How To Install Windows 11

Written by: Jay H.

Microsoft’s latest operating system is officially available. Most Windows users with a compatible computer will receive a free upgrade offer from Microsoft by mid-2022. However, if your PC is compatible with Windows 11 and you’re eager to upgrade, you have a few options. Let’s go over how to install Windows 11 right now.

Should I Install Windows 11?

First, we should discuss whether or not you actually should install Windows 11. For the average user, we’d say no. Since the operating system is in its early stages, there are likely many bugs or limitations not present in Windows 11. However, if you are eager to upgrade and don’t want to wait for your upgrade offer, you have options to install Windows 11 right now.

Get Ready For Installation

Before you actually take the plunge, there are a few things you should do. First, download and run Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to verify that your computer is actually compatible with Windows 11. If your computer is eligible for upgrading, then back up your entire system to either the cloud or an external drive such as a USB. This will keep your data safe in the unlikely case Windows 11 breaks your machine.

How To Upgrade To Windows 11

So, you’ve verified your PC is compatible with Windows 11 and have backed up your personal data. Now, you’re ready to upgrade. Let’s go over your options:

Option 1: Check For Your Upgrade Offer

Microsoft may have already extended an offer for you to upgrade to Windows 11. You can check and see if your upgrade offer is ready by doing the following:

1. Click the Start button, then type and hit Settings.
2. Click Update & Security, Windows Upgrade, then click Check for updates.

If the upgrade is ready, click the download button then follow the prompts from the installer. Soon enough, you’ll have access to Windows 11!

Option 2: Download The Windows 11 Installer Assistant

To install Windows 11 on your current device, you can download Microsoft’s Windows 11 Installer Assistant. Once you’ve downloaded and run the assistant, follow the on-screen prompts to upgrade your device to Windows 11. You can download the assistant by clicking here.

Option 3: Create Windows 11 Bootable USB or DVD

If you want to install Windows 11 from a USB stick or DVD, you can easily do so. However, this option is a little more advanced, so be advised.

Before you create the Windows 11 installation media, make sure the computers you’re going to install on:

• Have a 64-bit CPU. To check this, go to Settings > System > About and look under System Type.
• Match your current language since you’ll need to choose the same language when you install Windows 11.

Once you’ve confirmed the above prerequisites, follow the Windows 11 installer until you see the Create Installation Media option. Click it and follow the steps until you get to choose your media, either a USB flash drive or ISO file for a DVD. We recommend using a blank USB with at least 8GB of space. Do note that any content on your USB drive will be deleted.

If you decide to create an ISO file, save the file to your computer then select Open DVD burner and follow the instructions to burn the ISO file to your DVD.

Once you have your installation media of choice, follow these steps:

1. Attach the USB drive or insert the DVD into the computer you’re installing Windows 11 on.
2. Restart your computer. If your PC does not automatically boot to your media, you might have to open a boot menu or change the boot order in your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings.
   1. To open a boot menu or access your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings, you’ll typically need to press and hold a key immediately after you restart your PC such as F12, F2, Delete, or Esc. To determine which key you need to press, refer to your computer’s manufacturer’s website, make a Google search, or check a website such as Disk Image.
   2. If you go into your computer’s BIOS, find an option under the tabs for Boot Order, then change the USB or CD to be the first boot option. Remember to save when exiting the BIOS.
3. Once you’ve made it to the Windows 11 installer, follow the prompts to install the operating system successfully.

How To Revert To Windows 10 From Windows 11

If you decide Windows 11 isn’t for you, you can roll back to Windows 10. To do so, click on the Start menu, then type and press Reset this PC. You will find an option to go back to Windows 10.

Microsoft has pledged to support Windows 10 until October 2025, so there’s no rush to upgrade. If you’re happy using Windows 10, we advise that you stick with it, at least until Microsoft irons out any flaws in Windows 11.

If you need help installing Windows 11 for yourself or your organization, contact us today.