What optical drive is compatible with Windows 11?

Verano_Packs

Hi Everyone,

I am preparing for a first time PC build & ran across the slight issue of what optical drive is compatible with Windows 11. Usually in my search everything is compatible with Windows 10 but not 11, would anyone know if in theory, I would to purchase an ASUS optical drive, would one just need to install a driver for windows 11? or would it simply read the DVD on to the new PC I am attempting to do a clean install on? I have heard of the USB way but sadly do not anyone that has a spare laptop with DVD reader laying around to create a copy for me on a USB. Any answers will kindly help.

Ian

Greetings. Are you referring to an internal or external DVD drive? Typically DVD drives are plug and play and will use generic Windows drivers if there is not a brand/model specific Windows 11 driver.

xWiNiMx

Are you asking if the Asus optical drive will be able to read a Windows 11 install/repair disk for a clean install? If so, yep, what Ian said. Also, unless it is the repair disc that you create via Windows 7 Backup and Recovery, you can download the Windows Media Creation Tool or the ISO for 11 and create an install usb that way. You can find both and an additional “installation assistant” here:

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

Another way you could clean install 11 on your new setup is to use DISM to apply the image. Instructions for that method can be found here:

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/84331-apply-windows-image-using-dism-instead-clean-install.html