Question from Bailey: Microsoft says my 6 year old HP laptop won’t run Windows 11, but it’s running Windows 10 just fine.
I read online that people have installed it on computers that are even older than that and that Windows 11 runs on lots of computers that Microsoft says it won’t run on.
I’d love to give Windows 11 a try on this laptop but when I run Windows Update I don’t see an option to install it.
Where can I get a free Windows 11 installation disk? Every place that has it wants over $100 for it but it’s my understanding that it’s free.
Rick’s answer: Bailey, you’re right that Windows 11 is currently free. And it’s also certainly possible that it will run on your 6 year old laptop.
The thing is you’re not going to find an “off-the-shelf” Windows 11 installation disk that’s free.
That’s the bad news, but I also have good news…
You can create your very own Windows 11 installation DVD or USB flash drive using Microsoft’s handy Media Creation Tool. Here’s how:
1 – (Optional, but recommended) – Follow the instructions in this post to create a System Image Backup of your laptop’s current Windows 10 installation.
Having a System Image Backup on hand will allow you to restore your laptop back to its previous state if Windows 11 simply won’t run on this particular machine after all (and there’s always a chance that it won’t).
2 – When you’re ready to proceed, visit this page on the Microsoft website:
https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
3 – Go to the “Create Windows 11 Installation Media section” and click Before you begin.
4 – Read the info provided and then follow the instructions for creating a Windows 11 installation disk and using it to install Windows 11 on your laptop.
Note: Skip the section titled “Ensure the PC you want to install Windows 11:“.
That’s all there is to it. After you have successfully created your installation medium you can follow the instructions provided on the page linked to above to (attempt) to install Windows 11 on your laptop.
I hope this helps, Bailey. Good luck!
Update from Bailey: Thanks, Rick. I was was able to install Windows 11 and it’s working great. I appreciate your help so much.