You can use this Windows 11 ISO (disk image file) to create a Windows installation disc or USB drive. You can also use the ISO to install Windows 11 using a virtual machine or mount the disk image in your current operating system.

Ensure the PC you want to install Windows 11:

  • Has a 64-bit CPU: Windows 11 only runs on 64-bit processors. Go to Settings > System > About, or search "System Information" in Windows and look under System Type.
  • Meets Windows 11 system requirements. Not all Windows 10 devices are eligible for upgrade. Certain features require additional hardware.

Note: Installing Windows 11 on a PC that doesn't meet minimum system requirements isn't recommended. Such PCs won't be supported, may not receive updates, and may experience compatibility issues. You can use the Windows 11 Compatibility Tool to check your device.

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Can I use the Windows 11 ISO to upgrade an existing Windows installation without losing files?

Yes, if you mount the ISO within your current Windows install, you can run the setup program and choose the "keep files and apps" option to perform an in-place upgrade, provided the build matches or is newer than your existing version.

Are there workarounds if my PC doesn't meet Windows 11's hardware requirements?

Advanced users sometimes use tools like Rufus to modify installation media or registry tweaks during setup to bypass strict checks, though this isn't supported by Microsoft and may affect updates or stability.

Can I install Windows 11 from any other PC?

Yes, you can download the ISO on one PC (even if it's running Windows 10), create a bootable USB, and then use it to install Windows 11 on a different machine.

Why isn't my USB drive showing up as a boot option?

Often this means BIOS settings need adjustment. Try disabling Secure Boot, enabling UEFI boot mode (or Legacy/CSM, depending on your system), or resetting BIOS to defaults. Ensure you used a USB port directly on the motherboard (not through a hub) and that the media was created correctly.

Why doesn't "Mount" appear when I right-click the ISO file?

That usually happens when the default program to open ISOs isn't set to File Explorer. Changing the "Open with" setting so that .iso files open with Windows Explorer typically restores the Mount option.

Is it safe to use an external USB DVD drive to install Windows 11?

Yes, with some caveats. Many users succeeded using external USB DVD drives, but it can be slower and may require a USB 2.0 port (not USB 3.0) or BIOS adjustments.

Installation instructions

ISO installation (mount):

You can install Windows 11 without a DVD or USB by mounting the ISO (this will upgrade your current OS to Windows 11).

  • Locate your downloaded ISO file.
  • Right-click > Properties > General tab > click Change… under Opens with, choose Windows Explorer, then click Apply.
  • Right-click the ISO file and select Mount.
  • Open the new virtual drive in This PC, then double-click setup.exe to start Windows 11 Setup.

DVD installation:

  • Open the folder where you downloaded the Windows 11 ISO file.
  • To burn the ISO using Windows Disk Image Burner:
    1. Right-click the ISO file and choose Properties > General tab.
    2. Click Change… under Opens with and select Windows Explorer, then click Apply.
    3. Right-click the ISO file again and select Burn disc image.
  • To use third-party software, right-click the ISO file > Open with and choose your preferred DVD burning program.

Windows 11 disk image (ISO) for Arm-based PCs:

This version is for users who want to:

  • Create a Windows 11 on Arm virtual machine on supported hardware, or
  • Install Windows 11 on Arm directly without using a DVD or USB drive.

You can also use this ISO to create bootable installation media, but some devices may require additional drivers from the manufacturer for a successful installation. This download is a multi-edition ISO – your product key will unlock the correct edition.

What's New

This cumulative update for Windows 11, version 25H2 and 24H2 (KB5079473), includes the latest security fixes and improvements, along with non-security updates from last month's optional preview release.

Improvements

This security update contains fixes and quality improvements from KB5077181 (released February 10, 2026). The following summary outlines key issues addressed by this update. Also, included are available new features. The bold text within the brackets indicates the item or area of the change.

  • [Secure Boot] With this update, Windows quality updates include additional high confidence device targeting data, increasing coverage of devices eligible to automatically receive new Secure Boot certificates. Devices receive the new certificates only after demonstrating sufficient successful update signals, maintaining a controlled and phased rollout.
  • [File Explorer] Improved: This update improves File Explorer search reliability when searching across multiple drives or "This PC".
  • [Windows Defender Application Control] Improved: This update improves how Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) handles COM objects allowlisting policies. COM objects were blocked when the endpoint security policy was set higher than the allowlisting policy. With this update, COM objects are allowed as expected.
  • [Windows System Image Manager] Improved: This update improves the reliability of choosing trusted catalog files. It adds a warning dialog that helps you confirm that the file you select comes from a trusted source.

Windows 11 25H2 Release Notes

Windows 11, version 25H2 includes all the features and capabilities delivered as part of continuous innovation to Windows 11, now enabled by default.

To check out what's been released with the recent Windows updates, see Inside this update.

Some features that were behind temporary enterprise feature control in Windows 11, version 24H2 are now enabled by default in version 25H2. These include:

  • AI actions in File Explorer
  • Click to Do (Copilot+ PC feature)
  • Agent in Settings (Copilot+ PC feature)

Version 25H2 includes Wi-Fi 7 enterprise connectivity. It also offers customers the ability to remove select preinstalled Microsoft store apps using policies.

The Improved Windows Search (Copilot+ PC feature), initially announced as enabled by default in Windows 11, version 25H2, is expected to be available in a future update.

Windows 11 24H2 Changelog

Windows 11, version 24H2 includes all the features and capabilities delivered as part of continuous innovation to Windows 11, now enabled by default. This scoped release also features enhancements designed to improve your overall experience with Windows 11. Highlights include:

  • Copilot+ PCs exclusive features:
    • Live Captions
    • Cocreator in Paint
    • Windows Studio Effects
    • Auto Super Resolution
    • Image Creator and Restyle Image
  • Wi-Fi 7 support
  • Bluetooth LE Audio enhancements for assistive hearing devices support
  • System tray & taskbar enhancements
  • A more streamlined File Explorer
  • Smart power management for your PC
  • Join and share Wi-Fi networks with QR codes
  • Enhanced privacy controls for Wi-Fi network access
  • Effortless account management and notifications in Microsoft Teams
  • Expanding Voice Clarity across devices
  • Sudo for Windows: elevate the Windows command-line efficiency
  • Remote Desktop: enhanced connectivity and accessibility