Unable to Download Windows 11 ISO? Why and How to Fix It?

When downloading the Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft online, you might encounter errors. Why can't you download the Windows 11 ISO? How to download Windows 11 correctly from an ISO file? You can find possible causes and solutions from this article compiled by Tool. Let's first get an overview of the issue:

Let's read the article and learn how to fix this error.

Why can't I download the Windows 11 ISO file? If you're having trouble downloading the Windows 11 ISO file, there might be several reasons behind it: 1. **System Requirements Not Met**: Ensure your device meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, including the processor, RAM, storage, TPM 2.0, and graphics. 2. **Incorrect Download Source**: Make sure you're downloading from an official source, such as the Microsoft website or using the Media Creation Tool. 3. **Network Issues**: Check your internet connection for stability. An unstable network can lead to interrupted downloads. 4. **Server Busy**: Microsoft's servers may be busy during peak hours, causing slow downloads or inability to download. Try again later. 5. **Permission Issues**: Confirm that you have the necessary permissions to download and save large files. 6. **Browser or Security Software Restrictions**: Some browsers or security software might block ISO file downloads. Try disabling security settings or using a different browser. 7. **Media Creation Tool Issues**: If using the Media Creation Tool, ensure it's the latest version and runs without errors. 8. **Temporary Files**: Clear your browser's cache and temporary files, then retry the download. 9. **Account Problems**: If using a Microsoft account, verify that your account information is correct and you're logged in. 10. **Update the Download Tool**: Sometimes, updating the Media Creation Tool to the latest version can resolve download issues. If none of these solutions work, consider contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.

Normally, we would download the Windows 11 ISO image file from the official Microsoft website, as this is the safest way, free from viruses and ads. The download link will remain valid for 24 hours after creation.

Unfortunately, sometimes a download error occurs unexpectedly, and we receive an error message that says, "We can't complete your request right now; certain users, entities, and locations are prohibited from using this service." Why can't I download Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft to my computer? There could be several reasons for this, such as insufficient disk space, network connectivity issues, antivirus programs, and more.

Unable to download the Windows 11 ISO file.

Fortunately, we've looked into it and found a viable solution, so relax and try the following if you're having trouble downloading.

Six Ways to Fix the Error When You Can't Download the Windows 11 ISO File

Through testing, we've listed six troubleshooting methods to help you download the Windows 11 ISO file and avoid download errors along the way. Check them out below:

Fix 1: Recheck the Windows 11 system requirements

Before downloading the Windows 11 ISO, you need to check the system requirements for Windows 11 to avoid running into the error mentioned above. To do this, visit the official Windows 11 download page, and then click on the Check system requirements before you start under the Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) section.

There are a few things to note about this, as shown in the graph:

• A stable internet connection.
• A DVD with at least 8 GB of disc space or a USB drive.
• To download the Windows 11 ISO file, make sure your computer, USB drive, or other external drive has enough data storage.

Read more: How to Boot from USB on Windows 11

Fix 2: Disable third-party antivirus software

Sometimes, a third-party antivirus utility might block you from downloading the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft. To resolve this issue, try uninstalling or disabling the antivirus tool temporarily:

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your taskbar, and type “Settings.”

Step 2: Click “Apps,” then select the “Apps & features” tab.

Step 3: In the “Apps” section, find the antivirus tool and right-click on it.

Step 4. Choose “Uninstall” from the options and confirm the uninstallation.

Note: The method to disable it may vary depending on the product; you can search online for instructions specific to your device.

Fix 3: Disable the VPN

A VPN is a useful tool to access the internet through a virtual IP. However, due to some VPN services being severely misused by some users, Microsoft blocks these IPs or services from accessing its content. To successfully download the Windows 11 ISO file, turn off your VPN and try downloading the ISO again.

Step 1. Open the Settings app on Windows.

Step 2: Click on “Network & Internet”.

Step 3. Choose the VPN category in the left-hand menu.

Step 4: Choose the VPN connection you want to disable.

Step 5: Click “Disconnect” or “Remove” as needed.

• Disconnect - Disconnect
• Remove - Delete

Fix 4: Get a USB drive with enough space

As mentioned, the target USB or external hard drive should have more than 8GB of space to store the Windows 11 ISO file. For the USB flash drive, we recommend using a blank one. In addition, you need to make sure that the file system of the USB drive is NTFS instead of FAT32. FAT32 does not support single files larger than 4GB. For this, we recommend you use a tool like tools Partition Master. It can format your USB to NTFS for free and erase all files on the USB to free up disk space without costing you anything.

Step 1. Launch Partition Master, right click on the partition you want to format and choose “Format”.

Step 2: In the newly popped-up window, input the partition label, choose FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 file system, set cluster size as you need, and click “OK”.

Step 3: You will see a warning; click “Yes” to continue.

Hit the “Execute 1 Task(s)” button in the top-left corner to check your changes, and then hit “Apply” to begin formatting the partition as FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4.

This is an embedded YouTube video player. It allows for accelerometer and autoplay features, as well as writing to the clipboard, encrypted media playback, gyroscope functionality, and picture-in-picture mode. The video is set to play in full screen and has a frame size of 700 pixels wide by 410 pixels tall. The specific video is titled "YouTube video player."

This tool can do a lot for managing USB, for example:

Fix 5: Try using a different web browser

Certain web browsers have very strict limitations on online activities like downloads. If you encounter download errors while getting the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft, try downloading the Windows 11 ISO file using a different web browser.

Fix 6: Disable browser extensions

Sometimes, browser extensions might cause issues with downloading the Windows 11 ISO. You can try disabling them temporarily and then start downloading the ISO file. Once done, reactivate them in your browser.

Please share this article to help others who can't download the Windows 11 ISO file.

The bottom line?

The above are some possible solutions to fix the issue of unable to download Windows 11 ISO. If you can't download Windows 11 ISO on your computer, you can try these solutions to fix the problem. After that, you can create a bootable Windows 11 drive and use it to install the new OS on your PC. If you need such a tool to burn ISO to USB and make a bootable USB, don't miss AOMEI Partition Assistant.

Frequently Asked Questions About Unable to Download Windows 11 ISO File

You might have already resolved the issue and downloaded the Windows 11 ISO file onto a USB. In case you're interested, here are some additional questions that might be of help:

**1. Which is simpler: creating a Windows 11 installation media or downloading the Windows 11 ISO image?** Creating Windows 11 installation media typically involves using Microsoft's official tool, the Media Creation Tool, which guides you through the process of creating a USB bootable drive or generating an ISO file. Downloading the Windows 11 ISO image directly from the Microsoft website involves obtaining the file and then burning it to a DVD or writing it to a USB drive yourself. Both methods are relatively user-friendly, depending on your needs and device. If you have a spare USB drive and your computer supports booting from USB, using the Media Creation Tool might be more convenient, as it handles all the steps automatically. If you need to save the ISO file for future use or plan to install it on multiple computers, downloading the ISO file might be a better choice. Overall, for the average user, the Media Creation Tool might be more convenient due to its all-in-one solution. For users with some technical knowledge, downloading the ISO and handling the process as needed is also a straightforward option.

Both methods are different and have their own advantages and disadvantages. Creating the Windows 11 installation media is suitable for users who plan to reinstall or perform a clean install of Windows 11 on a new/old computer. Downloading the ISO file is more appropriate for those who want to create a bootable installation media (USB or DVD) or wish to create a virtual machine (using the .ISO file) to install Windows 11.

**2. Why can't I download the Windows 11 ISO file?**

You should check your VPN settings, disk space errors, USB file system, and so on. For instance, the Windows 11 ISO file needs to be formatted to NTFS and the USB drive should have more than 8 GB of free space. Additionally,VPNs or other antivirus software might also cause the failure of downloading the Windows 11 ISO file.

3. How can I download Windows 11 from an ISO file?

Right-click the Windows 11 ISO file and select “Mount.” This will create a “virtual” bootable disc. Double-click the disc to view its contents, then double-click setup.exe to begin installing Windows 11.