It used to be difficult to get a valid Windows 10 ISO. Microsoft seems to have learned its lesson with Windows 11. It’s easy to legally download Windows 11 quickly and easily if you require the ISO for repair or installation purposes. An ISO can be downloaded directly from Microsoft’s site, using the Media Creation Tool or via a third-party software.
We’ve listed the three methods to download Windows 11 ISO. This is whether you are looking to update your computer or make a bootable disk.
1. How to download a Windows 11 ISO without the Media Creation Tool
Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool allows you to easily download Windows 11 ISO. It is Windows-only, however, so it cannot be used to download Windows 11 ISO. Create a bootable Windows 11 USB for a Mac Or Linux. It involves the downloading of a separate tool, which you can avoid by downloading the ISO directly from Microsoft’s site.
To download Windows 11 ISO with no Media Creation Tool:
- Visit the Windows 11 ISO Download Page. This page offers multiple ways to install or create Windows 11 installation media.
- Scroll down to the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) section.
- Click on the Selectdropdown to select Windows 11 Multi-edition ISO.
- To continue, click the Download link. Additional options will be available on the download page.
- Select your preferred language by clicking the Choose one dropdown in the Select the Protect Language section.
- Click Confirm to continue.
- Click the 64 bit Download button to begin your ISO file download. It takes approximately 5.2GB to download the ISO image. This is due to your Internet speed.
2. Rufus: How to download a Windows 11 ISO
Rufus is a Windows utility that formats and creates bootable USB flash drives. Rufus’ download function is a lesser-known feature. The tool can be used to download Windows 11 or older versions of OS. Rufus can be used to download Windows 11 ISO.
- Visit the Rufus website.
- Scroll down to the Download section. To download the executable, click on Rufus link.
- To launch the tool, run the Rufus file.
- Click the drop-down menu for Boot selection and choose Select Disk (Please select).
- Click the drop-down icon beside the SELECT Click here to choose Download .
- Next, click the Download Click the button, and wait for it to work ISO Image Download Pop-up window to open
- Click the drop-down to select Windows 11 for Version.
- Click Continue and wait for the next option.
- Select the Release dropdown, then click Keep.
- Next, choose Windows 11 Home/Pro/Edu from the Editor Dropdown.
- Select x64 to select Architecture. Click Download. You can download the ISO from a browser by selecting Download.
- Select a location to download from your hard drive, and then click Save.
That’s it. Rufus will begin downloading the Windows 11 ISO file onto your computer. The Status section allows you to track the progress.
3. How to download Windows 11 ISO using the Media Creation Tool
Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool can be used for multiple purposes. It can be used to create a bootable USB flash or DVD, as well as to download one ISO file from your hard drive. These steps will allow you to download Windows 11 ISO with the Media Creation tool.
- To download the setup file, click the Download Now link under Create Windows 11 Install Media.
- Run the MediaCreationToolW11.exe file and click Yes when prompted by UAC.
- To agree to the terms, you can click Accept in the Setup Window.
- Check the language and edition you have selected. Uncheck To modify the option, use the recommended options and then make your selection.
- Click Next to continue.
- Select ISO File from the Choose Mediawindow.
- Click Next.
- Choose the location where you want to save the ISOfile. Select a partition that has enough storage space, and then click Save.
The Media Creation Tool will be downloaded to your computer. After the download is completed, you can run the ISO to install Windows 11 on a virtual machine.
There are many ways to download a Windows 11 ISO file on your PC
ISO Images can be used to install Windows on a computer that is not in use, create a virtual machine, and even troubleshoot the computer. Once you have an ISO image, create a bootable USB flash drive. This will allow you to install the OS cleanly or mount it for upgrades on compatible computers.