Windows 11 From Microsoft: Media Creation Tool, ISO, Upgrade
Windows 11
Developer: Microsoft (opens in a new tab)
The download link points to the program’s official source; the file is not hosted on this site. Link address: microsoft.com
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Windows 11 is Microsoft's paid desktop operating system. Microsoft's download page offers the Installation Assistant, the Media Creation Tool and a multi-edition ISO for x64 PCs; installing requires a Windows license and a PC with TPM 2.0, Secure Boot capable UEFI, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.
Windows 10 reached the end of support in October 2025, so many people are moving to Windows 11 on existing or new PCs. Microsoft provides the installation files for free, but you need a valid Windows license (product key or digital license) to install and activate it.
Pick the right tool
- Installation Assistant: upgrades the PC you are using. It needs a Windows 10/11 license, Windows 10 version 2004 or later and 9 GB of free disk space.
- Media Creation Tool: creates a bootable USB stick (at least 8 GB, which will be erased) or an ISO for a clean install or reinstall.
- Windows 11 ISO: a multi-edition x64 image for bootable media or virtual machines; your product key unlocks the matching edition.
Will your PC run it?
Microsoft’s minimum specifications: a 1 GHz or faster processor with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit CPU or SoC, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, TPM 2.0, DirectX 12 compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and a 720p display larger than 9 inches. Microsoft warns that installing on an unsupported PC is not recommended.
Verify the ISO
The download page lists a SHA256 hash for each language. Run Get-FileHash in PowerShell on the ISO and compare the output with the value for your language.
Make the USB and install
The Media Creation Tool builds the stick for you. With the ISO, Rufus is a popular alternative. A clean install erases the target drive, and even an in-place upgrade deserves a full backup first. If your hardware does not qualify, Linux distributions such as Linux Mint or ChromeOS Flex can keep an older PC useful.
Pros
- Official tools for upgrade, USB media and ISO
- SHA256 hashes published for each ISO language
- Broad software and hardware compatibility
Cons
- Requires a paid license
- Strict hardware requirements such as TPM 2.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows 11 free to download?
The installation tools and ISO are free to download from Microsoft, but installing Windows 11 requires a valid Windows license.
What size USB stick do I need for Windows 11?
Microsoft asks for a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space. Everything on it is deleted.
Windows 11Paid
Download (opens in a new tab)
