Want to upgrade to Windows 11 or do a fresh install? Whether you’re setting up a new PC or replacing Windows 10, Microsoft has made downloading Windows 11 easier than ever. This guide walks you through the safest and most effective ways to download Windows 11 in 2025.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
- A compatible PC (check if it supports TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot)
- At least 8 GB RAM and 64 GB storage
- A Microsoft account and internet connection
- Optional: An empty USB drive (8 GB or larger) for bootable install
Option 1: Upgrade via Windows Update (If You Already Have Windows 10)
Step 1: Check Compatibility
- Go to Settings > System > About
- Make sure your device meets Windows 11 requirements
- You can also use Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool
Step 2: Check for the Upgrade
- Go to Settings > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- If your device is eligible, you’ll see “Windows 11 upgrade available”
Step 3: Download and Install
- Click Download and install
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- Your PC will restart multiple times during installation
Option 2: Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
Step 1: Go to the Official Page
Step 2: Download Installation Assistant
- Click “Download now” under Windows 11 Installation Assistant
Step 3: Run the Tool
- Open the downloaded file
- Follow the on-screen steps to upgrade directly
⚠️ Note: This tool does not support creating a bootable USB. For that, use the Media Creation Tool below.
Option 3: Create a Bootable USB with Media Creation Tool
Step 1: Download the Tool
- Visit: Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page
- Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, click Download now
Step 2: Prepare the USB Drive
- Insert a blank USB drive (8 GB minimum)
- Run the tool and select “USB flash drive” as the destination
Step 3: Boot from the USB
- Restart your PC and enter the boot menu (usually F12, F2, or ESC)
- Select the USB drive
- Follow the installation wizard
You can choose to:
- Upgrade your current version (keeping files)
- Or Clean install (removing everything for a fresh start)
Option 4: Download ISO File (Advanced Users)
- On the same download page, scroll to Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)
- Select your edition and language
- Download the ISO and:
- Mount it in Windows 10
- Burn it to a DVD
- Or use with tools like Rufus for advanced installs (even on unsupported hardware)
Final Tips
- Back up your files before any upgrade
- Make sure your laptop is plugged in
- Don’t shut down during installation
- You can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days if needed (Settings > Recovery)
