How to Install Windows 11 From ISO Files - 2 Simple Methods

Updated by

Tracy King 

Written by

Sherly 

Updated on May 11, 2024

Although there are multiple methods to install Windows 11, this post from tools will concentrate on using ISO files for the installation process. ISO files offer unparalleled reliability, flexibility, and customization. To proceed with installing Windows 11 from ISO files, here's what you need to prepare in advance:

1. Check the compatibility between Windows 11 and your PC. Ensure that your computer meets the following specifications for Windows 11 to function properly.

• A 64-bit processor with at least two cores and a clock speed of 1 GHz or higher
• 4 GB of RAM, TPM version 2.0, and Secure Boot enabled
• A minimum of 64 GB of storage and a graphics card compatible with DirectX 12
• An active internet connection

For an installation to be successful, these variables are necessary.

2. Download the Windows 11 ISO. If you already have a Windows 11 ISO, you can skip this step. But if you need assistance, follow the steps below to download it.

Navigate to the official Microsoft website > In the search bar, type "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices" > Select the desired architecture, language, and edition of Windows 11 > Choose and download the ISO file. Save it for later installation.

3. Download an ISO Burner to Install Windows 11 on Any PC. To install Windows 11, you'll need an ISO burner to create a bootable USB drive from an ISO file. Utilize a tool like Partition Master to manage ISO files and simplify the process. It's essential because it can automatically download ISO files, making operating system installations effortless.

4. Prepare a USB Drive to Install Windows 11 on Any PC. The USB drive is essential for Windows 11 installation, formatted in FAT32 for compatibility with the majority of computers. (Follow this link to learn how to format a USB to FAT32.)

Now that you've verified your hardware compatibility and prepared the installation media, it's time to begin the process of installing Windows 11 from the ISO file. If you don't have internet access, you can follow this guide to install and set up Windows without a network connection:

How to Install and Set Up Windows 11 Without an Internet Connection

You will find feasible methods to install and configure Windows on your computer without an active network connection.

Tip 1. Install Windows 11 from ISO using a USB Drive

Explore installing Windows 11 from an ISO file using a USB device. This approach offers greater flexibility and convenience during the installation process. It involves two main steps. Read on to discover how to install Windows 11 from an ISO image using a USB drive.

Stage 1: Burn ISO to a USB

Burn the Windows 11 ISO file onto a USB device to prepare it for installation. If you're unsure about how to burn an ISO to a USB, the process is simplified with the help of the Partition Master Professional tool. This user-friendly software offers a Burn ISO feature that easily converts the ISO file into a bootable USB drive in just a few clicks. It's compatible with various Windows versions, and the best part is that it doesn't require a certified USB stick. All you need is a USB drive with at least 13GB of space.

Therefore, follow the instructions below and download the tool Partition Master to burn ISO to a USB.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant and go to the Bootable Media section. Click "Burn ISO" and then click "Next".

Step 2. Choose the ISO image that you've downloaded on your computer and click "Open".

Step 3. Click "Next" and choose the target USB drive as the destination, then click "Burn" to perform the task.

It was easy to burn Windows 11 ISO to USB, right?

You don't need to worry about having any technical expertise, as Partition Master will handle everything. It is highly recommended to download and use this program to easily install Windows 11 from an ISO file.

Stage 2: Install Windows 11 from the Bootable USB

After successfully burning the Windows 11 ISO file onto your USB drive using Partition Master, you are ready to commence the installation process.

Here are the steps in English:

Step 1. Insert your USB drive and restart your PC.

Step 2. Access the boot menu by pressing a specific key during startup (usually F12).

Step 3. Select the USB drive as the boot device and press Enter.

Step 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set your language, time, and keyboard preferences.

Step 5. Click "Next" and then "Install Now."

Step 6. Enter your Windows 11 product key if prompted, or skip for later.

Step 7. Click "Next" after accepting the license terms.

Step 8. Choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)."

Step 9. Choose the installation drive and click "Next."

Step 10. The installation begins.

Step 11. Complete the setup for your user account and preferences.

Step 12. You will shortly arrive at the Windows 11 desktop; the installation is successful!

Congratulations! You have successfully and securely installed Windows 11 on your device. Please share this detailed guide to assist more users.

Tip 2: Directly Mount ISO to Install Windows 11

Now, if you want to directly mount the Windows 11 ISO file for installation and you have it on your device, simply follow these steps:

Step 1. To mount the Windows 11 ISO file, double-click on it or right-click and select "Mount."

Step 2. Double-click the setup file and wait patiently for the installation to prepare.

Step 3. If prompted, select "Not right now" if you want to install updates later.

Step 4. Press "Next."

Step 5. By selecting "accept," you agree to the licensing terms and notices.

Step 6. The setup checks for updates; click "Next" when it's done.

Step 7. By default, personal files and applications are kept; change the settings as needed. If you choose "nothing," you may lose all of your data, so create a backup.

Step 8. Tap "Install."

Step 9. Windows 11 is now being installed. Please be patient.

Step 10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Now that you've upgraded your system to the latest Windows version, feel free to share this article with your friends to help them update to the secure and feature-packed Windows 11.

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Conclusion

To ensure optimal performance after installation, it is crucial to be aware of keeping the drivers up to date and the system updated.

Utilizing the convenience of a USB drive with tools like Partition Master is the recommended approach. This method provides versatility and ensures a dependable and efficient installation process. Hence, enhance your system security by upgrading to the latest Windows 11 and enjoy an unparalleled computing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Installing Windows 11 Using ISO Files

Do you have more queries about installing Windows 11 from ISO files? Check out these frequently asked questions to clarify any doubts you might have.

< strong > 1. Can I install Windows directly from an ISO file?

Yes, you can. Right-click on the ISO file and choose "Mount." This will create a "virtual" bootable disk. To view its contents, double-click on it, and to initiate the Windows 11 setup, double-click on setup.exe.

**2. How do you install Windows 11 from an ISO without using a USB drive?**

Step 1. Create a virtual drive by selecting "Mount" from the context menu after right-clicking the Windows 11 ISO file.

Step 2. To begin the Windows 11 installation, double-click on the virtual disk and run "setup.exe."

3. How do you install Windows from an ISO file without burning it? To install Windows from an ISO file without burning it to a DVD, you can use a virtual drive or create a bootable USB drive. Here's a step-by-step guide for both methods: **Method 1: Using a Virtual Drive (requires software like Daemon Tools or Virtual CloneDrive)** 1. Download and install a virtual drive software, such as Daemon Tools or Virtual CloneDrive. 2. Mount the ISO file by right-clicking on it and selecting "Mount" or a similar option from the context menu. 3. Once mounted, the ISO file will appear as a new drive in File Explorer. 4. Open the mounted drive and run the setup.exe file to begin the installation process. 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. **Method 2: Creating a Bootable USB Drive (requires software like Rufus)** 1. Download Rufus from its official website (). 2. Connect a USB drive with at least 8GB of free space to your computer. 3. Launch Rufus and select the connected USB drive from the "Device" dropdown menu. 4. Make sure the "Boot selection" is set to "ISO image" and click the small CD icon next to it to browse and select your Windows ISO file. 5. Choose the appropriate settings for your system (usually MBR for older BIOS systems, GPT for UEFI systems), file system (FAT32 is usually safe), and cluster size. 6. Click "Start" and wait for Rufus to format and write the ISO file to the USB drive. 7. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (by pressing F2, F10, F12, or another key depending on your system during startup). 8. Set the USB drive as the first boot device, save changes, and exit. 9. Your computer should now boot from the USB drive and start the Windows installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 1. Find the ISO file, right-click it, and choose "Properties."

Step 2. Click on "Change" under "General."

Step 3. Select "Windows Explorer" to open the ISO file, then click "OK."

Step 4. Right-click the ISO file and select "Mount."