Now that Windows 11 has been available for quite a while, it has given Microsoft time to work out some of the bugs that were an issue in the early days. In many ways, there has never been a better time to upgrade your operating system, so we're going to take a look at how to download and install Windows 11 right now.
The fact that Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade is highly enticing, and there is a huge amount to explore in the operating system. Microsoft has taken an evolution over revolution approach, and this means that while there are lots of new features and options, they are wrapped up in an entirely familiar and approachable environment. Because the upgrade is free, you can download Windows 11 directly from Microsoft -- here we'll show you how to do just this and, importantly, avoid the numerous fake versions that are circulating online.
Once you have downloaded and installed Windows 11, you have exciting time ahead of you exploring the latest developments such as the incredibly powerful new Start menu, Widgets, impressive performance and advanced security. So, assuming your hardware meets the minimum requirements, let's jump in and get downloading.
Windows 11 Minimum system requirements
- Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with at least two cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or SoC
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0
- Graphics Card: DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display: 720p, 8-bit per color channel, at least 9-inch diagonal
- Internet Connection and Microsoft Account: Windows 11 Home requires an active internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete initial, first-use setup of the operating system, or when switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S-mode.
How to download Windows 11
- Update your device
- Install using a DVD or USB
- Perform a clean ISO install
● System: Windows 11
● Tools: Keyboard and mouse
● Skill Level: Beginner
1. Upgrade the device you're on
Before you begin, make sure your PC meets the Windows 11 minimum specifications listed above. If it does, you should then back up your PC before continuing.
This ensures that if anything goes wrong – and updating to a new operating system is full of risks – your important files and settings can at least be restored.
The easiest way to download and install Windows 11 is to upgrade the device you're currently using. Head over to Microsoft's Download Windows 11 webpage and click Download Now.
Then, follow the instructions to download and install Windows 11 on your device.
2. Install Windows 11 on another PC using a DVD or USB
If you want to install Windows 11 on another PC, then select Download now underneath the 'Create Windows 11 Installation Media' section.
This will download a tool that will format a USB drive and install a bootable version of the Windows 11 installation media. This can also be done with a blank DVD.
You'll need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage. Make sure there are no important files on it, as it will erase anything on there. Check out our pick of the best USB drives if you need to buy one.
Follow the steps in the Media Creation Tool to create the bootable USB or DVD. Once done, insert it in the PC you want to install Windows 11 on, and then restart the device.
You may need to get the PC to boot from the USB or DVD you've inserted. To do this, when your manufacturer logo comes on the screen, press F12 or F2 (this varies by manufacturer) to jump into the boot menu. This is where you'll tell the computer to go ahead and boot from your install disk, rather than loading Windows as it normally does.
When the boot menu pops up, simply select whether you'd like to boot from USB or DVD, then hit enter. From here, the Windows 11 installer should load up, and you'll be well on your way to that fresh install.
3. Perform a clean install of Windows 11 using an ISO
The above steps upgrade your Windows 10 PC to Windows 11. However, if you want to install Windows 11 from scratch, you can download the Windows 11 ISO.
Under Select edition pick Windows 11. Once the ISO is downloaded, you'll need to make a bootable USB or DVD with it.
Follow our how to download Windows 11 ISO for a clean install guide for more information.
Final thoughts: How to upgrade to Windows 11 without TPM 2.0
Many people have found that they cannot install Windows 11 because their PC does not have TPM 2.0. This is a physical chip included in many modern PCs (or built into their processors) which is a "secure crypto-processor" that is designed to make your device more secure by preventing malicious software to be run.
If your PC doesn't support TPM 2.0, then you'll get an error message when trying to install it that says your PC doesn't meet Windows 11 system requirements.
If this happens and you still want to install Windows 11, there is a way to get around the TPM requirement, but this should only be done by people who are confident about the risks it involves.
It's a complex process, so read our how to upgrade to Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 guide for the full rundown, including a look at the risks involved.
