How to download the genuine Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft, check it is safe, and use it to install or repair Windows.
Quick answer: To get the Windows 11 ISO, go to Microsoft’s official Download Windows 11 page, find Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices, choose the multi-edition ISO, select your language and click the 64-bit download link. The link works for 24 hours. You can then verify it with its SHA256 hash, mount it to upgrade, or turn it into a bootable USB drive. Arm64 ISOs are on a separate Microsoft page.
An ISO file is a single file containing the full Windows 11 installer. It is useful for clean installs, repairing a PC, setting up virtual machines, or upgrading several computers without downloading Windows again each time.
Because Windows is a popular target for fake downloads, you should only get the ISO from Microsoft. This guide shows the official steps, explains which option to choose, and covers how to verify and use the file.
In this article
- Which Microsoft download option should you use?
- How do you download the Windows 11 ISO?
- What about Arm-based PCs?
- Which editions are in the multi-edition ISO?
- How do you check the ISO is genuine?
- How do you use the ISO?
- What if the download or install fails?
- What should you know before installing?
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
Which Microsoft download option should you use?
Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page offers three options:
| Option | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Assistant | Upgrading the PC you are using | x64 only, needs Windows 10 version 2004 or later and 9 GB free space |
| Media Creation Tool | Making a bootable USB or DVD | Needs an 8 GB or larger USB drive |
| Disk Image (ISO) | Clean installs, virtual machines, multiple PCs | Multi-edition ISO; your licence unlocks the right edition |
If you just want to upgrade one PC, the Installation Assistant is easiest. Our guide on how to update to Windows 11 covers that route.
How do you download the Windows 11 ISO?
- Open Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page in your browser.
- Scroll to Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices.
- Select Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO for x64 devices) and click Download Now.
- Choose the same language you use in Windows and click Confirm.
- Click 64-bit Download. The link is valid for 24 hours.
The file is several gigabytes, so use a stable connection and make sure you have enough free space.
Imran wanted to install Windows 11 on a new SSD in his desktop. He downloaded the multi-edition ISO directly from Microsoft, made a USB installer, and his existing Windows 11 Pro licence activated automatically after installation.
What about Arm-based PCs?
The main ISO is for x64 PCs, which covers most Intel and AMD computers. Microsoft offers Arm64 ISOs on a separate Windows 11 Arm64 download page for PCs with Arm processors, such as Snapdragon chips. Check your system type in Settings > System > About before you download.
Which editions are in the multi-edition ISO?
The single multi-edition ISO includes the common consumer and business editions, such as Home and Pro. During setup, Windows uses your product key, or the digital licence linked to your PC, to install the right edition. If you reinstall on a PC that already had Windows 11 activated, you can often skip the product key step and Windows will activate automatically once online.
How do you check the ISO is genuine?
Microsoft publishes SHA256 hash values for each language. To check your file:
- Open PowerShell.
- Run
Get-FileHash C:\path\to\your-file.iso, replacing the path with your file’s location. - Compare the result with the hash for your language on Microsoft’s download page.
If the hashes match, the file has not been changed or corrupted. If they do not match, delete it and download again.
Never download Windows from torrent sites or unknown “direct link” pages, even if they claim to be faster. Modified ISOs are a common way to spread malware, and the official Microsoft download is free.
How do you use the ISO?
Upgrade from inside Windows
Right-click the ISO and choose Mount. Open the new drive and run setup.exe. You can usually keep your files and apps.
Make a bootable USB
Use the Media Creation Tool, or a trusted tool such as Rufus, to write the ISO to a USB drive of 8 GB or more. Then boot your PC from the USB to do a clean install.
Create a virtual machine
Use the ISO in Hyper-V, available on Windows 11 Pro, or another virtualisation app to test Windows safely.
A small business owner used the ISO to create one USB installer and reset three older office PCs in an afternoon, instead of downloading Windows separately on each machine.
What if the download or install fails?
- Download stops: Use a wired connection, pause other downloads and try again. Remember the link expires after 24 hours.
- “This PC can’t run Windows 11”: Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check to see which requirement fails, such as TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot.
- USB will not boot: Check the boot order in the BIOS and make sure the USB was created for UEFI.
- Hash does not match: Delete the file and download it again from Microsoft.
If you only need to fix a faulty Windows installation, you may not need the ISO at all. See our guide on how to reinstall Windows 11, which covers built-in repair options.
What should you know before installing?
- Licence: You need a Windows 11 licence or an eligible Windows 10 PC. The ISO itself does not include a product key.
- Requirements: Microsoft warns that installing on unsupported hardware may cause problems and that such PCs may not receive updates.
- Back up first: A clean install erases the drive. Copy your files somewhere safe.
- Latest version: The ISO is updated over time, so new downloads include the latest version. See our guide to the latest Windows version.
Check your PC’s system type and language in Settings before you download. Choosing the right architecture and language the first time saves a large re-download.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Windows 11 ISO free to download?
Yes. Microsoft provides it free, but you need a valid licence to activate Windows.
Where can I download the official Windows 11 ISO?
From Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page, under Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices.
How big is the Windows 11 ISO?
Several gigabytes, so allow enough storage and a stable connection.
Can I use the ISO on an Arm PC?
Use the separate Arm64 ISO from Microsoft’s Windows 11 Arm64 page.
How do I make a bootable USB from the ISO?
Use the Media Creation Tool or a trusted tool such as Rufus with an 8 GB or larger USB drive.
How long does the download link last?
Microsoft’s ISO download links are valid for 24 hours.
Final Thoughts
- Download the ISO only from Microsoft’s official page.
- Choose the multi-edition x64 ISO for most PCs, or the Arm64 version for Arm devices.
- Verify the file with its SHA256 hash.
- Back up before a clean install, and keep your licence handy.