Microsoft has recently made it easier than ever to get Windows 11 running on ARM-based devices by making the Windows 11 ARM ISO file directly downloadable from their official downloads page. If you own a Copilot Plus PC or any ARM-based device, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about downloading and using the Windows 11 ARM64 ISO file.
I’ll show you the key differences between ARM and traditional x64 processors, help you identify what type of processor you have, and guide you through the complete download process step by step.
Key Takeaways
- ARM processors offer superior efficiency: ARM-based processors provide much better performance per watt and significantly longer battery life compared to traditional x64 processors, making them ideal for mobile computing and AI-driven tasks.
- Easy processor identification: You can quickly check your processor type through Windows System settings to determine whether you need the ARM64 or x64 version of Windows 11.
- Official Microsoft download available: Microsoft now provides direct access to Windows 11 ARM64 ISO files through their official download page, eliminating the need for workarounds or third-party sources.
Requirements
To follow this guide, you’ll need:
- An ARM-based PC or device (such as a Copilot Plus PC)
- Internet connection for downloading the ISO file
- Administrative access to your Windows system
- USB flash drive (if planning a clean installation)
- Approximately 5GB of free storage space for the ISO file
Why Download Windows 11 ARM ISO?
ARM-based processors represent a significant shift in computing architecture. Unlike traditional x64 or x86 processors, ARM processors are designed for maximum efficiency and performance per watt. This makes them particularly well-suited for:
- Extended battery life: ARM devices can run all day without needing to charge
- AI-powered computing: Many ARM devices include powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs) capable of performing over 40 trillion operations per second
- Fanless operation: ARM processors generate less heat, allowing for quieter, fanless designs
- Always-connected experiences: Built-in cellular connectivity options for seamless internet access
Copilot Plus PCs represent Microsoft’s new category of AI-powered Windows 11 devices that leverage these ARM processors to deliver advanced AI-driven experiences while maintaining exceptional battery life.
Understanding ARM vs x64 Architecture
Before downloading any Windows 11 ISO file, it’s crucial to understand the difference between processor architectures:
ARM-Based Processors
ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) processors use a different instruction set architecture that prioritizes energy efficiency. These processors were traditionally found in mobile devices and embedded systems but are now making their way into laptops, tablets, and desktop computers.
x64 Processors
x64 (also called x86-64) processors are the traditional architecture used in most desktop and laptop computers. Windows 11 only supports 64-bit versions of this architecture – there’s no 32-bit (x86) version of Windows 11 available.
Prerequisites to Downloading the Windows 11 ISO File
Before downloading any ISO file, you need to identify what type of processor your device uses and the language settings of your current installation:
How to Check Processor Type in Windows Settings
- Right-click on the Start button
- Select “System” from the context menu
- Look for the “System type” field in the Device specifications section
- This will clearly indicate whether you have an “x64-based processor” or an “ARM64-based processor”
How to Check Installed Language(s) in Windows
For detailed information about the language that’s installed on your current Windows installation:
- Right-click on the Start button
- Select “Windows Terminal,” “Windows PowerShell,” or “Command Prompt” as Administrator
- Run the following command:
dism /online /get-intl - Review the output to see your installed languages and system details
Note: This command is particularly useful when you want to match your current Windows language settings with the ISO download options.
Downloading Windows 11 ARM ISO File
Once you’ve confirmed you have an ARM-based processor, follow these steps to download the official Windows 11 ARM ISO:
Step 1: Access the Official Download Page
- Navigate to the official Microsoft Windows 11 ARM64 download page
- Scroll down to find the download options
- Look for the “Select Download” dropdown menu
Step 2: Select ARM64 Version
- Click on the “Select Download” dropdown menu
- Choose “Windows 11 Multi-Edition ISO for ARM-64”
- Click “Download Now”
Step 3: Choose Product Language
You’ll be presented with multiple language options:
- Select your preferred language from the dropdown menu
- Note that English has two versions:
- English (United States): Choose this if you’re in the US
- English (International): Choose this for other English-speaking regions
- Click “Confirm” to proceed
Tip: If you’re doing a clean install, the language choice isn’t critical. However, for in-place upgrades, it’s best to match your current Windows language settings.
Step 4: Handle Download Errors
Sometimes you might encounter an error message saying “We were unable to complete your request at this time.” If this happens:
- Refresh the page
- Go through the selection process again
- Select your language and click “Confirm”
- The download should work on the second attempt
Step 5: Download the ISO File
- Click the “Download Now” button
- The download will begin for the latest Windows 11 ARM64 ISO file
- The file size is approximately 5GB, so ensure you have adequate storage space and a stable internet connection
Using Your Downloaded Windows 11 ARM ISO
Once your Windows 11 ARM ISO file has finished downloading, you have several options for using it:
In-Place Upgrade
- Double-click the downloaded ISO file to mount it
- Run the setup.exe file from the mounted drive
- Follow the upgrade wizard to update to the latest version of Windows 11
See also: How to Upgrade to Windows 11 with the Windows 11 ISO File
Clean Installation
For a fresh Windows 11 installation:
- Create a bootable USB flash drive using the ISO file
- Use tools like Rufus or Ventoy
- Boot from the USB drive and follow the installation process
See also: How to Install Windows 10 from a USB: Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide *Follow the same steps with the Windows 11 ARM ISO file to Install Windows 11.
Important: Always back up your important data before performing a clean installation, as this process will erase all existing data on the target drive.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Download Fails or Times Out
- Check your internet connection stability
- Try downloading during off-peak hours
- Use a download manager for large files
- Clear your browser cache and try again
Wrong Architecture Downloaded
- Double-check your processor type using the methods outlined above
- Ensure you selected “ARM-64” and not the standard x64 version
- Re-download the correct version if necessary
Language Mismatch Issues
- Use the command line method to check your current Windows language
- Download the ISO that matches your current installation for upgrades
- For clean installs, any language version will work
Conclusion
Downloading the Windows 11 ARM ISO file is now straightforward thanks to Microsoft making it directly available through their official download page. ARM-based processors offer significant advantages in terms of battery life, performance efficiency, and AI capabilities, making them an excellent choice for modern computing needs.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing ARM-based device or performing a clean installation, having the correct ISO file is the first step toward enjoying the benefits of Windows 11 on ARM architecture. Remember to always verify your processor type before downloading, and don’t hesitate to try the download process again if you encounter any temporary errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I install Windows 11 ARM on a regular x64 computer?
No, you cannot install Windows 11 ARM on x64-based computers. The ARM version is specifically designed for ARM-based processors and will not work on traditional Intel or AMD x64 processors. Always download the version that matches your processor architecture.
What’s the difference between Copilot Plus PCs and regular ARM devices?
Copilot Plus PCs are a specific category of ARM-based devices that meet Microsoft’s requirements for AI-powered computing. They feature powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs) capable of performing over 40 trillion operations per second, enabling advanced AI features and experiences that aren’t available on standard ARM devices.
Will my existing x64 software work on Windows 11 ARM?
Windows 11 ARM includes emulation capabilities that allow many x64 applications to run, though performance may vary. Native ARM64 applications will always perform better than emulated ones. Microsoft and software developers are increasingly creating native ARM64 versions of popular applications.
How do I create a bootable USB drive from the ARM ISO file?
You can use tools like Rufus or Ventoy to create a bootable USB drive from your downloaded ISO file. Simply select the ISO file in your chosen tool, select your USB drive, and follow the prompts to create the bootable media.
Is there a performance difference between Windows 11 ARM and x64 versions?
Performance differences depend on the specific hardware and software being used. ARM processors excel in power efficiency and battery life, while x64 processors may have advantages in certain compute-intensive tasks. For typical productivity work, web browsing, and AI-powered tasks, ARM processors often provide superior performance per watt.
