How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11
Keep your files, apps, and settings while getting Windows 11's modern features
Should You Upgrade to Windows 11?
Windows 10 support ends in October 2025, which means no more security updates after that date. If your PC meets Windows 11's requirements, upgrading is the smart move—you'll get a fresh interface, better performance, and continued security support for years to come.
The good news? Upgrading preserves your files, apps, and settings. It's not like starting from scratch.
Does Your PC Support Windows 11?
Before upgrading, your computer needs to meet these minimum requirements:
Processor
1 GHz or faster with 2+ cores on a compatible 64-bit processor
RAM
4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
Storage
64 GB or larger storage device
TPM
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics
DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display
HD display (720p) greater than 9" diagonal
How to Check Compatibility
- Download and run the PC Health Check app from Microsoft
- Click "Check now" to see if your PC meets requirements
- If compatible, you'll see "This PC meets Windows 11 requirements"
- If not compatible, the app will tell you exactly what's missing
Most PCs from 2018 or later have TPM 2.0—it might just be disabled in BIOS. Check your manufacturer's support page for how to enable it.
Before You Upgrade: Essential Preparation
A little preparation ensures a smooth upgrade experience:
Back Up Your Important Files
While upgrading preserves your data, having a backup is always smart. Use an external drive, OneDrive, or another cloud service.
Note Your Product Key (If Needed)
If you have a retail Windows 10 license, your digital license carries over automatically. For OEM licenses, the key is tied to your motherboard.
Free Up Disk Space
You'll need at least 20 GB of free space. Delete old files, empty your recycle bin, and run Disk Cleanup to clear temporary files.
Update Your Current Windows 10
Install all pending Windows 10 updates first. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and click "Check for updates."
Update Your Drivers
Especially graphics, chipset, and storage drivers. Visit your manufacturer's website or use Windows Update for driver updates.
Temporarily Disable Antivirus
Third-party antivirus can sometimes interfere with upgrades. Disable it temporarily (Windows Security can stay enabled).
3 Ways to Upgrade to Windows 11
Choose the method that works best for your situation:
Method 1: Windows Update (Easiest)
The simplest way—Microsoft pushes the upgrade to compatible PCs automatically.
- Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
- Click "Check for updates"
- If Windows 11 is available, you'll see "Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready"
- Click "Download and install"
- Accept the license terms
- Your PC will download, prepare, and restart to complete the upgrade
Don't see the upgrade? Microsoft rolls it out gradually. Try Method 2 or 3 instead.
- • Safest method
- • Fully automated
- • Preserves everything
- • Not always available immediately
- • Requires patience
Method 2: Installation Assistant (Recommended)
RecommendedForce the upgrade now without waiting for Windows Update. This is what we recommend for most users.
- Go to Microsoft's Windows 11 download page
- Download the "Windows 11 Installation Assistant"
- Run the downloaded file as Administrator
- Accept the license terms when prompted
- Click "Accept and Install"
- Wait for the download and installation (30-60 minutes typically)
- Click "Restart now" when prompted
Your PC may restart several times. Don't turn it off during the process.
- • Immediate upgrade
- • Simple process
- • Official Microsoft tool
- • Requires meeting all system requirements
Method 3: Media Creation Tool (Most Flexible)
Create installation media for upgrading this PC or others.
- Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's Windows 11 page
- Run the tool and accept the license terms
- Select "Upgrade this PC now" (or create USB media)
- Choose what to keep: apps, files, and settings; or files only; or nothing
- Click "Install" to begin the upgrade
- Wait for the process to complete (45-90 minutes)
This method also lets you create a bootable USB for clean installs on other PCs.
- • Most control over process
- • Can create installation media
- • Works offline after download
- • Slightly more steps
- • Larger download
What Happens During the Upgrade
Download
15-45 min
Windows 11 files download in the background
Preparation
10-20 min
System prepares for installation
Installation
20-45 min
Files are installed (PC restarts 2-3 times)
Configuration
5-15 min
Settings are configured, drivers installed
Important Tips
- Keep your laptop plugged in throughout the process
- Don't turn off your PC when you see "Working on updates"
- The screen may go black temporarily—this is normal
- Total time: 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on your hardware
After the Upgrade: First Steps
Verify Activation
Go to Settings → System → Activation. You should see "Windows is activated with a digital license."
Check for Updates
Go to Settings → Windows Update and install any available updates, including driver updates.
Verify Your Apps
Open your important apps to make sure everything transferred correctly. Most apps work fine, but some older software may need updates.
Explore the New Interface
The Start menu is centered now (you can move it left in Settings → Personalization → Taskbar). Take time to explore the new features.
Re-enable Antivirus
If you disabled your antivirus, turn it back on now.
Clean Up Old Windows Files
After a week of stable use, run Disk Cleanup and delete "Previous Windows installation(s)" to reclaim 10-20 GB.
Changed Your Mind? How to Roll Back
Windows keeps your old Windows 10 installation for 10 days. If you don't like Windows 11 or encounter problems:
- Go to Settings → System → Recovery
- Click "Go back" under "Previous version of Windows"
- Select a reason and click "Next"
- Click "No, thanks" when asked to check for updates
- Review the warnings and click "Go back to Windows 10"
After 10 days, the rollback option disappears. The old files are deleted to save space. If you need more time, you can extend this period using Command Prompt.
Troubleshooting Common Upgrade Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Need a Windows 11 License?
If you're building a new PC or need a fresh license, get genuine Windows 11 Pro keys at the best prices.
Get Windows 11 Pro Key