How to download and install Windows 11

Available since October 05, 2021, all people who own a machine with the Microsoft operating system can Download and install Windows 11. You can do it for free or by purchasing a key on the company's official website. Here's how:

What is Windows 11?

This is the Microsoft operating system that has been available since October 2021 and is factory installed on all models purchased from 2022 onwards. It was launched six years after the arrival of Windows 10 and everyone with a compatible computer was able to do so. Windows update for free.

Among the main new features is the minimalist design. Now, the home screen is much cleaner and more organized, with more rounded icons for applications and folder tabs. The menu Start It provides recommendations to help with quick access and is located in the taskbar, which now groups all pinned icons in the middle. There's also the option to drag them to the left, as is already known.

Another novelty is the return of widgets, which will show you top news, weather information and more. All based on the user's choices, who can also relocate and customize as they wish. Snap Groups e snap layouts are two novelties of the new system that make it possible to group and separate tabs on the work screen in different ways. There's even a light and dark mode — available to the user's choice.

Technically, this is the most secure Windows ever made, in the words of Panos Panay, head of Microsoft Products, during the launch conference. O Windows 11 also starts faster and was made based on the experience of those who use the with daily.

Furthermore, Microsoft Store and the store of Xbox Game Pass have been renewed with new features, performance has increased and it will now be possible to download Android applications directly on your Windows desktop. For all the details, check out our Windows 11 full coverage here at Showmetech.

Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 Windows XNUMX

In summary, the Windows 11 is better than Windows 10. It is the most current version and Microsoft has strived to constantly update it since its launch in 2021. Windows 11 It was designed to be more efficient, safer and faster when used on PCs (notebooks or desktops).

But, it's common to hear about people debating whether the Windows 10, previous version released 2015, is better than the Windows 11This happened because version 11 came with security hardware requirements that prevented it from being installed on some laptops and desktops that did not have these new features. "minimum requirements".

The tip is to always try to install the Windows 11 and, before buying a new computer (or a used one), check if it meets the minimum requirements to run this system. And just stay with Windows 10, if the machine cannot be updated. See the features only seen in Windows 11:

• Amazon Appstore;
• Smart shortcuts;
• Controller bar;
• Screen lock when moving away from the computer;
• Intelligent application control;
• Studio effects on Windows (for video calls);
• Automatic HDR;
• Live subtitles;
• Better support for 2-in-1 tablets and notebooks;
• Microsoft Teams integrated into the taskbar;
• Natural narrator;
• New interface;
• Simple reattachment of external monitor;
• Windows Copilot.

So, it is more correct to say that the Windows 10 is more easily installed than the Windows 11, but not better, given the additional hardware requirements that the new software requires.

Minimum requirements required to install Windows 10

• Processor: 1 GHz or higher.
• RAM memory: 1 GB in the 32-bit version or 2 GB in the 64-bit version.
• Internal storage: 16 GB on the 32-bit OS version or 20 GB on the 64-bit version.
• Graphics card: one that supports DirectX 9 or higher, with WDDM 1.0 driver.
• Display: 800 x 600 pixel resolution.

Rminimum requirements required to install Windows 11

• Processor: 1 GHz or higher, with 2 or more cores and 64-bit compatibility.
• RAM memory: 4 gigabytes (GB) or more.
• Internal storage: 64 GB or more.
• Graphics card: one that supports DirectX 12 or higher, with WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Firmware: with support for UEFI and Secure Boot.
• TPM: with support for Trusted Platform Module 2.0.
• Display: 9-inch or larger 1280 × 720 pixel (HD) screen.
• Connectivity: Internet required for updates and features.
• Microsoft account: required to activate the system.

How to test if your PC is compatible

At the time of the launch of the Windows 11, many people downloaded the compatibility application made available by Microsoft, which PC HealthCheck...and discovered that his machine would need a hardware upgrade to support the new system. See the step-by-step guide on how to test compatibility and find out if you should download Windows 11.

Step 1Download the file from your PC. Health Check on your computer with Windows 10 or later. Double-click and confirm the installation of the application on your machine.

Step 2: with the process finished, just start the application and click on the button check now. See the screenshot below:

So, there could be two possibilities. This is the screen that will appear if your computer is not compatible with Windows 11:

This is the message that will appear if your computer is compatible with Windows 11:

The process is free and takes less than 10 seconds to complete. Basically, PC Health Check will quickly check your computer's configuration to see if the current version of Windows will run smoothly.

Windows 11 prices and versions

In total, Windows 11 has three versions that are focused on specific audiences. Are they:

• Windows 11 Home;
• Windows 11 Pro;
• Windows 11 Pro for Workstations;

The most famous are the Home and Pro versions. Let's see the differences below.

Windows 11 Home x Windows Pro

Starting with hardware limitations, the Home version recognizes a processor with up to 64 cores and up to 128 GB. The Pro version can recognize up to 2 processors with 128 processing cores each one. And the Maximum amount of RAM increases to 2 TB. Windows 11 Home is aimed at people who don't do such complex activities, but it can also be an option for those who want to work professionally without having to buy Windows 11 Pro.

Those who choose to download Windows 11 Pro also have access to remote desktop, a feature that allows them to view and control their computer virtually. Imagine that you can be at home or in any other part of the world and you will be able to see and access your work computer. Something that is not possible for anyone using Windows 11 Home.

Another exclusive feature of the Pro version is the technology feature Hyper-V. This allows you to create virtual machines, with different operating systems, to carry out software testing and other actions.

Furthermore, Windows Sandbox allows applications to be played in a safe environment, without having to worry about possible viruses or damage to the computer's internal storage. Unknown headphone apps, reproducing issues in a clean environment, or experimenting with settings are best recommended within the Windows Sandbox.

Bitlocker also brings more security to those who have Windows 11 Pro: when activated, files on the HD or SSD are encrypted and released only by entering the password defined by the administrator. There is also the Windows Information Protection (WIP, acronym in English: Windows Information Protection) in Windows 11 Pro that helps keep corporate data secure, even when it's shared across mobile devices. Check out other resources:

Function	What are you doing
Azure Active Directory	Enables management of directories from Microsoft's private cloud, Azure
kiosk mode	Useful for monitors used in advertising, as it allows use for just one action
Group Policies	For IT admins to set guidelines for device groups
Windows Update for Business	Allows only tested updates to be installed on the machine and more features for downloading updates via P2P, maintenance windows and distribution rings

The most relevant point, in addition to the functions, is the price for those who want to download Windows 11 Pro: until this article was written, it was necessary to pay 1.599,00 BRL to have this version. Windows 11 Home is practically free, because in addition to Microsoft providing a free update for those who had Windows 10, it comes installed on any notebook/desktop available for sale on the market.

But, if you don't have access on a new computer, a key to download Windows 11 Home can be purchased for BRL 530,99 at Magazine Luiza. We remember that it is healthier for your pocket to purchase a copy of Windows through licensed stores, as purchasing directly through Microsoft means paying a high price for the same service. At Magazine Luiza, we also find the Windows 11 Pro for R$530,99 on Pix.

Windows 11 Pro for Workstations

Defined by Microsoft as “the most efficient operating system of all time”, anyone who chooses to download this version of Windows 11 has access to all the exclusive features of the Pro version, in addition to ultra-fast data storage. The company also confirms that it only runs on machines with the latest processors and graphics cards so that the best experience is offered. In summary, this version is best suited for:

• CAD professionals
• Animators
• data scientists
• graphic designers
• Media production teams

Finally, there is a feature that is only available on Windows 11 Enterprise and it is called Resilient File System (ReFS). In practice, when a file becomes corrupted on one of the storage drives, Windows uses a healthy copy of the data on other drives to fix and protect it. The price is another big difference: this more complete version is sold for R$ 2.499 on the official website of ecosystem.

The brand also recommends that those interested in using this version buy computers with Windows 11 already installed, so that the best work setup is available.

How to download Windows 11 for free? 

Via Windows Update (update)

Computers with an activated Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 key can download Windows 11 for free. To do this, simply access the Settings and access the Windows Update.

Then click the button Check for updates for the operating system to check whether you can have free access to the latest version of Windows.When accessing the Windows update, you will see a message indicating that you can now use the Windows 11 without any additional payment. How are you:

But if you have purchased new storage, you may need to purchase a Windows 11 activation key.

Via purchase at Microsoft

There are many ways to purchase a Windows 11 activation key to use the operating system's features. The easiest (and safest) is through the Microsoft website: Home version can be purchased for R$1.099 e a Pro version costs 1.599,00 BRL.

Once you make your purchase, you will receive an activation key so that all features are unlocked and you also receive upcoming operating system updates. We remind you that this is the purchase of yet another version of the operating system, because it is almost certain that if you have a licensed copy of Windows 11, you will definitely receive an update to Windows 12 and 13 when they become available.

With a bootable pendrive

To be able to install the new version of Microsoft's operating system via a pendrive, you need a drive with at least 8 GB free. It is important that the pendrive is completely empty for the process to work.

With that resolved, simply access the company page and click on the “Create Windows 11 installation media“. You can check all the requirements that the system will need by clicking on “Before you start“. Read it all again and click “Download now".

O showmetech already developed a complete article with step-by-step instructions and screens so that nothing wrong happens when you create your bootable Windows pendrive, be sure to check it out.

See also other features

Download Windows 11 Wallpapers Now

Download Windows 11 Wallpapers Now

Sources: Windows Insider | Windows Blog

Revised by Dácio Castelo Branco on 04/12/2023