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 really is to connect with our loved ones, and so much more. You’d love to spend time walking 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 to reinstall 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 to install 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 to make a bootable USB drive for Windows 11, and this process requires an ISO file and third-party tools.
What are Windows 11 system requirements?
Microsoft released a list of all system requirements for the new OS on its official Windows 11 page, along with this statement: For now, the basic requirements for installing Windows 11 on your PC are as follows:
Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores and 64-bit capability System memory: 4 GB minimum Storage: 64 GB minimum System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable TPM: TPM 2.0 is required Display: 9-inch minimum in diagonal, High definition (720p), 8 bits per color channel Graphics: DirectX 12 API, WDDM 2.0
As long as your computer or laptop meets the minimum requirements, you’ll be able to 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 to have more free space available to install updates released in the future. If you’re interested in finding out more about Windows 11 requirements, such as its specifications, supported devices, and Windows 11 CPU compatibility list, definitely check out our article.
Do you have to pay for Windows 11?
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 knowing how 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.
Discover if your PC is eligible for a free upgrade
First of all, see if your PC is eligible for the free upgrade to Windows 11. In that regard, you should simply download PC Health Check. Click the Check Now button and you’ll either be informed that This PC can run Windows 11 and 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 app was not fully prepared to share the level of detail or accuracy, but the Redmond giant brought it back again and it’s available for download. There’s also an alternative to Microsoft’s PC Health Check App named WhyNotWin11, which offers an even more detailed system view.
Is Window 11 worth upgrading?
For most, Windows 11 should be worth upgrading. The revamped UI, along with various other user-friendly changes, are bound to enhance your Windows experience. Windows 11 has got a seamless Settings app, a new File Explorer with various options suitably placed, an intuitive Start menu, and an advanced Action 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.
Will upgrading to Windows 11 delete my files?
No, it won’t, as long as you choose the right settings during the upgrade process. Make sure to select the Keep personal files and apps option in the Windows 11 Setup. But we still recommend backing 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 the official Windows 11 Downloads page. SPONSORED
Click on Select download under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO), then choose Windows 11.
Now hit the Download button.
Select the product language you desire, then click the Confirm button.
After that, you will receive a download link and you will be able to click on the 64-bit Download button to get the Windows 11 ISO.
Right click the ISO file you downloaded and select the Mount option. An alternative to this is to create a bootable USB or DVD.
A new virtual drive will appear in your File Manager window. 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 a guide on how to install Windows 11 without using the Assistant so 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 a complete guide on how to install Windows 11 without TPM and Secure Boot that 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 the Boot section to 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.
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. But the vision for Windows 11 is best presented by Panos Panay, business executive and chief product officer for Windows+ devices at Microsoft: 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 the best backup data software and 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 biggest change in years, so it’s only natural to want to enjoy it as soon as possible. As for those of you worried about getting a message saying This PC can’t run Windows 11, rest assured that it can be easily solved. Let us know in the comments area 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.
Name *
Email *
Commenting as . Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
