How to Download Windows 11 ISO File and Perform a Clean Install

Windows 11 is finally here, and we are as excited as you are to install it on PC and experience the new features and improvements. However, the update will be released in batches and should be available for everyone by the end of this year. But, if you want to download Windows 11 ISO file right away and install it on your PC, it is possible.

Microsoft’s latest desktop operating system improves the overall UI, adds a centered taskbar, brings security enhancements, and much more. Windows 11 ISO includes build 22000.194 (version 21H2) of the operating system and is available in all editions (Home, Pro, Education, Enterprise, MR, etc.). The new operating system requires 64-bit processors, so the ISO file is not offered in the 32-bit version.

Let us have a detailed look at how you can download and install Windows 11 on your PC with ease.

How to Download Windows 11 ISO – Official Download Link from Microsoft

The most practical and easiest way to download Windows 11 ISO is to download it from Microsoft directly. So let us have a detailed look.

1. Head over to Windows 11 ISO page and scroll down until you see the Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) option.
   
2. Click on the Select Download dropdown menu and choose Windows 11.
3. Hit Download.
4. Select your preferred language under Select the product language and hit Confirm.
5. Lastly, hit the 64-bit Download button to start downloading your Windows 11 ISO.

Direct Download Windows 11 ISO files from Microsoft

For anyone impatient to go through the steps mentioned above, we have the direct download link to download Windows 11 ISO (64-bit), which is valid for Windows 11 Home, Windows 11 Pro, and other editions.

Windows 11 ISO (64-bit)

The above link might expire soon. In that case, follow the steps mentioned earlier.

Create a Windows 11 ISO File with UUPdump

During the beta testing period, Microsoft didn’t provide an easy way to download the Windows 11 ISO files. So one of the reliable options back then was to use the UUPdump website. Today, with Windows 11 released for the general public, it’s not really necessary. But for whatever reason, if you want to use the very latest Windows Insider build of Windows 11, you can follow these steps.

1. Go to UUPdump.net
2. Click the x64 button next to “Latest Dev Channel build“. The arm64 version is for non-x86 computers.
3. Select the latest build. And click Next.
4. Select “Download and convert to ISO” and check “Include updates” and then click “Create download package“. A small zip file will be downloaded to your PC. This is not the Windows 11 ISO, but it will be used for downloading.
5. Unzip the file and place its contents in a folder of your choice.
6. Double-click uup_download_windows.cmd in the folder with the downloaded files.
7. Click “Run anyway” if Windows 10 warns you that it is an unrecognized application.

   A command prompt window opens and runs a batch file that downloads all the necessary files from Microsoft and creates the Windows 11 ISO file for you. This process may take several minutes or longer, depending on your Internet connection.

8. Press 0 to exit when the script finishes downloading Windows 11 ISO.

A Windows 11 ISO file appears in the folder where you placed uup_download_windows.cmd.

How to Install Windows 11 ISO

Now that we have successfully downloaded the Windows 11 ISO file, let us have a look at how you can create a bootable Windows 11 USB drive and install it on your PC.

1. Download Windows 11 Media Creation Tool on your PC.
2. Double-click on the downloaded file and click Next.
3. Choose your preferred Windows 11 language and edition and hit Next.
   
4. You will now be greeted with two options: USB Flash Drive and ISO file.
5. Connect your USB drive to the PC and choose the USB flash drive option. Click Next.
   
6. Now, choose your USB Drive from the list of drives and again click on Next.
   
7. Now it will start installing Windows 11 on the USB drive. (Do note all data on the USB drive will get deleted, so make sure to perform a backup.)

Setting up Windows 11 on Your PC

1. Open BIOS settings on your laptop. (The process to enter bios is different for different manufactures.)
2. Search for the Boot Preferences. Again, this differs from device to device.
3. In the Boot Preferences select USB drive as first boot priority and restart your device.
4. Click Start and start following the on-screen instructions.
5. Once setup is complete, the PC will restart. At this point, remove your USB drive from the PC. Boom, you will now be greeted with the new Windows 11 startup screen. (The device might reboot a few times during this process)
6. Once the device boots successfully, follow the new Windows 11 setup screen.

Successfully Updating Your PC to Windows 11

Using the guide above, you should now have successfully installed Windows 11 on your PC. In which case, we recommend you to check out all the new and highlighting Windows 11 features to make the most of your upgrade.

FAQs About Updating PC With Windows 11 ISO

1. Can I create a bootable drive using Rufus?

Yes, you can, and we have already covered a detailed guide on it. You can give it a read here.

2. Can I perform a clean install using the Flash drive?

Yes, boot your PC using the flash drive and choose a custom installation during the setup process. Now, select the drive you want to install Windows 11 and click format. (Make sure to perform a backup of personal files before the process).

3. What is the size of Windows 11 ISO?

The Windows 11 ISO file (October 2021 build) is roughly around 5.1 GB but will vary slightly based on the language pack.

3. Can I roll back to Windows 10 at a later stage?

Yes, you indeed can. Here is our guide on how to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10. We have provided detailed step-by-step instructions for you to follow and roll back to Windows 10.