How to Download Genuine Windows 11 for Your PC

Several new features and improvements have arrived in Windows 11 — find out what the latest updates bring and how to get a genuine copy for your PC.

Microsoft has released several major updates for Windows 11 since launch, bringing a redesigned Task Manager, improvements to the Start menu and taskbar, and much more.

Also of interest: How to Download Windows 11 Pro and Home

What is Windows 11?

Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft’s flagship operating system and the successor to Windows 10. It brings major changes to the Start menu and taskbar, extensive application redesigns, updated settings and a widget panel for news and reminders.

Windows 11 includes the much-publicised Sun Valley update to the Windows user interface and a refresh of key inbox applications. For example, the new media player with video support, an updated calculator, the Snipping Tool and the Mail and Calendar app.

Among the many changes is the return of the iconic blue screen of death error warning (for a brief period, Microsoft experimented with making it black).

You can also detect where large unused files are located, delete temporary files automatically and empty the recycle bin on a schedule.

Hardware requirements for Windows 11

A significant consideration is Microsoft’s minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11. While Windows 11 is available as an upgrade for Windows 10 users, it will not necessarily be available to every Windows 10 device.

Requirements include a 1 GHz or faster processor with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). You will need 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB or more of storage. Your PC must support UEFI, Secure Boot and Trusted Platform Module version 2.0, and have a DirectX 12 or later compatible graphics card with a WDDM 2.0 driver and a high-definition display of more than 9 inches diagonal with 8 bits per colour channel.

For more details on compatibility and system requirements, see our full guide to Windows 11 release date, requirements and everything you need to know.

Microsoft’s minimum hardware requirements also apply to virtual machine platforms such as Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware and Oracle VM VirtualBox. TPM 2.0 can be particularly tricky in enterprise environments, as fewer than 1% of virtual machines have it enabled by default.

How do I get Windows 11?

Microsoft launched the PC Health Check app to help users assess whether their hardware meets the requirements. If your current PC passes the check, you can get the free upgrade.

You can also go to “Check for Windows Updates” on a Windows PC, or select the Start button and then go to Settings > Updates and Security > Windows Updates.

Windows releases are typically rolled out gradually. Microsoft uses “intelligence models that consider hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, device age and other factors” to determine the rollout order. Windows Update will notify you when your device is eligible.

How do I access the Windows 11 preview?

If you want to try the latest Windows 11 preview features on a test device, you can join the Windows Insider Programme. Microsoft describes it as “a community of millions of the biggest Windows fans who can be the first to see what’s next.”

To install Windows Insider Preview builds, you must be running a licensed version of Windows on your device. You can then join the programme or sign in to your Windows Insider account using your Microsoft account or work account in Azure Active Directory.

There are several channels available. The Developer Channel offers the most cutting-edge updates. The Beta Channel provides a more stable experience. For the most reliable option, the Release Preview Channel lets you test the latest version of Windows with continuous quality updates and key features.

Note that if you install a preview build on one channel and want to switch to another, you may need to perform a clean install of Windows and reset the Windows Insider settings on that device. Preview builds are intended for test machines only.

Is it a good idea to install Windows 11?

All major operating system updates ship with some bugs. As more users adopt the latest version, companies have the opportunity to fix issues that are discovered.

Windows 11 is no different. While Microsoft reports that the update is going well for most users with eligible hardware, early releases did encounter issues with certain Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) drivers, which caused blue screen of death errors.

What about Windows 10?

Microsoft launched Windows 10 version 21H2 in November 2021 and confirmed that future Windows 10 feature updates would occur once a year rather than twice. Microsoft continued to support Windows 10 with security patches until October 2025.

Why are taskbar widgets so important?

Some of the standout features in Windows 11 include Mac-inspired design elements, taskbar widgets, easier virtual desktop switching, pen stylus support for drawing and improved touch gestures.

Enhanced widgets are a key feature now that Microsoft has retired the Windows 8-era Live Tiles. The Windows 10 Timeline feature is also gone, as is cross-device wallpaper syncing.

Apps that are no longer pre-installed include 3D Viewer, OneNote for Windows 10, Paint 3D and Skype. Windows 11 instead features a Microsoft Teams chat button replacing Skype.

Activate Windows with a genuine licence

At Licendi, we offer genuine Windows 11 Pro licences at affordable prices. Our customer service team is available around the clock — reach us via live chat or email.

Ready to upgrade? Browse our Windows licences to find the right edition for your needs.