How to Download Windows 11: A Quick Step-by-Step Guide

This is the standard upgrade process that you would use to upgrade your Windows 10 to Windows 11.

1. 1
   Open "Update and Security" in Settings. Use ⊞ Win + I , or head to your Start menu, click the gear icon to open Settings, and then click on the "Update and Security" tab.
2. 2
   Click Download and install on the Windows 11 menu. It should be a blue background that notifies you that your PC is ready.
3. 3
   Follow through with the download process! You'll be prompted with a license agreement, which you need to accept. Then, a window will pop up, in which the download will take place.

   • The three steps that will take place in the download window will be "Downloading," "Verifying Download," and lastly "Installing." This process can take up to a few hours depending on your PC.
4. 4
   Restart your PC. After it is done installing, the window will prompt you to restart your PC and start a countdown of 30 minutes. Simply hit "Restart now."
5. 5
   Let your PC run the installation process. Your computer will automatically run the installation process.

   • Do not shut down your computer, and be sure to keep it plugged in throughout the process.
6. 6
   Complete! Once Windows 11 has finished installing, you'll be brought to the Windows 11 start-up screen like normal. Log in as you normally would and start exploring the new features of Windows 11.
Advertisement

1. 1
   Head to the official download website ( www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11 ).
2. 2
   Select your download option. The recommended one is the Installation Assistant—this is the same as what you would use if you upgraded via Settings.

   • The Installation Media is used if you want to clean install your PC, and the ISO is used as a virtual machine. The recommended and easiest option is the Installation Assistant.
3. 3
   Follow through with the process. You'll be prompted with a license agreement, which you need to accept. Then, a window will pop up, in which the download will take place.

   • The three steps that will take place in the download window will be "Downloading," "Verifying Download," and lastly "Installing." This process can take up to a few hours depending on your PC.
4. 4
   Restart your PC. After it is done installing, the window will prompt you to restart your PC and start a countdown of 30 minutes. Simply hit "Restart now."
5. 5
   Let your PC install Windows 11. Your computer will automatically run the installation process.

   • Do not shut down your computer, and be sure to keep it plugged in throughout the process.
6. 6
   Complete! After installation, the Windows 11 start-up screen will appear. Log in as you normally would and start exploring the new features of Windows 11.
Advertisement