How to Download Windows 11: Beginner's Guide

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The easiest ways to install Microsoft’s newest operating system

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: July 27, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Upgrading via Settings
|
• Upgrading via Windows Website
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings

|Show more |Show less

Whether you’re upgrading a Windows 10 PC or just looking to do a clean install of Windows 11, the most recent version of Windows is easy to download and install. As long as your device meets the system requirements, you can install and use Windows 11. Here's how to download Windows 11 on your computer or laptop.

Installing Windows 11: Quick Steps

Open Settings and select Update & Security. Click Download and install from the Windows 11 Update menu. Follow the prompts to proceed through the download process. Restart your computer and let your PC complete the installation.

Steps

Section 1 of 2:

Upgrading via Settings

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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.

   • This is the standard upgrade process that you would use to upgrade your Windows 10 to Windows 11.
   • If you’re already running a version of Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for Windows updates. From here, you can download the latest available version of Windows 11.
   • Make sure to back up your PC in case something goes wrong in the installation process.
   • If you're upgrading from an older device, you must meet the system requirements. You can check using the PC Health Check app.
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.
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3. 
   3
   Follow the on-screen instructions. 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
   Log into your device. Once Windows 11 has finished installing, you'll be brought to the Windows 11 start-up screen. Log in as you normally would and start exploring the new features of Windows 11.
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Section 2 of 2:

Upgrading via Windows Website

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1. 
   1
   Go to the official download website. This is where you can download the Windows 11 installation files.
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 the on-screen instructions. 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
   Log into your device. 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.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  How can I enable Secure Boot to install Windows 11?

  

  Rupert

  Top Answerer

  Secure Boot is a security feature that's supported by most modern hardware which prevents malware hijacking your computer as Windows boots. You'll need to enable Secure Boot in order to install Windows 11. If you're still running Windows 10 or earlier, head to your computer's BIOS to enable Secure Boot. The menu name will vary by manufacturer, but it should be under something like 'Boot Settings'. You should be able to toggle Secure Boot to 'On', save your changes, and restart the computer.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  How can I enable 'TPM 2.0' in Windows 11?

  

  Rupert

  Top Answerer

  TPM 2.0 is a security feature that must be enabled in order for Windows 11 to be successfully installed. To check if your computer supports TPM 2.0, press '[Windows Key] + 'R' and type 'tpm.msc' into the search. If you get a message saying 'Compatible TPM cannot be found', you need to enable it through the computer's BIOS, the setting is usually in a menu called 'Advanced', 'Security', or 'Trusted Computing'. If you receive a message saying 'TPM is ready to use', check with your manufacturer to see if it meets the 2.0 requirement. If not, unfortunately you won't be able to upgrade to Windows 11.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
• Question

  Can I install Windows 11 on a school computer?

  

  Rupert

  Top Answerer

  Most school computers are managed by a computer system that restricts access for users who aren't Administrators, so unfortunately you most likely won't be able to install Windows 11 on a school computer unless you're a system admin.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6

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Tips

• Back up your files just in case something goes wrong.
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Warnings

• Keep your PC on at all times when your system is upgrading! If you shut it down, it can cause systems to malfunction.
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