If you’re planning to install Windows 11, you should make sure you download it from official sources.
This is because, people who are using pirated or fake methods to get Windows 11 are also downloading malware along with it, according to Kaspersky.
The particular file referenced is called 86307_windows 11 build 21996.1 x64 + activator.exe.
While it sounds like it includes Windows 11 build 21996.1 and an installer that will automatically activate Windows for you, there are some red flags.
First, it’s only 1.75GB, so while people might think that’s a large file that could be Windows, a real Windows 11 ISO is about 4.87GB.
Next, Windows 11 ISO’s are pretty direct installs, but this crap has a secondary installer that calls itself a download manager. If you accept the nonsense agreement that’s included, you get a bunch of adware and malware.
There are other examples of malware, but the point is clear. Be careful.
If you want to get a look at Windows 11, you’re better off getting a version from the Windows Insider Preview program and, even then, running THAT on a VM.
Check out our Windows 11 install page, where we show you how to install Windows 11 on the following platforms:
- Windows 11 Insider Preview
- Hyper-V
- VMware
- Parallels
- Bootcamp
- Virtualbox
If you really want an official Windows 11 ISO, just wait for a little while and Microsoft will make them available. If your PC isn’t supported, keep in mind that Windows 10 is still supported until late 2025.
Be careful.
Also, let us know what you think about Windows 11 here.
