aka.ms/downloadwindows11 explained

Where the link goes

When we checked on 21 October 2026, aka.ms/downloadwindows11 forwarded directly to microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11, the page titled Download Windows 11. Opening the link does not start a download by itself; the page offers three options, each with its own download button. On the day we checked, the page named the current release as the Windows 11 2026 Update, version 26H2.

The page may appear in another language or regional version. What matters is that the address is on microsoft.com and the download buttons are on that page.

The three options on the page

All three tools need to be run by an administrator. For the Installation Assistant, Microsoft describes the flow as: run the tool, let it confirm the hardware is compatible, accept the licence terms, then select Restart Now when it is ready. The PC restarts several times and should not be switched off during installation.

Check these before you download

• System requirements. Not every Windows 10 PC can take Windows 11. Microsoft warns that installing on a PC that does not meet the minimum requirements is not recommended, that such a PC will no longer be supported or entitled to receive updates, and that damage due to incompatibility is not covered by the manufacturer warranty. See aka.ms/windowssysreq for the list and how to check.
• A 64-bit processor. Microsoft says Windows 11 only runs on 64-bit CPUs. Check under Settings > System > About, or System Type in System Information.
• The same language. When upgrading with media, Microsoft says you need to choose the same language as your current installation.
• Known issues. Microsoft suggests checking the Windows release health status for known issues affecting your device before installing.
• A backup. Microsoft recommends saving your work and backing up the PC before you start.

Arm-based PCs

The Installation Assistant and the media creation tool only work with x64 processors. For Arm-based PCs, Microsoft's page says to wait until Windows Update notifies you that the upgrade is ready. A separate Microsoft page offers Windows 11 ISOs for Arm64 devices.

Making a USB stick with the media creation tool

1. Download and run the tool from the Download Windows 11 page. You need to be an administrator.
2. Accept the licence terms if you agree to them.
3. Choose Create installation media for another PC on the What do you want to do? page.
4. Select the language, edition and architecture (64-bit).
5. Pick the media. A USB flash drive of at least 8 GB is wiped and made bootable; an ISO file is saved to your PC and can be burned to a DVD later.

Microsoft notes that installation media needs an internet connection to download (internet provider fees may apply), and that a single-layer DVD may be too small for the ISO; it suggests a higher-capacity dual-layer DVD if you see a "disc image file is too large" message.

Using a USB stick or DVD you created

Microsoft's steps are: insert the media into the PC, restart, and if the PC does not start from the USB or DVD automatically, open the boot menu or change the boot order in the UEFI or BIOS settings, usually by pressing a key such as F2, F12, Delete or Esc right after switching on. Then choose your language, time and keyboard and select Install Windows. If you changed the boot order, Microsoft says to change it back after installation so the PC starts from its internal drive.

Two more tips from Microsoft: if the USB or DVD does not appear in the boot options at all, you may need your PC maker's instructions for temporarily disabling Secure Boot; and if the PC goes straight back into the old system, it may not have fully shut down, so choose Shut down from the power button and try again. If you do switch Secure Boot off for installation, follow your PC maker's instructions to turn it back on afterwards so the PC keeps that protection.

A clean install needs an internet connection during setup on Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use. If setup cannot find a network, Microsoft's help is behind aka.ms/networksetup.

Why not use another download site?

Microsoft's own advice on tech support scams is to download software only from official Microsoft partner websites or the Microsoft Store, because files on third-party sites might have been modified to bundle malware. Windows installation files are free to download from Microsoft; what you need is a valid licence, not a paid download.

After installing

Microsoft recommends running Windows Update (Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates) and visiting your PC manufacturer's support site for any extra drivers. A firmware or boot change can sometimes trigger a BitLocker prompt; if that happens, see aka.ms/recoverykey. It is also worth checking your Secure Boot status, explained in aka.ms/getsecureboot. More links are in our aka.ms links directory.

Sources

• Microsoft: Download Windows 11
• Microsoft: Windows 11 specifications
• Microsoft Support: Protect yourself from tech support scams