Although Windows 11 has been out for a while, Microsoft is still giving the new operating system as a free update for Windows 10 customers. Windows 11 is no little update, though, with several additional features that make it worthwhile to download compared to Windows 10. But we’ve got you covered if you get stuck and need to learn how to download Windows 11. There are now five major ways to download and install Windows 11. The best option is to wait for it to become available for free through Windows Update on your computer. The second method is to force your PC to download it using the Installation Assistant. The third option is to use the Windows Insider Program. These three files entail no file or data loss.
As a fourth option, you may attempt the media creation tool or use a Windows 11 ISO file and manually clean and install the OS on your PC. Because these two methods entail a clean install, you will lose files. Therefore, they are a final resort. Remember that you must match the system requirements to get Windows 11. If you don’t, you may alter your installation to make it work, but doing so may prevent your PC from receiving Microsoft updates. Before continuing, we recommend running the PC Health Check app to confirm your system is compatible with Windows 11.
How To Easily Install From Windows Update?
Windows Update is the easiest method to get Windows 11. When it is ready for your PC, you will notice a Windows update notification. To proceed with the installation, follow these steps. With this option, you will not lose any data or files on your PC.
1 – Navigate to Settings > Update & security. Then, click Check for updates.
2 – You should see a prompt to upgrade to Windows 11, which is free. Select the blue Download and install button and then the Accept and install button to agree to the terms.
3 – The Upgrade to Windows 11 should now display in Windows Update, along with a percentage and download progress. Wait for it to finish.
4 – When done, you’ll be prompted to restart your computer. It will appear in a blue box. Select the option to restart now. Your installation will proceed to install Windows 11 and will restart many times. You’ll be sent to the Windows 11 desktop when you’re completed!
How To Easily Install Through The Installation Assistant?
If Windows 11 isn’t available via Windows Update, you may use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant instead. This will manually upgrade you from Windows 10 to the latest operating system. Again, when using this method, you must confirm that your PC satisfies Microsoft’s minimal specifications. You will also keep all files. This is how.
1 – Go to Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page. Look for the Windows 11 Installation Assistant option at the top and click the blue Download now button.
2 – Sit back and wait for the tool to download. When finished, run it. When prompted, click Yes.
3 – In the pop-up window, select Accept and install. It will be a three-step procedure from now on. As part of the first stage, wait for Windows 11 to download. It may take some time, depending on your internet speed. Next, you may be prompted to agree to the Microsoft terms of service.
4 – In the second stage, Windows 11 will validate the download’s integrity. It should just take a few moments.
5 – In the third step, you’ll get a prompt regarding Windows 11 installing in the background. Allow it to install and then wait. It may take some time, depending on the speed of your PC — generally no more than 30 minutes.
6 – Select the Restart now button when the third phase is complete. You will be prompted that you are going to be unsigned. Wait for your computer to restart and install Windows 11. Depending on the speed and age of your PC and CPU, it might take up to 30 minutes or an hour.
7 – While Windows 11 is installed, you will see the message Working on updates. The progress will be shown as a percentage. Be patient, as your computer will restart many times. When finished, you’ll be brought to the sign-in page, followed by the Windows 11 desktop.
How To Easily Install Through Windows Insider Program?
You may install Windows 11 through the Windows Insider Program if you need help with the first two methods. However, as the Windows Insider Program will install unstable, still-in-preview versions of Windows 11 on your PC, this is a last-ditch attempt.
1 – Navigate to Settings > Update & security > Windows Insider Program. After that, link your Microsoft Account.
If this is your first time using the Windows Insider Program, you’ll note that there are three channels: Dev, beta, and release preview. Windows 11 is now being tested on the Beta and Dev channels. Choose the best one for you.
2 – The beta channel provides one of the most reliable environments for testing Windows 11. If you join this channel, you will encounter fewer problems and troubles. Remember, though, that beta channel releases occur only every few weeks.
If you want Microsoft’s most recent versions of Windows 11, you’ll need to join the Dev channel, which offers weekly updates and all new features. Meanwhile, the Release Preview is where you can get a sneak peek at the future Windows 10 update.
3 – Once you’ve decided on a reputable channel, confirm your decision. You’ll be prompted to check in with a Microsoft Account if you still need to. And your computer will restart.
4 – After your computer restarts, Navigate to Settings > Update & security. Check back later for updates. Windows 11 will be mentioned. Select Download and install and wait for the OS to install on your device!
How To Easily Clean Install With Windows 11 Installation Media?
Another option is to use Installation Media to install Windows 11. This is a method for creating a bootable USB drive that you may use to install Windows 11 cleanly on your existing Windows 10 PC or another device. This method will delete all your files; thus, we advise against it. If you know this danger, go to the Windows 11 Download Page to access this option. Select the Create Windows 11 Installation Media option. Then follow the steps below.
1 – Accept the terms by clicking Accept. Allow the Setup tool to run, then select Use the suggested options for this PC. Finally, click the USB flash drive by clicking Next.
2 – Select your USB flash drive from the list and click Next. You’ll be prompted, and Windows 11 will download. When the installation is complete, the installer will proceed to Create Windows 11 Installation Media. You’ll receive a prompt indicating the drive is ready when it’s completed.
3 – When your USB drive is ready, click the Finish button to exit the installer. Keep the USB drive connected to your computer.
4 – Return to the Windows 10 settings app and select Update and security. Then, on the left, select Recovery. Finally, select the Restart now option under Advanced startup.
5 – Select Use a device from the pop-up prompt. Your USB flash drive should be listed. When you select it, Windows will restart your USB drive and the Windows 11 installer. If you don’t see this option, you’ll need to manually enter your BIOS or UEFI to boot from the USB drive. Normally, you can accomplish this by hitting F12 on startup as soon as your computer turns on. For further information, contact your PC manufacturer or reference internet manuals.
6 – Once in the Windows 11 installer, choose a language and click Next. Select the version of Windows 11 that corresponds to your computer’s version of Windows 10. And then click Next.
7 – Select the Custom option and the drive on which to install Windows 11. You should click the Format button to erase all files on the drive. When finished, select the drive once again and click Next.
8 – Windows 11 will be installed on your computer, and you may install it. You’ll then be led back to the out-of-the-box experience and prompted to reinstall Windows.
How To Easily Clean Install With Windows 11 ISO File Manually? (Not Recommended)
The last and most extreme method for installing Windows 11 is to use an ISO file. This is for methods when the steps outlined in the previous section do not work. However, keep in mind that using this file would need you to erase everything on your PC and reinstall Windows 11. So make sure you have a backup of everything. Using this ISO option, you may also install Windows 11 on a virtual computer.
1 – Go to the Windows 11 download page and select the Download Windows 11 Disk Image option. Next, select Windows 11 multi-edition ISO from the list, then click the blue Download button. Next, select English as your language, then click the blue Confirm button.
2 – After downloading the file, you’ll need to download some additional software to proceed with a clean install of Windows 11. We recommend installing Rufus, an excellent method to create a bootable Windows 11 installation drive.
3 – Download Rufus from the site. Run the file and choose Yes. Then, plug in an empty USB drive under Device and select it. Make sure the device has more than 8GB of storage.
4 – Under Boot, select Disk or ISO image. Then, select by clicking the Select button. Finally, click Open after navigating to the location where you stored the Windows 11 ISO file.
5 – Select Standard Windows 11 installation or Extended Windows 11 installation. The Standard Windows 11 Installation is the best option if your PC matches the requirements. If it doesn’t work, try the extended option to overcome Microsoft’s limitations. Leave everything else alone, and then click the Create Drive button.
6 – After a few moments, the USB drive will be ready. When Rufus is finished, restart your computer and follow the steps in the previous section to install Windows 11.
The Bottom Line:
We hope you found our information useful. Now that you’ve got Windows 11 up and running check out our other how-to instructions. We’ve covered many subjects about the new Microsoft operating system.
