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Download Windows 11 from Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page. It offers three routes: the Installation Assistant to upgrade the PC you’re using, the Media Creation Tool to make installation media, and a disk-image ISO for bootable media or a virtual machine. Microsoft listed Windows 11 2025 Update, version 25H2, as the current release when its page was checked on October 4, 2026; confirm the page’s current release before downloading.
Choose the right Windows 11 download
On Microsoft’s download page, pick the option that matches what you want to do and the processor in the target device.
| Option | Best for | Important limits |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Installation Assistant | Upgrading the eligible x64 PC you’re currently using. | Requires a Windows 10 or Windows 11 license, Windows 10 version 2004 or higher to run, 9 GB of free disk space, and compatible hardware. It does not run on Arm-based PCs. |
| Media Creation Tool | Creating a bootable USB drive or saving an ISO for an x64 PC. | The tool cannot create Arm-based media. A USB drive must be blank and at least 8 GB; creating the media erases its contents. |
| Disk image (ISO) | Making bootable media, installing in a virtual machine, or starting an in-place upgrade. | Microsoft’s public ISO is multi-edition. The product key unlocks the corresponding edition. Choose the x64 download or use Microsoft’s separate Arm64 ISO link. |
Check compatibility and prepare first
Not every Windows 10 PC meets Windows 11’s requirements. Review Microsoft’s current Windows 11 download and compatibility guidance, release information and known issues, and check your PC maker’s driver and compatibility advice before installing. Microsoft warns that installing on hardware below the minimum requirements is not recommended and may cause compatibility problems; unsupported devices may not receive support or updates.
Microsoft’s 2021 minimum-hardware PDF lists at least 4 GB of system memory and 64 GB of storage. Treat those as figures from that document, not a complete current compatibility check: consult Microsoft’s current device specifications for the requirements applicable to your PC and release.
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- MICROSOFT WINDOWS 11 PRO (INGLES) FPP 64-BIT ENG INTL USB FLASH DRIVE
- Match the ISO’s language to the language you want for the installation.
- Save your work and back up important files before starting.
- If creating a USB installer, use a blank drive of at least 8 GB and copy off anything you need first. The creation process deletes the drive’s contents.
Download an ISO from Microsoft
- Open Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page.
- Find Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices for the standard x64 image, or follow the page’s Arm64 ISO link for an Arm-based target.
- Select the edition and language offered on the page, then download the ISO. The public ISO is multi-edition; a product key determines the edition that can be unlocked.
- Keep the ISO if you plan to use it in a virtual machine or create bootable media. To begin an in-place upgrade from a running Windows PC, mount the ISO in Windows and run
setup.exe. For a clean installation, create bootable media and start the PC from it.
Create installation media with the Media Creation Tool
- On Microsoft’s download page, select Create Windows 11 Installation Media and download the Media Creation Tool for an x64 PC.
- Run the tool as an administrator and accept the license terms.
- Choose Create installation media for another PC, then select the language, edition and 64-bit architecture.
- Choose a blank USB flash drive of at least 8 GB, or save an ISO instead. The tool erases the USB drive, so back up its contents first.
The Media Creation Tool is for x64 media; it cannot create media for Arm-based PCs. Use Microsoft’s Arm64 ISO option for an Arm target.
Start the PC from USB or DVD
- Connect the installation media to the target computer and restart it.
- If Windows starts normally instead of the installer, open the computer maker’s boot menu or change the boot order in BIOS/UEFI. The key varies by manufacturer and may be F2, F12, Delete or Esc; consult the maker’s instructions.
- After installation, restore the original boot order if you changed it.
Check an ISO’s SHA-256 hash
Microsoft publishes SHA-256 values by product and language on its download page. Compare the downloaded ISO against the value for that exact product and language; a hash for another language or ISO is not a valid comparison.
Rank #2
- 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)
In PowerShell, run this command, replacing the example path with the location of your downloaded file:
Get-FileHash -Path "C:pathtoWindows11.iso" -Algorithm SHA256
Rank #3
- [Win OS Install or reinstall] — Boot from the USB to install or reinstall Win 11, 10, or 7 Home & Pro editions. Includes OS installations and reinstallations media plus WinPE Utility Suite.
- [WinPE Repair & Recovery Tools] — Boot into the included WinPE utility suite to backup system and important files, troubleshoot startup problems, repair boot issues, recover data, recover Win User accounts password, and diagnose common PC problems.
- [All-in-One PC Rescue USB] — Combines Win 11, 10, and 7 installation media with PC repair, recovery, and diagnostic tools on one bootable 64GB USB drive, helping you troubleshoot and restore a computer without needing multiple discs or downloads.
- [Support] — Full instructions are included in packaging plus a printable copy of the instructions with troubleshooting information on the device. Also, a video “How to boot from a bootable USB drive.mp4” to help guide you through starting a PC from a USB drive. If you need help using the USB please contact us for assistance, we are here to help.
- [Video] - If you are new to booting from a USB drive or need a refresher see our video "How to boot from USB drive" both in description and on USB device.
Compare the command’s SHA256 result with Microsoft’s matching value on the Windows 11 download page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Understand licensing and activation
Microsoft says the Installation Assistant requires a Windows 10 or Windows 11 license. For the Media Creation Tool, its page specifies a Windows 11 license or a qualifying Windows 10 device. The ISO download itself does not establish that a particular existing license is valid, activated, transferable or eligible for an upgrade, and downloading Windows does not by itself activate it.
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