For a routine upgrade on an eligible PC, use Windows Update and wait until it offers Windows 11 for that device. Choose installation media when you need a bootable installer, a virtual-machine or DVD workflow, or a deliberate fresh install. An “ISO install” can also be an in-place upgrade that keeps apps and files: the outcome depends on whether you run setup.exe inside Windows or boot from the media.
Windows Update or installation media: which fits your situation?
| Your situation | Recommended route | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Your eligible PC is ready for a normal upgrade | Windows Update | Microsoft recommends waiting for the offer; it says the upgrade is offered after testing and validation for that specific PC. Microsoft’s installation guidance and its upgrade FAQ describe this approach. |
| Windows Update offers the upgrade, but you prefer a manual tool | Installation Assistant | Microsoft still recommends waiting for the Windows Update offer before using the Assistant. See Microsoft’s guidance. |
| You need Windows installation files for a virtual machine or DVD | Download an ISO or create installation media | Microsoft documents ISO use for virtual machines and creating DVD media. See media creation details. |
| You want to upgrade from within Windows and keep apps and files | Open the media in Windows and run setup.exe |
This starts an in-place upgrade. Setup defaults to keeping personal files and apps, and lets you change the retention choice. Microsoft explains the options. |
| You want a fresh start, or Windows will not start | Boot the PC from installation media | Booting from media starts a clean installation, which removes files and installed applications. Back up first and confirm the PC meets Windows 11 requirements. See Microsoft’s reinstall guidance. |
“ISO install” has two different meanings
Run setup.exe in your current Windows session
Mount or open the installation media while signed in to Windows, then run setup.exe. This is an in-place upgrade rather than a boot-from-USB clean install. Review the “Choose what to keep” screen before proceeding: the default is to keep personal files and apps, but the available choice you select determines what remains. Microsoft’s installation options describe this distinction.
Boot from the USB or other installation media
Starting the PC from the media launches Windows Setup outside your existing Windows session and is the clean-install route. It removes personal files and installed apps from the target drive. Do not choose this route expecting to retain your current Windows installation; save important files elsewhere first. Microsoft’s reinstall instructions warn about data loss.
Check eligibility and prepare before installing
Confirm the PC can run Windows 11
Microsoft’s listed minimums include a compatible 1 GHz or faster processor with at least two cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver. The full requirements also include TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot capability. These are published requirements, not a guarantee that a particular PC qualifies; check Windows Update or Microsoft’s PC Health Check on the device. Microsoft warns that installing without checking eligibility can leave a system unsupported. Review the full system requirements.
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- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
For an upgrade through Windows Update, Microsoft says the PC must be running Windows 10 version 2004 or later. Managed work or school devices should follow the administrator’s deployment process. Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use require internet access and a Microsoft account during initial device setup. Microsoft lists these requirements and setup conditions.
Back up files and check the installation media
- Back up important files before either route. For a clean install, make sure the backup is separate from the drive you will install Windows on.
- Creating a USB installer requires a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB. The media creation process deletes the drive’s contents, so copy anything important off it first. See Microsoft’s media-creation instructions.
- Use an ISO when you need installation files for a virtual machine or want to create DVD media; follow Microsoft’s current download-page instructions for the intended workflow. Microsoft documents these ISO uses.
- For a reinstall, use the Windows edition that matches the device’s license. Microsoft explains edition matching.
What to expect from timing and support
Neither route is established as universally faster. Microsoft says installation time varies with internet speed and that downloading and installing Windows 11 usually takes longer than a typical Windows 10 feature update. See the Windows 11 upgrade FAQ.
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Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date. Microsoft’s upgrade FAQ includes the end-of-support information.
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- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC with no prior version of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
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- GENUINE WINDOWS SOFTWARE IS BRANDED BY MIRCOSOFT ONLY.
Which route should you choose?
- Choose Windows Update for an ordinary upgrade when the PC is eligible and the offer appears. It is Microsoft’s recommended default for that device.
- Choose media and run
setup.exein Windows when you specifically need a manual in-place upgrade and have checked the keep-files-and-apps selection. - Boot from media only when you intend to reinstall Windows cleanly or need bootable recovery and accept that the target drive’s files and apps will be removed.
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