Download the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft → Convert to QCOW2 yourself (most reliable for updates).

# Convert ISO to QCOW2 (create empty disk first)
qemu-img create -f qcow2 win11.qcow2 64G
If you want a clean, fully updated image periodically:
This is the most professional approach for Linux users. It creates a QCOW2 file and installs Windows 11 directly.
Step 1: Download Official ISO
Grab the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft (requires a free account or directly via curl).
Step 2: Create QCOW2 Disk
qemu-img create -f qcow2 windows11.qcow2 80G

Step 3: Install Windows 11 to QCOW2
Use virt-install with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot bypasses:
virt-install --name windows11 --ram 8192 --cpu host \
--disk path=/var/lib/libvirt/images/windows11.qcow2,format=qcow2 \
--cdrom /path/to/Win11.iso --os-variant win10 --graphics spice \
--features kvm_hidden=1 --boot uefi

After installation, you have a perfect, unique QCOW2 file.
For the best updated experience, we recommend creating your own QCOW2 from an official ISO. This ensures you have the latest Windows updates (moment 3, 4, etc.) pre-installed and zero risk of third-party tampering.
Windows updates create temporary files, old versions, and logs. In a QCOW2 image, even deleted files may still occupy space due to the copy-on-write nature.
While Microsoft provides official VMs, they are typically in VHD or VHDX format for Hyper-V. However, these are the safest files to convert.
If you want a single, updated QCOW2 file after major feature updates:
# Shut down the VM
sudo virsh shutdown win11
# Commit overlay to base
qemu-img commit windows11_current.qcow2

Now your base image includes all updates.