How to Install Windows 11
Installing Windows 11 on your own is much easier than installing Windows 10 or past Windows versions, as you don’t even need a USB (or CD/DVD) drive in most cases. There are six methods to install Windows 11, with the last optional for only Windows Insiders:
1. Windows 11 Update Checker
It’s quite easy with the Windows 11 update checker to update to Windows 11, since all eligible Windows 10 devices will be receiving the free invitation.
2. Windows 11 Installation Assistant
Don’t want to wait for an update invitation? You can also use Microsoft’s installation assistant for a free cloud migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
3. Windows 11 Media Creation Tool
You can also use Windows 11 Media Creation Tool but will need a USB drive.
4. Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)
You can also use a Windows 11 disk image (ISO) to boot a virtual machine file.
5. Windows 11 Reset Option (Cloud Download)
For those who like cloud-based installations, there’s a hidden option available through a reset. To work with this option, you need to already be in a Windows 11 version. This will guarantee a clean installation for you if your device came pre-installed with Windows 11 or there are problems while updating from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
6. Windows 11 Insider Preview (Optional – Not for General Users)
If you’re a developer, here’s how you can download and install the Windows 11 Insider Preview build. It is used to get an advanced sneak peek into the latest Windows versions before they are launched.
Enroll in Windows Insider Program
For each of its latest operating systems, Microsoft runs Windows Insider programs to enable free downloads and testing. Many years ago, you had to be a Microsoft developer/partner or affiliated in some way to get early-bird access. Today, this is no longer the case, and anyone can become a Windows 11 insider. You only need an Outlook (or Hotmail/Live) email account, and your device has to be currently running an official version of Windows 10. Use an email account registered in the Windows Insider program to access these preview builds. Ideally, the email account should be the one you used to register the device where you wish to install Windows 11. You can also unregister from the Windows Insider program on the page to stop getting new builds.
Check for Windows Updates to Access Windows 11 Insider Build
Finish the Windows 11 Insider Preview Updates
This part of installation should not take very long, unlike the previous section’s preview build installation. However, you may have a different experience based on system RAM and any other settings. If the screen is stuck at a given number, do not worry, as it will clear on its own. It doesn’t take a long time to reach 100%. If you don’t want to stick to Windows 11, you can easily go back to Windows 10, as it doesn’t take as long to downgrade as it does to upgrade. If you’d like to find out whether Windows 11 is the right fit for you before your upgrade, find out the top ten improvements in Windows 11.
