Update to Windows 11: Here is How To

Share This Post

Update to Windows 11: The newly released Microsoft Windows 11 operating system is here, and we are all thrilled about the new Windows OS. It comes with amazing new features, and most of the Windows 10 operating system bugs were all fixed in Windows 11.

Windows 11 is the most detailed and modernized operating system in Microsoft operating system software. It is a complete remodel of the concept of Windows OS. Microsoft takes into account all the negative feedbacks of Windows 10 to develop a comprehensive Windows 11. It is a personalized operating system that works on all devices ranging from tablets and smartphones to personal computers and can create multiple desktops and switch them.

There are 3 options below for installing or creating Windows 11 media. Check out each one to determine the best option for you.

If you are upgrading from Windows 10, we recommend that you wait until you are notified through Windows Update that the upgrade is ready for your PC.

Before installing, please refer to the PC Health Check app to confirm your device meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 and check the Windows release information status for known issues that may affect your device.

Windows 11 Installation Assistant

All Microsoft PCs have the Installation Assistant available to download now. This tool allows users to upgrade to the release version of the Windows 11 operating system without having to wait for the update to roll through. Keep in mind that you may encounter bugs and crashes if you go this route, as Microsoft may not have finished testing the device you are using.

Furthermore, the Installation Assistant has a built-in hardware check, so before the installation begins, it will automatically scan your PC to make sure your hardware has the minimum requirement for the spec. However, Windows 11 requires an Intel 8th-gen processor or newer, or an AMD Ryzen 2000 processor or newer. It also requires TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. The app will tell you if your PC supports Windows 11, or you can run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.

But if your device does not meet the minimum requirement, you are not totally out of luck. The good news is that Microsoft is still offering update to Windows 11 through its Media Creation Tool. This tool does not run hardware checks, so you can use it to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. You might not want to, though.

Before you begin, check to see if the following conditions apply to you:

You have a Windows 10 license.
Your PC must have Windows 10, version 2004 or higher installed to run Installation Assistant.
Your PC meets the Windows 11 device specifications for upgrade requirements and supported features. Certain features require additional hardware. We also recommend that you visit your PC’s manufacturer’s website for information about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.
Your PC must have 9 GB of free disk space to download Windows 11.

After you download the Installation Assistant:

Select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
Once the tool confirms the device hardware is compatible, you will be presented with the license terms. Select Accept and Install.
Once the tool is ready, click the Restart Now button to complete the installation on your computer.
It might take some time to install Windows 11, and your PC will restart a few times.  Make sure you don’t turn off your PC.

You may also like Windows 11 vs Windows 10: All You Need To Know

Create Windows 11 Installation Media

To get started you first need a license to install Windows 11 or have a Windows 10 device that qualifies for an update to Windows 11.

Make sure you have:

An internet connection.
Sufficient data storage must be available on the computer, USB, or external drive you are downloading the .iso file.
A blank DVD disc with at least 8GB (and a DVD burner) to create a bootable disc. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD because any content on it will be deleted during installation.
If you receive a “disc image file is too large” message while attempting to burn a DVD bootable disc from an ISO file, consider using a higher capacity Dual Layer DVD.

Ensure the PC you want to install Windows 11:

Has a 64-bit CPU: Windows 11 can only run on 64-bit CPUs. To see if your PC has one, go to Settings > System > About, or search “System Information” in Windows and look under “System Type.”
- Windows 11 Media Creation Tool creates installation media only for x64 processors. For ARM-based PCs, you should wait until you are notified through Windows Update that the Update to Windows 11 is ready for your PC.
Meets system requirements: Not all devices running Windows 10 are eligible to receive a Windows 11 upgrade. See the Windows 11 device specifications for upgrade requirements and supported features. Certain features require additional hardware. We also recommend that you visit your PC’s manufacturer’s website for information about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.
- WARNING: Installing Windows 11 media on a PC that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements is not recommended and may result in incompatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11 on a PC that does not meet the requirements, that PC will no longer be supported and won’t be entitled to receive updates. Damages to the PC due to lack of compatibility aren’t covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Matches your current language: You’ll need to choose the same language when you install Windows 11. To see what language you are currently using, go to Time & language in PC settings or Region in Control Panel.

Using the Media Creation Tool to Create Installation Media:

After downloading, run the media creation tool. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.
On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC and then select Next.
Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit) for Windows 11.
Select which media you want to use:
- USB flash drive: Attach a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space. Any content on the flash drive will be deleted.
- ISO file: Save an ISO file to your PC. This can be used to create a bootable DVD. After the file is downloaded, you can go to the location where the file is saved, or select Open DVD burner, and follow the instructions to burn the file to a DVD.

After the installation media is created, follow the steps below to use it.

To check for updates now, select the Start button, and then go to Settings > Windows Update, and select Check for updates. You may also wish to visit your device manufacturer’s support site for any additional drivers that may be needed.
Note: Drivers for Surface devices may be found on the Download drivers and firmware for Surface page.

Before you install Windows 11, it’s a good idea to save any work and back up your PC before you start. If you used the Media Creation Tool to download an ISO file for Windows 11, remember to burn it to a DVD before following these steps:

Attach the USB flash drive or insert the DVD on the PC where you want to install Windows 11.
Restart your PC.
- If your PC does not automatically boot to the USB or DVD media, you might have to open a boot menu or change the boot order in your PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings.
- To open a boot menu or change the boot order, you will typically need to press a key (such as F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) immediately after you turn on your PC. For instructions on accessing the boot menu or changing the boot order for your PC, check the documentation that came with your PC or go to the manufacturer’s website.
- If you do not see the USB or DVD media device listed within the boot options, you may need to reach out to the PC manufacturer for instructions for temporarily disabling Secure Boot in your BIOS settings.
- If changing the boot menu or order doesn’t work, and your PC immediately boots into the OS you want to replace, it is possible the PC had not fully shut down. To ensure the PC fully shuts down, select the power button on the sign-in screen or the Start menu and select Shut Down.
On the Install Windows page, select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and then select Next.
Select Install Windows.

You may also like Download Windows 11 SE Wallpaper

Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)

Once the download completes you can use the Verify your download option to ensure the integrity of the file.

Installation instructions (DVD):

Locate the folder where you downloaded the Windows 11 ISO.
- To use Windows Disk Image Burner to create the installation DVD, right-click on the ISO file and select Properties. Under the “General tab”, click “Change…” where it says, “Opens with:” and select Windows Explorer. Select Apply. This will enable the Burn disc image to display when you right-click on the ISO file.
- To use a third-party DVD burning program, you can right-click on the ISO file and select Open with.

Installation instructions (ISO):

If you want to install Windows 11 directly from the ISO file without using a DVD or USB flash drive, you can do so by mounting the ISO file. This will perform an upgrade of your current operating system to Windows 11.
To mount the ISO file:
- Go to the location where you downloaded the ISO file. Then, right-click the ISO file and select Properties.
- On the “General” tab, click ”Change…” where it says, “Opens with:” and select Windows Explorer for the program you would like to use to open ISO files and select Apply.
- Right-click the ISO file and select Mount.
- This will create a “virtual” bootable disc. Double-click on it to view the files within. Double-click setup.exe to start Windows 11 setup.