While a fresh Windows install, like on macOS, shouldn’t erase any of your data, backing up sensitive data is always a good idea before any kind of significant OS change. Finally, remember to back up any sensitive data. If you are using a USB that has data on it, be sure to back that information up as the ISO download process will wipe that information. Secondly, if using a USB drive or a DVD, you’ll need to obtain a blank one. First, make sure that your computer meets the system requirements for Windows 11.

While refreshing your system with a clean install isn’t complex, it does require some preparation. In other words, don’t use the ISO method if you’re trying to update from Windows 10. It can also be a troubleshooting step to take if you have an unidentifiable and sudden Windows issue that isn’t easily resolved through something like a restore point.Ĭan I use a Windows 11 ISO file to upgrade from Windows 10?Īn ISO can be used to update your Windows system without a boot drive or disk of some kind – known as mounting the ISO – but Microsoft recommends you use their Windows 11 installation assistant if your goal is to upgrade the OS on the device you’re using at the time. Take, for example, if you have just built a brand new PC from scratch and want to get your system running or if your laptop has an issue so significant it refuses to cooperate with alternative options to update or restore the OS.Ī clean install of Windows can help reduce the system bloat that comes with the long-term use of a PC.

Why should I download a Windows 11 ISO file? What is an ISO file?Ī Windows 11 ISO file, named after the data system used on CDs, is most commonly used to create a bootable USB drive, CD, or DVD. There are several ways to get started, but regardless of the method, you should be able to follow these instructions and perform a clean Windows 11 install with ease. There are also tools out there that let you download files from Microsoft’s update server and put together a custom ISO that’s up-to-date with a Windows Insider build. While some hardware manufacturers make it fairly easy to request a disk version of your Windows install, the vast majority of users will use the Microsoft website to download a new version of the OS. How long does it take to upgrade to Windows 11?

Windows 11 official iso download