How to download and clean install Windows 11 on a spare PC (preview)
You can now test the latest preview of Windows 11 using a clean installation, and in this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to do to complete the task.
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Windows 11 is the next major release that Microsoft plans to start rolling out to compatible and new devices before the end of the year. As part of the development process, the company is now offering the ISO file through the Windows Insider Program, which you can use for a clean installation or in-place upgrade.
A clean installation defines the process of erasing the hard drive to start fresh with a copy ofWindows 11. Usually, you would use this method to resolve system problems and improve performance and battery life. However, since the OS is not officially available, you can use the ISO file to install Windows 11 on a spare or virtual machine to try the out-of-box experience (OOBE) and get hands-on the new features and design changes to provide feedback to shape the future of Windows.
If you are already a tester, you do not need to reinstall anything since the latest release will download and install through Windows Update automatically. Also, if you will be installing a clean copy of Windows 11 on a new computer or virtual machine, you will need a(Windows 10) product keyto activate the setup. Unless, of course, the device previously had aWindows 10installation properly activated.
In this Windows 11 guide, we will walk you through the steps to download and do a clean installation of the latest preview on a (non-primary) computer.
Windows 11 prerequisites
Windows 11 has some new requirements that you want to check to ensure the new OS will install without problems.
System requirements
Here are the minimum hardware requirements to install the latest preview of Windows 11:
Check compatibility
To check the basic hardware specs of your computer, use these steps:
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You can also check your laptop or desktop hardware specification on the manufacturer’s support website.
In addition, you will also need to make sure that yourdevice has a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0, and that it’s enabled. You can complete this task withthese instructions.
Furthermore, Windows 11 also requires Secure Boot to be enabled. You can usethis guideto check the feature state and the steps to turn it on as necessary.
Alternatively, you can use a third-party tool known asWhyNotWin11, which can precisely tell you if your computer is compatible.
Change computer boot order
In addition, to check the hardware compatibility, you also need to make sure the laptop or desktop can start from a USB flash drive.
UEFI settings from boot
To change the boot order of your computer, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the computer should be able to start from the bootable USB flash drive.
UEFI settings from Windows 10
Alternatively, if you have a device running Windows 10, you can use the Settings app to access the UEFI settings.
To change the UEFI boot settings on Windows 10, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, the computer should now be able to start from a USB bootable media.
How to download the ISO file of Windows 11
To download the ISO file preview of Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the Windows 11 ISO file will download on your computer.
How to create a USB bootable media of Windows 11
Since the new version of the OS is not officially available, you can use a tool like Rufus to create a USB flash drive that you can use to start your laptop or desktop to install Windows 11.
To create a USB media with an existing Windows 11 ISO file, connect a flash drive of at least 8GB of space, and use these steps:
After you complete the steps, Rufus will create a USB flash drive to install Windows 11 on a compatible computer.
How to do a clean installation of Windows 11
To do a clean installation of Windows 11, use these steps:
Warning:This is another friendly reminder that this process will erase everything on the computer. Before proceeding, it’s always recommended to make a temporary full backup of your PC.
Once you complete the steps, the Windows 11 Setup will install a fresh copy of the new OS on the laptop or desktop computer.
How to complete the OOBE of Windows 11
After the setup, you have to continue with the out-of-box experience to configure your preferences and create a new account.
To complete the initial setup of Windows 11, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the setup of Windows 11 will be completed.
More Windows resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
