Chapter 2: Installing and Upgrading to Windows 11

 How to Download Windows 11 from Microsoft’s Official Website

If you want to install or upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft provides multiple ways to download the OS safely. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get Windows 11 directly from Microsoft’s official website.

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Option 1: Upgrade via Windows Update (Recommended for Existing Windows Users)

If your PC is eligible for Windows 11, you can upgrade through Windows Update.

1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If the update is available, you’ll see Windows 11 Upgrade listed.
4. Click Download and install.
5. Restart your PC when prompted to complete the installation.

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Option 2: Download Using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

The Windows 11 Installation Assistant is the fastest way to upgrade an eligible PC without waiting for Windows Update.

1. Visit Microsoft’s official website:
   https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
2. Scroll down to the Windows 11 Installation Assistant section.
3. Click Download Now to get the installer.
4. Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
• The tool will check your PC for compatibility and initiate the upgrade.
5. Restart your PC to complete the process.

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Option 3: Create a Bootable USB or ISO Using the Media Creation Tool

This option is ideal if you want to install Windows 11 on a different PC or perform a clean installation.

1. Go to the Windows 11 download page:
   https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
2. Scroll down to the Create Windows 11 Installation Media section.
3. Click Download Now under the Media Creation Tool option.
4. Run the tool and follow these steps:
• Accept the license terms.
• Select USB flash drive or ISO file (if you want to burn it to a DVD).
• Follow the prompts to complete the creation of the bootable media.

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Option 4: Download Windows 11 ISO File Directly

You can also download the Windows 11 ISO file for manual installation.

1. Go to the official download page:
   https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
2. Scroll down to the Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) section.
3. Select Windows 11 from the dropdown and click Download.
4. Choose the desired language and click Confirm.
5. Click the 64-bit Download button to start the ISO download.

Once downloaded, you can:

• Mount the ISO and run setup.exe to upgrade your system.
• Use Rufus or the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB for installation.

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System Requirements for Windows 11 Download

Before downloading, ensure your system meets these minimum requirements:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 64-bit, with at least 2 cores.
• RAM: 4 GB or more.
• Storage: 64 GB or more available space.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
• Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot.
• Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later.
• Display: 720p resolution, 9” or larger screen.

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Conclusion

Downloading Windows 11 from Microsoft’s official website ensures you get the latest, safest version of the OS. Depending on your needs, you can upgrade through Windows Update, use the Installation Assistant, create a bootable USB with the Media Creation Tool, or download the ISO file. Make sure your system meets the requirements to avoid installation issues.