By: Jason DeHaven

Table of Contents

Introduction: Who Is This Guide For? ....................................................... 2

Chapter 1: Windows 11 Home VS Windows 11 Pro ................................... 2

Section 1: Windows 11 Home Features ............................................................................ 3

Section 2: Windows 11 Pro Features ................................................................................ 4

Chapter 2: Making Sure Your PC Is Ready ................................................ 5

Section 1: Windows 11 System Requirements .................................................................. 6

Section 2: PC Health Check App ...................................................................................... 6

Chapter 3: Upgrading from Windows 10 ............................................... 10

Section 1: Upgrade Using the Windows Update Utility ................................................... 11

Section 2: Upgrade Using Windows 11 Installation Assistant ......................................... 14

Chapter 4: Installing A Fresh Copy of Windows 11 ................................ 17

Section 1: How to Obtain the Installation Media ............................................................ 17

Section 2: Booting to the USB Flash Drive ...................................................................... 24
Section 3: Running the Windows 11 Setup ..................................................................... 25

Index ................................................................................................... 31
 2

Who Is This Guide For?

Hello! Welcome to the Windows 11 Installation Guide. This guide is for anyone that is seeking
help with installing Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system. Whether you are new to
upgrading/installing an operating system or already have some experience with this process.
Don’t panic! I promise that if you follow this guide step-by-step, you will be well on your way
to enjoying the new Microsoft Windows 11 operating system.

In this guide, we will go over the features of Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro to make
sure you choose the most appropriate version for your needs. We will also go through the steps
of upgrading from Windows 10. Lastly, we will go over installing a fresh copy of Windows 11.
After following the steps in the guide, you will be on your way to enjoying your new operating
system in no time at all.

Chapter 1: Windows 11 Home VS Windows 11 Pro

NOTE: If you are upgrading from Windows 10, feel free to skip ahead to Chapter 2: Making Sure Your PC
Is Ready. If you are installing Windows 11 from scratch and have already selected the version of Windows
11 that you are going to use, check out Chapter 4: Installing A Fresh Copy of Windows 11.

When switching to a new operating system, it is best to know what features you will need to
accomplish your everyday tasks. In this chapter, we will go over the features of Windows 11
Home and Windows 11 Pro. In general, if you are using your PC at home, for personal use, the
Windows 11 Home version will be sufficient for your needs. Something to note here, just
because it is labeled as the “Home” version, you are allowed to use the Home version of the
operating system in a business setting. Now, let’s get to the features offered in each version.

Table 1
Security Feature Checklist
Feature Windows 11 Home Windows 11 Pro
BitLocker Device Encryption

Device Encryption

Find My Device

Firewall and Network

Protection
Internet Protection
 3

Parental Controls and

Protection
Secure Boot

Windows Hello

Windows Information
Protection (WIP)
Windows Security

Assigned Access

Dynamic Provisioning

Enterprise State Roaming

with Azure
Group Policy

Kiosk Mode Setup

Microsoft Store for Business

Mobile Device Management

Support for Active Directory

Support for Azure Active

Directory
Windows Update for Business

Note. Comparison of Home vs Pro. Data gathered by Jason DeHaven from

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compare-windows-11-home-vs-pro-versions

Even though Windows Home has fewer security features than Windows 11 Pro, it is still a secure
operating system to use. In the following sections, we are going to go over what each of these
security features is to help you determine what Windows version is right for you.

Section 1: Windows 11 Home Features

Device Encryption
Device encryption protects your data by applying an encryption key to the hard drive so that it
cannot be attached to another computer to bypass the Windows Password/PIN. The only way to
access the data outside of the system is to input the decryption key to unlock the drive. This
feature is only usable if used in conjunction with a Microsoft account.

Find My Device
 4

Find my device will help you locate a lost or stolen device. You must use a Microsoft account
the use this feature.

Firewall and Network Protection

Most antiviruses, such as Norton and McAfee, have a firewall. With Windows 11 you get a build-
in firewall. A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and will allow or block
network packets based on a set of security rules.

Internet Protection
Also known as app & browser control, provides settings for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, to
block any dangerous apps, websites, and downloads.

Parental Controls and Protection

As the name suggests, this provides settings for making your computer, and the internet, a safe
environment for your child. You can manage screen time, limit mature content, and control
purchases on your child’s Microsoft account.

Secure Boot
Secure boot stops malicious software and unauthorized operating systems from loading at
start-up.

Windows Hello
Windows Hello is a sign-in method that utilizes facial recognition, fingerprint, or PIN so that
you no longer need to use a password to unlock your device. You must have a compatible
device to use some of these methods.

Windows Security
This feature lets you maintain the security and health of your device. Windows 11 has a built-in
antivirus software called Microsoft Defender, so a third-party antivirus is no longer needed to
stay safe.

Section 2: Windows 11 Pro Features

BitLocker Device Encryption

Must like device encryption that is offered in Windows 11 Home, but with added features. It
should be thought of as the “full” package. A Microsoft account is not required to use BitLocker.

Windows Information Protection (WIP)

Protect against accidental data leaks on enterprise-owned devices and personal devices that
employees bring to work.
 5

Assigned Access
This feature gives Windows 11 the ability to run different applications depending on the user
that is signed in. It also keeps individual identities separate and secured.

Dynamic Provisioning
Easily setup a new PCs with the settings your IT administrators set.

Enterprise State Roaming with Azure

Used along with Azure AD Premium or Enterprise Mobility + Security license. Allows users to
have a unified experience across all their Windows devices. This also reduces the time needed
for setting up a new device.

Group Policy
Allows the management of computers, users, groups, and gives access to files and printers
when paired with Windows Server.

Kiosk Mode Setup

Kiosk mode allows a single app to run above the lock screen. When the user signs in, the app is
launched, while letting the computer remain locked. The user is only granted access to the
specified app.

Microsoft Store for Business

Allows you to purchase apps for the Microsoft store in volume.

Mobile Device Management

Mobile Device Management (MDM) provides an alternative to traditional PC management
processes so you can transition to cloud-based management at your own pace.

Support for Active Directory

When paired with Windows Server, your PC can utilize Active Directory.

Support for Azure Active Directory

Single login across multiple Microsoft services.

Windows Update for Business

More control over Windows updates.

Chapter 2: Making Sure Your PC is Ready

 6

In Chapter 2, you must take steps to ensure that your PC is ready to run Windows 11. Section 1
will cover the system requirements for Windows 11. If you are upgrading from Windows 10,
skip to Section 2: PC Health Check App, which will cover the steps you must take to run the PC
Health Check app, which will tell you if your PC meets the system requirements.

Section 1: Windows 11 System Requirements

Listed below are the minimum system requirements for a PC to run Windows 11. Be advised
that if your PC does not meet the minimum system requirements, you may want to reconsider
purchasing Windows 11 as it may not work as intended. It is recommended to have more than
the minimum requirements because, with only the minimum requirements, the PC will run
slower than desired.

Table 2
Minimum System Requirements
Minimum System Requirements
Processor 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores. 64-bit.
RAM 4 GB
Storage 64 GB or larger
System Firmware UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM TPM version 2.0
Graphics Card Compatible with DirectX 12 or later
Display 720p display greater than 9” diagonally
Internet Connection and Microsoft Account Windows 11 Home edition requires internet
connectivity and a Microsoft account.
Note. Minimum system requirements for Windows 11. Data gathered by Jason DeHaven from
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications

For more information about feature-specific requirements, please visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-

us/windows/windows-11-specifications

Section 2: PC Health Check App

If you already own a PC with Windows 10, it may be possible to upgrade your PC to Windows
11. This section will outline the steps you must take to run the PC Health Check App to ensure
that your PC is capable of running Windows 11.

Requirements for this section:

PC with Windows 10 installed and operating
High-speed internet connection
 7

Step 1: Open your web browser.

We are going to use Microsoft Edge because Edge is included with Windows 10. If there is not
an icon for Microsoft Edge, click the Start button, type “Edge” without the quotes, then click
Edge in the search results to open Edge. Refer to Figure 1 Search Result, for the search result of
Edge.

Figure 1
Search Result

Note. Screenshot of Edge search result. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Step 2: Navigate to Microsoft website.

Once Edge is open, locate the address bar at the top of the window. Click the address bar. If
there is anything there, delete what is there and type “https://www.microsoft.com/en-
us/windows/windows-11” without the quotes, then press enter on the keyboard. Refer to
Figure 2 PC Health Check App Website, for an example of the address bar with website typed in.

Figure 2
PC Health Check App Website

Note. Address bar with web address. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Step 3: Download PC Health Check App.

When the Microsoft website loads, scroll toward the bottom of the website until you see “Check
for compatibility”, refer to Figure 3Check for Compatibility. Within that section, you will see
“DOWNLOAD PC HEALTH CHECK APP”. That is what you need to click on to begin the download.
By default, Edge will save all downloads to the Downloads folder. In the following step, you will
run the app.
 8

Figure 3
Check for Compatibility

Note. Screenshot of website section with the download link. Captured by Jason DeHaven at
www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11

Step 4: Run PC Health Check App.

This is a long step and will be broken down into smaller parts.

Part1:
Navigate to the Downloads folder. Click on the file explorer icon that is located on the taskbar.
Refer to Figure 4 File Explorer Icon.

Figure 4
File Explorer Icon

Note. Screenshot of the file explorer icon located on the taskbar. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Part 2:
With the File Explorer window open, you will see the Downloads folder. You must double-click
on it to open the Downloads folder. Figure 5 Downloads Folder shows you what you should
expect to see.

Figure 5
Downloads Folder
 9

Note. Screenshot of the File Explorer windows open with the Downloads folder visible. Captured
by Jason DeHaven.

Part 3:
Within the Downloads folder will be a file called “WindowsPCHealthCheckSetup”. You must
double-click on this file to start the PC Health Check App.

Part 4:
Click to place a checkmark in the box to accept the License Agreement. Then click the Install
button. It should look like Figure 6 Accept License Agreement.

Figure 6
Accept License Agreement

Note. Screenshot of the License Agreement. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Part 5:
Leave the check in the “Open Windows PC Health Check” checkbox, then click the finish button.

Part 6:
With the PC Health Check App Windows now open, notice the top section titled Introducing
Windows 11. Click the “Check Now” button. Refer to Figure 7 Introducing Windows 11.

Figure 7
 10

Introducing Windows 11

Note. Screenshot of PC Health Check App window. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Part 7:
If your PC does not meet the requirements, you will not be able to install Windows 11. If your
PC meets the requirements for Windows 11 you will receive a message on your screen stating
that you are ready for Windows 11. Now, close the PC Health Check App window. If your PC can
be upgraded, Chapter 3 Upgrading from Windows 10 will help you with the steps to upgrade.

Chapter 3 Upgrading from Windows 10

This chapter will cover the process of upgrading to Windows 11 on a PC that has Windows 10
installed. There are two ways to complete this process. It is advised that you look over each
section and choose your preferred method to upgrade to Windows 11.
 11

Before following the steps outlined in the chapter, ensure that you have backed-up all
important data stored on the computer. When updating to a new operating system, there is
a chance that it will fail, leading to a loss of data.

Section 1: Upgrade Using the Windows Update Utility

Section 1 will describe the process of upgrading to Windows 11 using the Windows Update
utility. This is Microsoft’s suggested upgrade method. This process is relativity easy to perform
and will take care of the install automatically once started.

Requirements for this section:

PC with Windows 10 installed and operating
High-speed internet connection

Step 1: Navigate to the Settings App

Click the Start button, then click Settings. Figure 8 Start Settings.

Figure 8
Start Settings
 12

Note. Screenshot of Start menu with Settings visible. Captured by Jason DeHaven

Step 2: Open Update & Security

Click Update & Security. Figure 9 Update & Security.

Figure 9
Update & Security
 13

Note. Screenshot of the Update & Security option in the Settings window. Captured by Jason
DeHaven

Step 3: Download Windows 11

Click the Download and install button. Figure 10 Windows 11 is ready.

Figure 10
Windows 11 is ready
 14

Note. Screenshot of Windows 11 update in the Windows Update window. Captured by Jason
DeHaven.

Step 4: Restart the PC

Restart the computer after the update has been completed. The computer will then finalize the
Windows 11 installation and boot into Windows 11.

Section 2: Upgrade Using Windows 11 Installation Assistant

Section 2 will detail the instructions to perform the upgrade using the Windows 11 Installation
Assistant. Windows 11 Installation Assistant is a free tool offered by Microsoft to upgrade
compatible PCs to Windows 11. The process of determining if your PC is compatible was
described in Chapter 2 Section 2 PC Health Check App. If you have not run that tool, it is
advised that you go back and follow the steps outlined there.

Requirements for this section:

PC with Windows 10 installed and operating
High-speed internet connection

To download and run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, follow the following steps.

Step 1: Open Web Browser

Open Microsoft Edge browser. Refer to Figure 11 Edge Browser.

Figure 11
Edge Browser

Note. Screenshot of the Edge browser icon. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

 15

Step 2: Navigate to the Installation Assistant Download

Type https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11 into the address bar. Refer to
Figure 12 Installation Assistant Website.

Figure 12
Installation Assistant Website

Note. Screenshot of Installation Assistant web address. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Step 3: Scroll to the Installation Assistant Section

Click the Download Now button in the section titled Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Refer to
Figure 13 Installation Assistant Section.

Figure 13
Installation Assistant Section

Note. Screenshot of the Installation Assistant section on the Microsoft website. Captured by
Jason DeHaven.

Step 4: Run the Downloaded File

Run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant by clicking on the downloaded file in the top right-
hand corner indicated by the yellow arrow. Refer to Figure 14 Installation Assistant File.

Figure 14
Installation Assistant File
 16

Note. Screenshot of the Installation Assistant file download. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Step 5: Accept the User Account Control Warning

Click Yes on the User Account Control window that opens.

Step 6: Accept and Install

Click the Accept and Install button to start the installation. Refer to Figure 15 Installation
Assistant License Agreement.

Figure 15
Installation Assistant License Agreement
 17

Note. Screenshot of Installation Assistant license agreement. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Step 7: Reboot
When the Windows 11 Installation Assistant is finished, reboot the PC to complete the Windows
11 installation.

Chapter 4: Installing A Fresh Copy of Windows 11

Do you like to start using a new operating system from scratch, no preloaded applications, no
existing data to worry with, just a nice clean environment to work with? Then Chapter 4:
Installing a Fresh Copy of Windows 11 is for you. When switching to a new operating system,
upgrading an existing operating system is an easy way to keep your data and installed
programs. The downside to that is that if there are any problems, the problems will also be
kept. Sometimes it is best to install a fresh copy of a new operating system. This chapter will
cover obtaining the installation media, configuring the BIOS to boot to the installation media,
and running the Windows 11 installation setup process. Let’s begin.

Section 1: How to Obtain the Installation Media

There are a couple of options to choose from to obtain the installation media. Purchasing a
premade USB flash drive and making a bootable USB flash drive. If you are not upgrading from
Windows 10, you will also need to purchase a license, or product key, for Windows 11. You can
purchase a license and/or a premade USB flash drive from Microsoft, Amazon, Newegg, or the
 18

retailer of your choice. If you already have a Windows 11 license, or a PC with Windows 10 you
can make a USB flash drive with the install program on it. The following steps will detail how to
make a bootable USB flash drive.

Requirements for this section if you are creating your USB media:
USB flash drive at least 8GB capacity: 1
PC with Windows 10 install and operating: 1
Highspeed internet connection

Step1: Open Microsoft Edge browser. Refer to Figure 16 Edge Browser Icon.

Figure 16
Edge Browser Icon

Note. Screenshot of Edge browser icon. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Step 2: Navigate to https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11. Refer to Figure

17 Media Creation Tool Website.

Figure 17
Media Creation Tool Website

Note. Screenshot of the Media Creation tool web address. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Step 3: Click the Download Now button in the Create Windows 11 Installation Media section.
Refer to Figure 18 Media Creation Tool Section.

Figure 18
Media Creation Tool Section
 19

Note. Screenshot of Media Creation Tool download button. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Step 4: Open File Explorer.

Click on the file explorer icon that is located on the taskbar. Refer to Figure 19 File Explorer.

Figure 19
File Explorer

Note. Screenshot of the File Explorer icon on the taskbar. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Step 5: Navigate to the Downloads Folder.

With the File Explorer window open, you will see the Downloads folder. You must double-click
on it to open the Downloads folder. Refer to Figure 20 Downloads Folder.

Figure 20
Downloads Folder

Note. Screenshot of the Downloads folder in File Explorer. Captured by Jason DeHaven.
 20

Step 6: Run the Media Creation Tool

Double click the Media Creation Tool file to run the app. Refer to Figure 21 Media Creation
Tool.

Figure 21
Media Creation Tool

Note. Screenshot of the Media Creation Tool file in the Downloads folder. Captured by Jason
DeHaven.

Step 7: Accept the User Account Control Warning

Click the Yes button on the User Account Control window that displays.

Step 8: Accept the License Terms

Click the accept button to accept the license terms. Refer to Figure 22 Media Creation Tool
License Agreement.

Figure 22
Media Creation Tool License Agreement
 21

Note. Screenshot of the license agreement for the Media Creation Tool. Captured by Jason
DeHaven.

Step 9: Select Language and Edition

The default options are usually fine, but if the PC you are making the USB media for is different,
or if you want a different language, you can untick the Use recommended options for this PC
checkbox, specify the options you want then click the next button. Refer to Figure 23 Media
Creation Tool Options.

Figure 23
Media Creation Tool Options
 22

Note. Screenshot of the options given by the Media Creation Tool. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Step 10: Choose Media Option

Select the option for USB flash drive, insert the USB flash drive, then click Next. Refer to Figure
24 Media Creation Tool Drive Select.

This step will erase everything on the USB flash drive. If there is any important data,
be sure to make a backup of the data.

Figure 24
Media Creation Tool Drive Select
 23

Note. Screenshot of the drive selection within the Media Creation Tool. Captured by Jason
DeHaven

Step 11: Finish

Allow the Media Creation Tool to prepare the USB flash drive. It will show a percentage of
completion in the Window. Once it completes this process, click the finish button. Refer to
Figure 25 USB Media Ready.

Figure 25
USB Media Ready
 24

Note. Screenshot displaying that the USB drive is ready. Captured by Jason DeHaven.

Section 2: Booting to the USB Flash Drive

This section is about making your computer boot to the installation media. For the sake of this
guide, we will be using a USB flash drive. The process of obtaining the installation media was
outlined in the previous section.

NOTE: Most modern PCs now have a “Boot Options” key. On a Dell and Lenovo, it is the F12
key. On an HP, it is the F9 key. Please refer to your system’s manual for the proper “Boot
Options” key.

Step 1: Insert USB Flash Drive

With the PC powered off, insert the USB flash drive that you purchased or created into a USB
port on the PC.

Step 2: Power On the PC

 25

Press the power button to turn the PC on.

Step 3: Access the Boot Options

After referring to your PC’s manual, immediately press the key assigned for accessing the boot
options.

Step 4: Select the USB Flash Drive

When the boot options menu displays on the screen, select the USB flash drive that you
purchased or created earlier to boot to the Windows 11 setup.

Section 3: Running the Windows 11 Setup

The last section of this manual will feature the Windows 11 setup process for a new install of
Windows 11 onto a new storage device, such as an SSD. When finished with this section your PC
will have Windows 11 installed and ready to be set up with a new user account.

Step 1: Choosing a Language.

The first options you must choose are the language, time, and keyboard/input method. Once
you have chosen the appropriate options click the Next button. Refer to Figure 26 Windows 11
Setup Language Options.

Figure 26
Windows 11 Setup Language Options
 26

Note. Photo of the language, time, and keyboard options for Windows 11 setup. Photo taken by
Jason DeHaven.

Step 2: Click Install Now.

Click the Install Now button to start setup. Refer to Figure 27 Install Now.

Figure 27
Install Now
 27

Note. Photo of the Install Now button. Photo taken by Jason DeHaven.

Step 3: Accept the License Agreement.

Tick the checkbox to accept the license agreement, then click the Next button. Refer to Figure
28 Windows 11 License Agreement.

Figure 28
Windows 11 License Agreement
 28

Note. Photo of the license agreement for Windows 11. Photo taken by Jason DeHaven.

Step 4: Choose Custom Option.

Since you are installing a fresh copy of Windows 11, click the Custom: Install Windows only
(advanced) option. Refer to Figure 29 Install Options.

Figure 29
Install Options
 29

Note. Photo of the Install options for Windows 11. Photo taken by Jason DeHaven.

Step 5: Choose the Drive.

Choose the drive you want to install Windows 11 on, then click the Next button. Refer to Figure
30 Windows 11 Drive Selection.

NOTE: This manual is detailing a basic Windows 11 install with a PC that has one
drive attached.

Figure 30
Windows 11 Drive Selection
 30

Note. Photo of the drive selection options for Windows 11 setup. Photo taken by Jason
DeHaven.

Step 6: Let the Install Complete.

Once the setup process is finished installing Windows 11 onto the drive your PC will restart
automatically.

Step 7: Unplug the USB Flash Drive.

You can now unplug the USB flash drive and let the PC boot into Windows 11.
 31

Index

Installation Assistant ............................................................................................... 14-17

Installation Media .................................................................................................... 17-24

PC Health Check App ................................................................................................. 6-10

Security Features ......................................................................................................... 2-5

System Requirements ...................................................................................................... 6

USB Flash Drive........................................................................................................ 17-25

Windows 11 Setup ................................................................................................... 25-30

Windows Update ...................................................................................................... 11-14

Windows version ............................................................................................................. 2