5 Ways to download Windows 11 (2025)

Windows 11 offers multiple download options, including Microsoft’s Installation Assistant for in-place upgrades, the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive or ISO file, or downloading the ISO directly.
For older versions or to bypass requirements, third-party tools like Rufus, Ventoy, or UUP Dump enable flexible downloads and installations.

UPDATED 9/8/2025: Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system, introduces a slew of new features and enhancements designed to improve user experience, security, and performance. Whether you’re upgrading from a previous version of Windows or installing it on a new device, there are multiple methods for downloading Windows 11.

While upgrading through Windows Update is straightforward, Microsoft offers multiple tools to acquire the installation files, depending on the type of installation you wish to perform, such as an in-place upgrade or a clean installation. Additionally, third-party tools can assist in creating bootable USB drives with the operating system.

It’s important to note that Microsoft typically provides installation files for the latest version of Windows 11 (currently version 24H2). If you prefer to install a previous version, third-party tools can help you download the necessary files and create custom USB bootable media.

In this guide, I will teach you the different methods for downloading Windows 11.

Windows 11 download options for 2025

If you have to perform a Windows 11 installation, you have at least five ways, including using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool, Installation Assistant, downloading the ISO file, and using third-party tools like Rufus and Ventoy.

1. Installation Assistant

The Installation Assistant is a tool for performing an in-place upgrade on computers already running Windows 11 or Windows 10. It was created to update the system when the Windows Update settings aren’t working. However, you can also use it to upgrade immediately without having to wait for the system notification about a newer operating system. If the computer meets the hardware requirements, you can click the install button to proceed with the upgrade, preserving your files, settings, and apps.

Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

2. Windows 11 ISO file direct download

In the past, you had to use workarounds to obtain the ISO file for Windows 10. However, Microsoft now offers a direct link to download the image with the Windows 11 installation files. Once you download the ISO file, you can mount it on File Explorer to begin the upgrade process or use it to install Windows 11 on a virtual machine.

Download the official Windows 11 ISO file

Microsoft also allows you to download the ISO file for Windows 11 ARM64, which you can use to perform an installation of the operating system on ARM-based systems, such as Copilot+ PCs.

3. Media Creation Tool

The Media Creation Tool is the official tool for creating USB bootable media to perform a clean installation of Windows 11. The app previously included the option to perform an in-place upgrade, but it has now been updated to serve only as a tool for creating a USB bootable drive or downloading the ISO file.

Download Windows 11 with the Media Creation Tool

4. Rufus

In addition to the official tools, you can use a few other utilities to download the Windows 11 installation files and create a bootable USB. The most popular is Rufus.

Similar to the official Media Creation Tool, Rufus allows you to create a USB installation media, but it does this faster. You can also use it to create a USB flash drive with Windows 10, and it even allows you to create custom installation media to bypass the hardware and system requirements, letting you set up Windows 11 on virtually any hardware configuration.

Download Windows 11 with Rufus

5. UUP Dump

If, for some reason, you have to download an older version of Windows 11 (such as version 23H2), you won’t be able to complete this task through the Microsoft support website. Instead, you will need to rely on third-party tools, such as the UUP Dump website.

UUP Dump isn’t an official source, nor does it offer the installation files for Windows 11. Instead, it’s a script that downloads the required packages from the Microsoft servers for the current or older version of the operating system, and then it creates a custom ISO file that you can use to create a bootable installer.

Also, you can use the UUP Dump script to download Insider Preview Builds of Windows 11 when Microsoft doesn’t offer them.

Once you download Windows 11, you can use various tools to create a USB flash drive that allows you to boot the computer and continue with the installation process.

If you use the “Installation Assistant,” as soon as the files are downloaded, the tool will proceed with the upgrade process without needing to create a bootable media.

The “Media Creation Tool” includes the option to create an ISO file or bootable media if you connect a USB flash drive to the computer.

The Rufus tool is primarily used for creating a bootable installer, but it can also be used to download the ISO file for the latest version of the operating system, including Windows 10.

In addition to these tools, you can use other methods for creating a Windows 11 USB bootable media. For example, you can use the Command Prompt to perform this task manually with commands, or you can use Ventoy, an application that you install on a USB flash drive to make any ISO file bootable without modification.

Create bootable Windows 11 USB install media

Regardless of the tool you choose to download the installation files, prepare your computer to ensure a successful upgrade. For example, ensure your computer is compatible and enable TPM and Secure Boot when upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. It’s also recommended that you create a full backup in case you need to roll back, free up space, uninstall apps, disconnect non-essential peripherals, and perform other necessary tasks.

If you need to enable Secure Boot, you must first switch the firmware mode from BIOS to UEFI and then convert the drive from MBR to GPT. Otherwise, the device will no longer boot.

FAQs about downloading Windows 11

If you still have questions about the operating system download process, the following FAQs will help clarify the most common questions.

Can I bypass Windows 11 hardware requirements?

Yes, tools like Rufus and Ventoy can create installation media that bypass strict hardware checks, allowing installation on unsupported systems.

Is UUP Dump safe to use?

UUP Dump is not an official Microsoft tool, but it downloads files from Microsoft servers using scripts and builds a custom ISO. Use it only if you understand the risks of third-party downloads.

Why can’t I just wait for Windows Update?

Yes, you can always ways. However, Windows Update rollouts are often staggered or paused due to compatibility checks. Installation Assistant or manual ISO downloads give you immediate control over the installation of a new version of the operating system.

Do I need to enable TPM and Secure Boot?

Yes, for a smooth Windows 11 upgrade, ensure your hardware supports TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. If using BIOS/MBR, convert to UEFI/GPT to meet requirements.

One thing to note is that Secure Boot isn’t a requirement for installing the operating system, but it’s a required feature for many applications.

Can I download older Windows 11 versions, such as 23H2?

Microsoft only provides the latest version officially. To get older versions, you’ll need tools like UUP Dump, which leverages Microsoft’s update packages.

Update September 8, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.