Windows 11 download

If the PC meets all Windows 11 hardware requirements and has an eligible digital license or valid Windows 11 Pro product key, update Windows 7, create a Windows 11 USB, and run setup.exe from that USB while signed in to Windows 7.

1. Check whether the PC can run Windows 11

Windows 11 requires, at minimum:

• Compatible 64-bit processor, 1 GHz or faster, with at least two cores
• 4 GB RAM
• 64 GB storage
• UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
• TPM 2.0
• DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver
• A display larger than 9 inches at 720p or better ^1^

On Windows 7:

1. Press Windows key+R, enter msinfo32, and select OK.
2. Record System Manufacturer, System Model, Processor, Installed Physical Memory, and System Type.
3. Check that exact model on the PC manufacturer’s support site for:
   • Windows 11 support
   • TPM 2.0
   • UEFI and Secure Boot capability
   • Whether its processor appears on Microsoft’s compatible processor list
4. If available, also press Windows key+R, enter tpm.msc, and check the TPM version. If Windows reports no compatible TPM, consult the manufacturer because TPM may be disabled in firmware.

PC Health Check is Microsoft’s preferred eligibility tool, but its documented comprehensive eligibility check applies when the PC is running Windows 10. Therefore, manufacturer documentation is important for a Windows 7 machine. Do not force-install Windows 11 if the hardware is ineligible; Microsoft does not recommend installation on unsupported hardware. ^2^

2. Confirm activation

Windows 7 Pro does not automatically guarantee Windows 11 Pro activation on every PC. Microsoft identifies an eligible device running genuine Windows 7 as potentially receiving a Windows 11 digital license through a free upgrade, but both device eligibility and activation must succeed. Otherwise, purchase a genuine Windows 11 Pro license/product key. ^3^

Keep the Windows 7 product key available. For a preinstalled copy, it may be on a sticker attached to the PC; for a retail copy, check the label or card in its packaging. ^4^

3. Perform the upgrade from Windows 7

Back up important files before starting.

1. Install all available Windows 7 updates and restart.
2. On a working PC, open Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page.
3. Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, select Download Now.
4. Run MediaCreationTool.exe and create installation media on a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB. The USB is erased during creation. ^5^
5. Start Windows 7 normally and sign in with an administrator account.
6. Insert the Windows 11 USB. Do not boot from it for this upgrade method.
7. Open Computer, open the USB drive, and run setup.exe.
8. Approve the administrator prompt.
9. Continue through Windows 11 Setup. At the Product key page, enter the Windows 11 key if requested.
10. Review what Setup says it will retain, then start the installation. The computer will restart several times.

Microsoft’s documented previous-version upgrade procedure uses this setup.exe method and installs the Windows 11 edition specified by the entered key. ^6^

Clean-install alternative

If Setup cannot preserve the Windows 7 installation, or a completely fresh system is preferred:

1. Back up all personal files and obtain installers and license information for required applications.
2. Boot the PC from the Windows 11 USB using its manufacturer-specific boot-menu key.
3. Follow Windows Setup and install Windows 11 Pro.
4. Enter the Windows 11 Pro key when requested.

Booting from the USB installs a fresh copy. It removes installed applications and can delete files or partitions depending on the options selected, so verify the backup first. ^2^

If the machine lacks a supported processor, TPM 2.0, or UEFI/Secure Boot capability, the supported solution is a Windows 11-compatible PC rather than bypassing the checks.

References

1. Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements
2. Ways to install Windows 11 | Microsoft Support
3. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/activation/activate-windows#for-windows-11,-what-windows-activation-method-do-i-use,-a-digital-license-or-a-product-key)
4. Find your Windows product key | Microsoft Support
5. Create installation media for Windows | Microsoft Support
6. [Windows 11](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/install-or-upgrade-windows-using-a-product-key#upgrade-between-editions-of-windows-11)