How to download and install Windows 11
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 and Professional 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.
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 USB
We make this step incredibly easy by offering a nice simple install USB.
Simply purchase from here, wait for your USB to arrive next day in the post, insert the USB into your computer and off you go!
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.