1/19/25, 8:27 PM Ways to install Windows 11 - Microsoft Support

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This article describes ways to install Windows 11.
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Note: To upgrade to Windows 11, devices should meet the Windows 11 minimum system
requirements. Some Windows 10 features aren't available in Windows 11. System requirements to
experience some Windows 11 features and apps will exceed the Windows 11 minimum system
requirements. Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements

Before you begin

Make sure the device you want to install Windows 11 on meets the minimum system requirements.
If your device is currently running Windows 10, we recommend you verify the minimum system
requirements using the PC Health Check app. We do not recommend installing Windows 11 on a
device that doesn't meet requirements. For more info, see Installing Windows 11 on devices that
don't meet minimum system requirements.

Windows Update in Settings (recommended)

If you’re upgrading from Windows 10, we recommend you wait until you're notified through
Windows Update that the upgrade is ready for your device. To check if Windows 11 is ready for
your device, select Start  > Settings  > Update & Security  > Windows Update  > Check for
updates.
For known issues that might affect your device, you can also check the Windows release health
hub.

Other ways to install Windows 11 (not recommended)

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1/19/25, 8:27 PM Ways to install Windows 11 - Microsoft Support

Use the Installation Assistant to upgrade

We recommend you wait until your device has been offered the upgrade to Windows 11 before
you use the Installation Assistant. When you're ready, you can find it on the Windows 11 software
download page.

Create Windows 11 installation media

On the Windows 11 software download page, select Create tool now and follow the instructions to
install Windows 11.

There are two installation paths available:

1. Upgrade by launching Setup on the media while running Windows 10. You will have the
option to:

a. Perform a Full Upgrade, which keeps personal files (including drivers), apps, and Windows
Settings. This is the default experience and is the one that Installation Assistant uses.

b. Keep Data Only will keep personal files (including drivers) only, not apps and not
Windows Settings.

c. Clean Install will install Windows 11 and keep nothing from the Windows 10 installation.
For more info, see Give your PC a Fresh Start.

2. Boot from media to launch Setup. This path is a clean install and will not retain previous
files or settings. For more info, see Give your PC a Fresh Start.

Important: You should verify that your device meets minimum system requirements before
you choose to boot from media, because it will allow you to install Windows 11 if you have
at least TPM 1.2 (instead of the minimum system requirement of TPM 2.0), and it will not
verify that your processor is on the approved CPU list based on family and model of
processor.

Create an image install

Use DISM or 3rd party tools to directly apply an existing Windows 11 image to the disk.

Important: An image install of Windows 11 will not check for the following requirements: TPM 2.0 (at
least TPM 1.2 is required) and CPU family and model.

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1/19/25, 8:27 PM Ways to install Windows 11 - Microsoft Support

Related articles
Installing Windows 11 on devices that don't meet minimum system requirements

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