Windows 11 launched in 2021, so chances are if you’ve bought or built a new computer, it’s running Windows 11. Microsoft stopped selling Windows 10 in January 2023. With support for Windows 10 ending in October 2025, you’ll want to upgrade to Windows 11 to ensure continued software updates. Plus, Windows 11 boasts a bevy of neat features, including widgets, snap layouts, virtual desktops and the Microsoft Store.
Anyone using Windows 10 can now upgrade for free as long as they’ve got a compatible computer that meets the minimum system requirements. If your computer isn’t eligible, there may be a workaround. In most cases, upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 is as easy as downloading a simple software update, and even if you’re installing Windows 11 from scratch, you can painlessly download a copy to load on your PC.
Let’s look at how to download Windows 11.
How to download Windows 11 when upgrading from Windows 10
If you’re running Windows 10, you can easily upgrade to Windows 11 like you'd install any new version of Windows. Simply head to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for Updates. If Windows 11 is available, you can then upgrade to it as a simple update by clicking Download and Install.
You can also upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Just download the assistant and click Run to make sure your hardware is compatible. Then, Accept and Install to agree to the licensing terms and begin the installation. When the program is finished installing, you'll be prompted to restart your computer. Your PC might restart several times during the process of finishing the installation, so keep your PC on until everything's done.
How to download Windows 11 as a disk image or using the Media Creation Tool
If you’re installing -- or reinstalling -- Windows 11 on a PC or in a virtual machine, you’ll need to create an installation disk using a USB flash drive or a DVD.
From the Microsoft Windows 11 download page, you’ve got two options: the Windows 11 installation media creation tool, or downloading a disk image file, which is called an ISO.
With the Microsoft media creation tool, you can upgrade your PC, burn Windows 11 directly to a USB flash drive or download an ISO file if you’d prefer to mount that on a DVD or flash drive yourself. This is a great option if you’re installing Windows 11 for the first time on a PC or reinstalling a fresh copy. Here’s how to download Windows 11 using the media creation tool:
- Visit the Microsoft Windows 11 download page.
- Click the Download Now button under Create Windows 11 Installation Media.
- Select either Upgrade this PC now if you’re updating that computer to Windows 11 -- or if you’re installing Windows 11 on a different machine, pick Create installation media for another PC and save the ISO file.
- Finish following the prompts to either upgrade your PC or download the ISO file by choosing options like your language, and the edition of Windows you want.
Watch this: How to install Windows 11 with an update or a bootable USB
Downloading a Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft lets you install Windows in a virtual machine, or burn an ISO to a USB drive or DVD. On the Windows 11 download page, click Download Now under Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices. You’ll need to select the version of Windows to download, then the product language -- after that, click the 64-bit Download button under Download - Windows 11. Once the ISO finishes downloading, you should be able to locate it in the folder where it is saved (most likely your Downloads folder).
Watch this: Windows 11 review: New OS has us asking, update or wait?
What's in Windows 11
Windows 11 features a streamlined new design, with pastel colors, rounded corners, a new startup sound and overall a more Mac-like look. The Windows Start menu has moved from the bottom left of the screen to the middle, with app icons arranged in the center next to it. You'll find lots of neat desktop tools, like widgets that can give you at-a-glance information and easier virtual desktop creation. And Android apps have been integrated into Windows, which are installable from the Microsoft Store.
For more, check out all of the best Windows 11 features and how to use them.
Watch this: Microsoft Unveils New Features for Windows 11
See also
- Windows 11 Review: Familiar but Fresh
- Change Your Windows 11 Wallpaper in 5 Simple Steps (It's Super Easy to Do)
- Windows 11: Everything You Need to Know About New Features and More
- Windows 11 Compatibility: Check if Your PC Meets Microsoft's Requirements With These Tools
- Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: All the Upgrades You Should Know About
- Surface Pro 8: A Familiar Companion for Windows 11
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio Review: The Screen Is All
