Microsoft makes it easy to download Windows 11 installation media and ISO files directly from its website. It’s free and legal – you can activate Windows 11 later with your product key or purchase. With ISO, you can newly install Windows. Here’s how to get it.
Microsoft provides a multi-edition ISO file that can install multiple versions of Windows 11 Home, Pro, Enterprise, and Education. During installation, Microsoft allows you to select which version of Windows you want to install, but will require the appropriate product key to execute later. (If you do not yet have the relevant product key, you can purchase the Windows license at Settings> System> Activation> Go to Store).
There are two ways to get the ISO file from Microsoft, and we will see both methods in separate sections below.
Where can I legally download ISOS for Windows 10, 8.1 and 7?
Download ISO directly from the Microsoft website
To download Windows 11 Multi-edition ISO directly from your browser, visit Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page. Scroll down to the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)” section and then select “Windows 11 (Multi-Edition ISO)” from the list. Next, select the product language and click “Confirm”.
Select the version and language using the drop-down menus.
Then, if you click on the “64-bit download” button that appears, the ISO file will be downloaded to your computer.
Click “64-bit download”.
Once you have Windows 11 ISO, you can burn it to DVD, use it to install Windows 11 on a virtual machine, or create a bootable USB drive using a third-party tool. If you want to create a bootable USB drive from an existing Windows system, the easiest way is to use the Microsoft tool, which we will discuss below.
What is an ISO file?
Download ISO using Media Creator Tool
It also offers a free application called Media Creation Tool, which you can download from the Microsoft website. To get it, go to Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page. Scroll down to the “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” section and click “Download Now”.
Click “Download Now”.
A file named “MediaCreationToolW11.exe” will be downloaded to your computer. When it’s done, run it. After accepting the license terms, select the language and version you want to download using the drop-down menus and then click “Next”.
Select the language and version and click “Next”.
On the “Choose which media to use” screen, select “ISO file” and click “Next”.
Select “ISO File”.
In the dialog that appears, select where you want to save the ISO file. Then you will see the “Windows 11 Download” progress screen.
The tool will download Windows 11 ISO.
When the download is complete, you will see the “Open DVD Burner” option. Click this option if you want to burn ISO to DVD immediately. Otherwise, click “Finish”.
Click “Open DVD Burner” or “Finish”.
The Windows 11 ISO download process is complete. You will see the saved ISO file.
Other Ways to Install Windows 11
If you already use an earlier version of Windows, you can download and install Windows using Windows 11 Setup Assistant, which is available for free on Microsoft’s website. With the installation wizard, you do not need to deal with ISO files, burn disks, or create USB sticks. It will install Windows 11 directly from the working Windows 10 PC.
You can use the media generator tool shown in the section above to download Windows 11 and write to a USB drive to install it.
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Beatrice Ashford is a contributor at Nintendo-power.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the world around them.