Some have already installed and used Windows 11, but many others have not yet downloaded it and have questions about how to download and install it. On forums and social media, one of the most commonly asked questions is “How long is it going to take to install Windows 11?” We’re going to explain why, in some cases, Windows 11 installation might take forever or simply get stuck.

How Long Does Windows 11 take to install?

During the release of Windows 10, the installation process was estimated to take 2 hours. Comparatively, Windows 8 took 3-4 hours, while Windows 7 took around 6-7 hours. In order to answer your question regarding how long Windows 11 will take, we can say that it is likely to take between 4 and 5 hours to complete. This means that your computer will be off for almost 12 hours during the installation process.

This post has more information about how to download the ISO file instead of using the Media Creation Tool (MCT) if you don’t want to wait so long.

Why do I need to wait so long?

Before releasing Windows 11, Microsoft wants to ensure that everything works properly, which is why the installation process is lengthy. They also want to ensure that all the features function as expected. In addition to testing the new Start menu, other changes to the operating system should also be tested.
In any case, once Windows 11 is installed, you won’t have to wait anymore. You simply need to reboot your computer.

Is Windows 11 difficult to install?

Installing Windows 11 may cause you to run into several problems. Some users claim that their computers crash as soon as they begin installing it. Others report that the installation gets stuck at different points. Nonetheless, there are people who are able to install Windows 11 without any problems.
Using the MCT tool will prevent you from having these problems, since it creates a bootable USB drive that contains all the Windows 11 installation files.

A step-by-step guide to installing Windows 11 with the Media Creation Tool

In case you’re interested in learning how to install Windows 11 using MCT, here’s what you need to know:

1. Download the latest version of the MCT tool. Make sure you choose the 64 bit version if you’re running a 32 bit OS.
2. Create a bootable USB drive by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
3. Insert the USB drive into your computer and open it up.
4. Click on “Create a recovery disk” under the “Startup Repair” section.
5. Select the option “Repair my computer“.
6. Wait until the repair process finishes.
7. You can choose the language for the installation process after the repair process has been completed.
8. Install Windows 11 on the partitions you choose by following the prompts.
9. Select the partitions and click “Install Now“.
10. Once the installation process is complete, you should see a progress bar.
11. If the installation has been successful, you’ll see a message that says “Finish“.

Enjoy Windows 11 after you reboot your computer!

Windows 10 vs Windows 8.1 vs Windows 7

The first thing you need to know before installing Windows 11 is that there are three versions available: Windows 10 Home Edition, Windows 10 Professional, and Windows 10 Enterprise. Each version comes with different features and benefits. For example, Windows 10 Pro includes more advanced security options than Windows 10 Home Edition. If you want to learn more about these differences, check out our guide on which edition is best for you.

The second important factor when choosing between Windows 10 editions is your hardware requirements. You can read our guide here to find out what kind of computer system will be able to run Windows 10.

What if I don’t have enough space on my hard drive?

If you’re planning to install Windows 11 on an SSD (solid state drive), make sure that you have at least 50GB free space on your hard drive. This is because Windows needs around 20GB of free space to install itself. If you don’t have enough space left on your hard drive, you’ll have to delete files and programs manually.

If you’re using a traditional HDD (hard disk drive) instead, you should leave at least 30GBfree space on your PC. In case you’re not sure how much space you have left, use Disk Cleanup to see how much space you still have.

What if I’m running low on RAM?

You’ll also need at least 4GB of RAM to install Windows 11. If you only have 2GB of RAM, you can try to upgrade it by following our guide on How to Upgrade Your Computer Memory.

What if I have no internet connection?

You won’t be able to download updates during the Windows 11 installation process. To avoid these issues, connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. You can also choose to skip downloading updates during the installation process.

Can I install Windows 11 offline?

Yes! You can install Windows 11 without connecting to the Internet.

Is Windows 11 compatible with all devices?

Yes, Windows 11 is fully compatible with all types of computers, tablets, smartphones, and other devices. It works perfectly on PCs, laptops, desktops, and even Macs.

How do I update my device to Windows 11?

To update your device to Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. Your operating system’s ISO file can be downloaded from Microsoft’s website.
2. Burn the ISO file onto a DVD/USB flash drive.
3. Your computer will boot from the USB flash drive once you insert it.
4. Follow the instructions displayed onscreen to complete the installation process.
5. Once finished, restart your computer and log in as usual.
6. Click “Go Back” to return to the previous screen.
7. Select “Get Started“.
8. Choose “Repair my PC“.
9. Wait until the repair process finishes.
10. Restart your computer once again.
11. Log in as usual.

Conclusion

Windows 11 is now available for everyone who wants to experience the new Windows OS. However, we recommend that you perform some tests before upgrading your device to Windows 11. These tests include checking whether your device meets the minimum specifications required for Windows 11, verifying that your device has enough storage space, and making sure that your device is connected to the Internet.