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An operating system is the soul of the machine and acts as a medium by which you can perform a multitude of functions. Installing a new operating system can be a time-consuming task depending on various factors.
If you’re wondering how long Windows 11 takes to install, you are at the right place. In this article, we will discuss this topic in detail so that all your questions are answered.
Factors that affect the installation time of Windows 11
Let us first understand the underlying factors that are responsible for the installation time of Windows 11:
Computer hardware and performance
The speed and performance of your computer’s hardware can significantly impact the installation time of Windows 11. Computers with faster processors, ample RAM, and SSDs tend to install Windows 11 more quickly than those with older or slower components. The overall processing power and disk read/write speeds of your computer play a crucial role in determining how long the installation process will take.
Installation method
The method you choose to install Windows 11 can also affect the installation time. If you are upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10, it should take less time when compared to a clean installation of Windows 11 as when you perform a clean install, the system drive is wiped clean and all system files and software are configured from scratch.
Size of installation files
The size of Windows 11 installation files is another crucial factor. Larger files require more time to download, extract and install. The size of the installation files can vary depending on the edition and version of Windows 11 you are installing. Moreover, you will require a stable and fast internet connection to ensure efficient file transfer during the installation process.
Additional configuration settings
After the initial installation, Windows 11 may download and install additional software updates and drivers to ensure compatibility and security. The time required for these post-installation updates can vary depending on the size and number of updates available, as well as the speed of your internet connection.
Also read: How to fix “this device cannot start code 10” error?
How long does Windows 11 take to install?
Now, let us dive into how long Windows 11 takes to install:
Upgrade from Windows 10
If you are already using Windows 10 on your computer, you can upgrade to Windows 11 through the Windows Update feature. This method is typically faster than performing a clean installation as it retains your existing files, applications, and settings.
The time taken for the upgrade process can vary depending on the speed of your internet connection and the specifications of your computer. On average, the upgrade process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, considering the download, installation, and configuration steps.
Clean Installation of Windows 11
As explained earlier, clean installation of Windows 11 may take a longer time. On average, a clean installation of Windows 11 can take anywhere from 30 min to one hour, or even longer depending on the complexity of your system and the speed of your storage drive.
Remember, systems with a hard disk drive (HDD) may take a longer time to install Windows 11 than those with a Solid State Drive (SSD).
Overall, if you are planning to install Windows 11, make sure that you have at least an hour of time to spare.
Also read: Scanning and repairing drive stuck at 100: 7 Fixes
