How to download and install Windows 11
Install the very latest version of Windows right now
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Now thatWindows 11has been available for quite a while, it has givenMicrosofttime 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 youroperating system, so we’re going to take a look at how to download and installWindows 11right 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
How to download Windows 11
●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 thenback up your PCbefore 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 toMicrosoft’s Download Windows 11 webpageand clickDownload Now.
Then, follow the instructions to download and install Windows 11 on your device.
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2. Install Windows 11 on another PC using a DVD or USB
If you want to install Windows 11 on another PC, then selectDownload nowunderneath 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 thebest USB drivesif 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 yourWindows 10PC to Windows 11. However, if you want to install Windows 11 from scratch, you candownload the Windows 11 ISO.
UnderSelect editionpick Windows 11. Once the ISO is downloaded, you’ll need to make a bootable USB or DVD with it.
Follow ourhow to download Windows 11 ISO for a clean installguide 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 haveTPM 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 ourhow to upgrade to Windows 11 without TPM 2.0guide for the full rundown, including a look at the risks involved.
John (He/Him) is the Components Editor here at TechRadar and he is also a programmer, gamer, activist, and Brooklyn College alum currently living in Brooklyn, NY.
Named by the CTA as a CES 2020 Media Trailblazer for his science and technology reporting, John specializes in all areas of computer science, including industry news, hardware reviews, PC gaming, as well as general science writing and the social impact of the tech industry.
You can find him online on Threads @johnloeffler.
Currently playing: Baldur’s Gate 3 (just like everyone else).
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