Windows 11 Download: Every Official Way to Get It

Windows 11 now runs on roughly 70% of desktop Windows PCs worldwide, per StatCounter. Microsoft distributes it free of charge through four official channels, and this page walks through each one so you can pick the right download for your situation. Every link below goes to an official Microsoft source.

The 4 official ways to download Windows 11

All four methods pull the same Windows 11 24H2 files from Microsoft. The right choice depends on whether you are upgrading the PC you are on now, building install media for other machines, or doing a clean install.

On Microsoft's Download Windows 11 page, the Installation Assistant, Media Creation Tool, and ISO all appear as separate sections. The fourth path, Windows Update, needs no download tool at all.

Windows 11 Installation Assistant

The Windows 11 Installation Assistant upgrades the PC you are currently running from Windows 10 to Windows 11 without touching your files or installed apps. It is the fastest route when your existing PC meets the requirements and you simply want to move up to Windows 11.

Use it when: you are on a compatible Windows 10 PC, you want an in-place upgrade, and you do not need install media for other machines.

1. Open the Download Windows 11 page and download the Installation Assistant.
2. Run the downloaded file and accept the license terms.
3. The tool checks compatibility, downloads Windows 11, and prepares the upgrade.
4. Restart when prompted. Your files, settings, and apps carry over.

Windows 11 Media Creation Tool

The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool downloads the install files and either writes them straight to a USB drive or saves them as an ISO. This is the method to use when you need to install Windows 11 on more than one PC, or on a different PC from the one you are downloading on.

You need an 8 GB or larger USB drive (its contents are erased) or space for a ~6 GB ISO file.

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from the Download Windows 11 page.
2. Run it and accept the license terms.
3. Confirm the language and edition, or accept the recommended options for the current PC.
4. Choose USB flash drive to write a bootable drive directly, or ISO file to save an image you can use later.
5. Wait for the download and write to finish, then boot the target PC from the USB to install.

Direct ISO download

The direct ISO download gives you just the Windows 11 disc image (.iso). It is the most flexible option for a clean install, for virtual machines, or when you prefer your own USB tool such as Rufus. Microsoft's ISO download links are signed and expire after 24 hours, so download the file shortly before you plan to use it.

For the full ISO table with SHA-256 hashes, every edition and every language, plus step-by-step bootable USB instructions, see our companion guide: Windows 11 & Windows 10 ISO download.

System requirements

Before you download, confirm the PC can run Windows 11. Microsoft's free PC Health Check app gives a clear pass or fail and names the specific requirement a PC misses.

The two requirements that most often block older hardware are TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Both are frequently present but disabled in the firmware — look for fTPM or PTT and a Secure Boot option in the BIOS or UEFI setup.

Download Windows 11 free (without a product key)

The Windows 11 download itself is free from Microsoft, and you can install it without entering a product key. At the activation screen during setup, select I don't have a product key. Windows 11 installs and runs fully, with two minor limits until you activate: an "Activate Windows" watermark on the desktop, and some personalization settings (such as changing the accent color and wallpaper) stay locked. Security updates still install normally.

This applies to both Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro — you can download and install either edition free, then activate later. To activate, you need a valid product key. For the full list of Windows 11 Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education keys, including generic and KMS client keys, see Windows 10 & 11 product keys.

After installing — activate and set up

Once Windows 11 is running, activate it under Settings > System > Activation, then bring the PC up to date through Windows Update and install your applications.

FAQ

Is Windows 11 free to download?

Yes. Microsoft provides the Windows 11 download free through the Installation Assistant, Media Creation Tool, and direct ISO. Eligible Windows 10 PCs can also upgrade free through Windows Update. A product key is only needed to activate Windows after install.

How big is the Windows 11 download?

The Windows 11 24H2 ISO is roughly 5 to 6 GB. The Installation Assistant and Media Creation Tool download a similar volume of data. Allow extra free disk space during the upgrade or clean install.

Can my PC run Windows 11?

It can if it meets the minimum requirements: a supported 64-bit CPU with 2 or more cores, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, TPM 2.0, and UEFI with Secure Boot. Run Microsoft's free PC Health Check app to get a definitive pass or fail and see which requirement, if any, is missing.

Questions about Windows 11 rollout, licensing, or Microsoft 365 deployment across your organization? Reach out — we have handled 500+ Microsoft deployments.