How to Install Windows 11 from a Bootable USB Drive (Step-by-Step Guide)

Ready to Upgrade? Here's How to Install Windows 11 for Free from a USB Drive

Are you excited to experience the sleek design and powerful features of Windows 11 but not sure how to install it for free? Whether you're upgrading from Windows 10 or planning a fresh install, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to install Windows 11 using a bootable USB drive.

In this tutorial, you'll learn:

✅ How to check if your PC is compatible with Windows 11

✅ How to download Windows 11 for free from Microsoft’s official website

✅ How to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 11 installation

✅ How to perform a clean installation or upgrade using the USB drive

With simple, easy-to-follow instructions, this guide is perfect for both beginners and advanced users. By the end, you'll be able to install Windows 11 for free and enjoy its fresh look, performance improvements, and enhanced productivity tools.

Let’s get started and transform your PC with Windows 11!
 

💻 Minimum System Requirements to Install Windows 11

Before you begin the installation process, it’s essential to ensure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. Installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware may lead to performance issues or compatibility problems.

Here are the official Windows 11 system requirements:

Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)

RAM: 4 GB minimum

Storage: At least 64 GB of available storage space

System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable

TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0

Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x driver

Display: High-definition (720p) display, greater than 9” diagonally, with 8 bits per color channel

Internet Connection: Required for updates, Microsoft account setup, and activation

✅ Tip: You can use Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool to quickly check if your computer is eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade.

Making sure your device meets these requirements ensures a smooth and secure experience when you install Windows 11 from a USB drive.

How to Download and Install Windows 11 for Free (3 Best Methods)
Looking to upgrade your PC to Windows 11 without spending a dime? Below are the top 3 methods to download and install Windows 11 for free. Whether you’re upgrading from Windows 10 or doing a clean install, these step-by-step instructions will help you get started with ease.

🔹 Method 1: Upgrade via Windows Update (Recommended for Windows 10 Users)

If you're already using Windows 10, this is the easiest and most reliable way to upgrade to Windows 11 for free. No technical setup or bootable media is needed.

Follow these steps to upgrade to Windows 11:

Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Press Windows + I to open Settings.

Step 2: Go to Update & Security
Click on “Update & Security” from the settings menu.

Step 3: Check for Updates
Under the Windows Update tab, click on “Check for updates”.
If your device is eligible, you'll see an option to upgrade to Windows 11.

Step 4: Download and Install Windows 11
Click “Download and install”, then follow the on-screen instructions. Your PC will restart several times during the process.

Step 5: Start the Windows 11 downloading and installing process
Now, the downloading process will start. It will take a few hours to complete and right after the Windows 11 installation process will get started.

✅ Tip: Make sure your PC meets the Windows 11 system requirements before proceeding with the upgrade.

🔹 Method 2: Install Windows 11 Using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

If the upgrade option isn’t available via Windows Update, you can still download and install Windows 11 for free using the official Windows 11 Installation Assistant. This tool is provided by Microsoft and is ideal for users who want to upgrade directly on their current device without creating a bootable USB.

Follow these steps to install Windows 11 using the Installation Assistant:

✅ Step 1: Visit the Official Microsoft Download Page
Go to the official Windows 11 download page.

Under the “Windows 11 Installation Assistant” section, click Download Now.

🖱️ Click “Download Now” to get the Installation Assistant tool.

✅ Step 2: Run the Downloaded Installation File
Locate the downloaded file (usually named Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe).

Double-click the .exe file to launch the installer.

🛠️ A setup window will appear. Follow the on-screen prompts.

✅ Step 3: Accept License Terms and Conditions
Read through the Microsoft Software License Terms.

Click Accept and Install to continue.

📋 Make sure to review the agreement before proceeding.

✅ Step 4: Begin the Installation Process
After accepting the license, click on Install.

The tool will begin downloading Windows 11 and initiate the upgrade process.

⚙️ This step may take time depending on your internet speed and system performance.

✅ Step 5: Restart Your PC to Complete Installation
Once the download and installation process is complete, your PC will automatically restart to finish installing Windows 11.

Follow any on-screen prompts after rebooting.

🔁 After reboot, you'll be greeted with the brand-new Windows 11 interface!

🔹 Method 3: Perform a Clean Installation of Windows 11 Using a Bootable USB Drive

If you prefer a fresh start with a clean installation of Windows 11, or if you’re installing it on a new PC or laptop, this method is for you. Follow these simple steps to download Windows 11 for free and install it using a bootable USB drive.

✅ Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool
Go to the official Microsoft Windows 11 Download Page.

Under “Create Windows 11 Installation Media”, click Download Now to get the Media Creation Tool.

✅ Step 2: Launch the Media Creation Tool
Once the download is complete, run the MediaCreationToolW11.exe file.

Accept the license terms to proceed.

✅ Step 3: Choose Installation Media
Select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.”

Click Next and choose your language and Windows 11 edition.

✅ Step 4: Create Bootable USB Drive
Select USB flash drive as your preferred media option (make sure it has at least 8GB of space).

Follow the on-screen instructions to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 11.

✅ Step 5: Boot from USB and Install Windows 11
Insert the bootable USB into the target PC.

Restart your system and boot from the USB drive (you may need to change boot order in BIOS).

Follow the installation wizard to install a fresh copy of Windows 11.

You can format your drive during the setup for a complete clean installation.

🧰 Once the installation is complete, follow the setup prompts, restore your files (if needed), and enjoy Windows 11!