image that bypasses TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot verifications.

So, if you don’t meet these requirements, you will still be able to install Windows 11 without any issues.

6. Join the Windows Insider Program

If you can’t install Windows 11 natively, you can also try to join the Windows Insiders Program and try that way. You will even be able to test the new features ahead of others.

Joining the Dev Channel or Beta Channel of the Windows Insider Program can be the key to trying Windows 11, so follow the steps above to get it done.

And if you find this process taking an excruciatingly long time, you can opt for anunattended installation.

What are some of Windows 11 new features?

When designing the new OS, Microsoft’s main focus was giving its users an overall better experience, starting with an improved user interface redesign, more collaborations for the App Store, and a unique gaming experience.

The streamlined new design has pastel-like colors and rounded corners, a revamped Start menu, as well as larger touch targets for an improved PC tablet experience, to name a few.

With support for Android apps through the Amazon Store and a new way to see your interests at a glance thanks to the Widgets feature, upgrading to the new OS is tempting.

But the vision for Windows 11 is best presented byPanos Panay, business executive, and chief product officer for Windows+ devices at Microsoft:

The past 18 months brought an incredible shift in how we used our PCs, we went from fitting the PC into our life to trying to fit our whole life into the PC. Our devices weren’t just where we went for meetings, classes, and to get things done, but where we came to play games with friends, binge watch our favorite shows and, perhaps most meaningfully, connect with one another. In the process we found ourselves recreating the office banter, the hallway chatter, workouts, happy hours, and holiday celebrations – digitally.

We have described how you can upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, but you can also do that by using an ISO, as shown above.

When the right time comes, before jumping to the actual procedure, remember to use thebest backup data softwareand ensure you have a stable Internet connection.

Besides the fact that you’ll be able to download the latest version and then upgrade your PC, note that you’ll also have the option to create a bootable USB drive. Just use a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage in that regard.

While upgrading the operating system, you can choose which programs to keep. Do that for all, save them to a new location, or delete everything from the system and enjoy a fresh start.

As for any Insider Preview builds, do note that we strongly recommend installing them on a second tester device, as bugs will most likely be part of the package.

Windows 11 is the most significant change in years, so it’s only natural to want to enjoy it as soon as possible. As for those worried about getting a message sayingThis PC can’t run Windows 11, rest assured that it can be easily solved.

Let us know in the comments below if you like the idea of an early beta version as part of the Windows Insider Program or if only the full version is the one you have in mind.

How to Download Windows 11 ISO [Best Upgrade Solutions]#

Is Windows 11 ISO available for download?#

How can I easily download Windows 11?#

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO#

2. Upgrade to Windows 11 using Windows Update#

3. Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant#

4. Use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool#

5. Create a bootable drive using the Rufus tool#

6. Join the Windows Insider Program#

What are some of Windows 11 new features?#