Create Windows 11 installation media. On the Windows 11 software download page , select Create tool now and follow the instructions to install Windows 11. Warning: Microsoft recommends against installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Find your files in Windows 11 using one of these methods. Search from the taskbar: Type the name of a document (or a keyword from it) into the search box on the taskbar. You'll see results for documents across your PC and OneDrive. To filter your search, you can select the Documents tab—and then your search results will only show documents.

Indexing is the process of looking at files, email messages, and other content on your PC and cataloging their information, such as the words and metadata in them. When you search your PC after indexing, it looks at an index of terms to find results faster. When you first run indexing, it can take up to a couple hours to complete.

A scanner you've connected using a wired, wireless, or network connection. An app for scanning files, such as Windows Scan, available for free from Microsoft Store. The Windows Scan app can help you scan pictures or documents and save them to your PC as JPEG, bitmap, or PNG files. For more info, see Install and use a scanner in Windows.

The privacy dashboard provides tools to view and clear this data and to manage your privacy settings for the products you use. Data that appears on the dashboard can include data related to your Bing and Cortana searches, Microsoft Edge browsing, and location, voice, media, and apps and services activity. Once you clear your data, we'll delete ...

Windows 11 Windows 10. Windows 11 lets you quickly check your network connection status. Select the Start button, then type settings. Select Settings > Network & internet. The status of your network connection will appear at the top. Check your network connection status. Check your network connection status in Windows.

If you want to change multiple aspects of the taskbar at one time, use Taskbar settings. Press and hold (or right-click) any empty space on the taskbar, and then select Taskbar settings. In the Taskbar settings, scroll to see the options for customizing, choosing icons, and much more. Note: The Taskbar settings allow you to align taskbar icons ...

Get new themes and desktop backgrounds. Select Start , then select Settings > Personalization > Themes. Choose from a default theme or select Get more themes from Microsoft Store if you want to download new themes with desktop backgrounds that feature cute critters, breathtaking landscapes, and other smile-inducing options. Get new themes and ...

Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ. An upgrade differs from an update in that it moves your PC from a previous version of Windows—such as Windows 10—to Windows 11. This FAQ is intended to answer questions about upgrading to Windows 11. An update ensures you have the most recent features and security improvements for your current version of Windows.