Is Windows 11 free?
In this guide I am going to explain how download Windows 11 for free. Eye! Note that I am talking about dischargenot activating the operating system. This procedure is indicated for all those who want to install Windows 11 cleanly, deleting all data from the hard drive. It is also intended for those looking to install Windows 11 without a Microsoft account using the ISO in a program like Rufus.
What you will not find here are methods to activate Windows without paying. This operating system, owned by Microsoft, is paid. Even when you buy a computer, it comes with a license included in the total price of the computer. If you still have questions, I invite you to read the following methods. In all of them I teach you how to download Windows 11 for free in various ways and I tell you the peculiarities of each process.
Download the Windows 11 ISO
The first way to download Windows 11 is by obtaining your ISO file. By the way, the Windows 11 ISO for ARM computers is now also available. So to speak, it is as if you downloaded a virtual installation CD. In fact, in the past, ISOs were exact images created from a physical disk. Nowadays, when CDs and DVDs are hardly used for data, they have become a way to distribute operating systems.
To download the Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft site, follow these steps:
- Enter this official website.
- Scroll to the section Download a Windows 11 disk image (ISO file) for x64 devices.
- Click on the dropdown and select the only option there is.
- Press on Download now.
- Next, select the language and click on Confirm.
By following these steps, you will see a button appear with the text 64-bit Download. Click on it to obtain the Windows 11 ISO. With this file on your computer, you will be able to create a bootable USB with CMD or with a specialized application, such as Rufus. By the way, this last tool is the one I mentioned in the guide on the end of Windows 10 support. Among other things, it is capable of eliminate company-imposed requirements and install Windows 11 on computers that on paper are not compatible.
Download the media creation tool
If what you want is to have a bootable drive and not get too complicated, you can use the media creation tool that Microsoft provides on its website. Again, visit the Windows download page, but this time click Download nowa button that is within the section Create Windows 11 installation media.
This program no installation required. The only thing you will need is a USB with at least 8 GB of storage. After running the tool and accepting the terms and conditions, follow the on-screen steps.
The process is really simple. First, you must choose the language and region options. Next, you have to select the memory stick you want to use and, finally, wait for Windows 11 to download. When everything is finished, you will have a USB ready to install Windows 11 on any computer.
Get Windows 11 from Windows 10
What if you are on Windows 10 and want to upgrade to Windows 11? Any of the previous methods will help you install the new version of the system. Of course, they are suitable, especially if you want to make a clean installation (although they also allow updating without losing data). Fortunately, there are two very easy methods to carry out designed for those who want to update without losing your files and settings.
The first is download Windows 11 from Windows Update. This section, available in the Configurationit will show you a download button for the new operating system, as long as your device is compatible.
Another possibility that I propose is that use the Windows 11 installation assistant. You can download it from the official download pagebut in this case you must press the button Download now which is in the section Windows 11 Setup Assistant.
To use this installation wizard you must comply with the following:
- Have Windows 10 activated.
- Have Windows 10 version 2004 or later installed to be able to run the Installation Wizard.
- Have 9 GB of disk space available to download Windows 11.
As you can see, the wizard will be responsible for downloading Windows 11 to your computer and proceeding with the installation.
Download the latest version of Windows 11 to reinstall the system
Finally, if you are thinking about resetting Windows 11, but don’t want to mess with ISO files or bootable USBs, there is one last option to download the system from the cloud and, at the same time, completely clean your computer. How does it work?
Follow these simple steps:
- Open settings with keyboard shortcut Windows + I.
- Press on System and then choose Recovery.
- Then press on Reset your computer.
- In the pop-up window, select the option Keep my filesif you want your documents not to be deleted. Click remove everything to completely clean the system.
- Then select From the cloud. What this will do is download Windows 11 on your PC and install the most recent version.
Before finishing this process, don’t forget to create a backup copy of your data.
And after downloading Windows 11 for free, do I have to activate it?
As you have seen, Windows 11 can be downloaded for free with different methods. Depending on what you are looking for, some procedures are more recommended than others. For example, if you just want to upgrade from Windows 10using the wizard is the best option. On the other hand, if you want to create a bootable USB, it is best to download the ISO or the media creation tool.
From here, You have to go through the checkout directly or indirectly. If your computer already had Windows 10 or Windows 11 installed and activated, the new installation will be activated automatically. In reality, you won’t have to buy a license because you already bought it at the timewhether through the Microsoft Store, with a key distributor or by paying for the device.
On the contrary, if what you are going to do is install Windows 11 on a computer that did not have a prior licenseFor example, a computer assembled in parts or sold without an operating system, you will have to buy a license. Take a look at the guide where I tell you where to buy cheap Windows 11 keys.
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