how to upgrade windows 10 to windows 11

How to Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 – Step-by-Step Guide

If your computer is still running Windows 10 and you are planning to move to Windows 11, the first step is to check whether the PC is officially eligible. Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, including a supported processor, at least 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI with Secure Boot capability, and TPM 2.0.

There is one important point to know before starting: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. A Windows 10 PC can continue to work after that date, but normal security updates and technical support are no longer provided unless the device is covered by an applicable Extended Security Updates program. If your PC supports Windows 11, upgrading is the straightforward way to move to a currently supported Windows version.

This guide walks you through compatibility checks, backup and preparation, the official upgrade methods, what happens during installation, common problems, rollback, and the checks worth doing after Windows 11 is installed.

Quick Answer: How to Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11

For a compatible PC, the simplest approach is usually Windows Update. If Windows 11 is not offered there, Microsoft’s official installation tools provide other options.

  1. Check the PC’s Windows 11 compatibility.
  2. Back up important documents, photos, downloads, and other personal files.
  3. Install pending Windows 10 updates.
  4. Connect the laptop to power if you are using a laptop.
  5. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  6. Check for updates and look for the Windows 11 upgrade offer.
  7. Follow the instructions shown by Windows.
  8. After installation, check Windows Update, drivers, applications, and your personal files.

If the upgrade is not offered through Windows Update, first confirm eligibility rather than immediately changing BIOS settings or using unofficial installation files.

Windows 10 Support Has Ended – What That Means

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. The operating system does not suddenly stop working on that date. However, ordinary Windows 10 installations no longer receive Microsoft’s regular security updates, feature updates, or technical support. Microsoft points eligible users toward Windows 11 and offers an Extended Security Updates path for some users who need additional time.

If your Windows 10 computer is compatible with Windows 11, this makes the upgrade more relevant than it was before Windows 10 reached end of support. If the PC is not compatible, do not bypass the requirements blindly. Check Microsoft’s current options for that particular device.

Windows 11 Minimum Requirements

Microsoft’s current Windows 11 requirements include the following:

Requirement Windows 11 minimum
Processor 1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, 64-bit compatible processor on Microsoft’s supported CPU list
RAM 4 GB
Storage 64 GB or larger
System firmware UEFI and Secure Boot capable
TPM TPM 2.0
Graphics DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
Display High-definition display greater than 9 inches diagonally, 720p or higher
Internet and account Internet connection and Microsoft account are required during initial setup for Windows 11 Home and Windows 11 Pro for personal use

Meeting the RAM and storage numbers alone is not enough. The processor, TPM, firmware, Secure Boot capability, and other requirements also matter.

How to Check if Your PC Can Run Windows 11

Method 1: Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check

PC Health Check is the easiest way for many home users to check upgrade eligibility.

  1. Download PC Health Check from Microsoft’s official website.
  2. Install and open the application.
  3. Find the Windows 11 compatibility section.
  4. Run the compatibility check.
  5. Read the result and note any requirement that is not satisfied.

If the tool reports an unsupported processor or another hardware limitation, do not assume that changing one BIOS option will make the PC fully supported.

Method 2: Check Windows Update

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to Update & Security.
  3. Open Windows Update.
  4. Select Check for updates.

Windows Update can assess whether the device is eligible for the upgrade. An eligible PC may not necessarily receive the offer at exactly the same time as another compatible PC, so use Microsoft’s current guidance if the offer is not immediately visible.

Method 3: Check TPM 2.0

Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. If Windows detects a security processor, check the specification version. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0.

Some computers have compatible TPM hardware that is disabled in firmware. If you need to change that setting, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your exact motherboard or PC model.

Method 4: Check Secure Boot and UEFI

  1. Press Windows + R.
  2. Type msinfo32 and press Enter.
  3. Look for BIOS Mode.
  4. Check Secure Boot State.

Windows 11 requires a UEFI system that is Secure Boot capable. If your PC is using legacy BIOS mode, do not switch firmware settings without first checking your manufacturer’s instructions and making sure the current Windows installation can boot after the change.

What to Do Before Upgrading

1. Back Up Important Files

An in-place upgrade is designed to preserve personal files and applications when the appropriate option is selected, but a backup is still essential. Operating-system upgrades involve many changes, and hardware or installation problems can occur.

Back up important:

  • Documents and work files
  • Photos and videos
  • Desktop files
  • Downloads you still need
  • School or project folders
  • Browser data that is not synchronized
  • Application-specific data

An external drive or trusted cloud storage can be used. Open a few backed-up files before starting the upgrade so you know the backup is actually usable.

2. Install Pending Windows 10 Updates

Before starting the Windows 11 upgrade, install available Windows 10 updates and restart the PC if requested. A fully updated existing installation can make troubleshooting easier if something goes wrong.

3. Check Free Storage

Windows 11 requires a 64 GB or larger storage device, but that does not mean every PC with 64 GB will have enough free space for a comfortable upgrade. Check the amount of free space on the system drive before starting.

Remove files you no longer need, empty the Recycle Bin, uninstall unused applications, or move large personal files to another storage location. Do not delete folders you do not recognize simply to create space.

4. Check Drivers and Manufacturer Updates

For important hardware such as graphics, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, chipset, and storage controllers, check the support page for your computer or motherboard manufacturer. Install a driver or firmware update only when it applies to your exact model.

A BIOS or UEFI update should not be treated like an ordinary driver update. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and do not interrupt firmware updates.

5. Disconnect Unnecessary Accessories

Before the upgrade, disconnect USB drives, card readers, external storage, printers, docks, and other accessories that are not needed. Keep the keyboard, mouse, network connection, and laptop power adapter connected as appropriate.

This is not a mandatory step for every PC, but it can make troubleshooting easier if the installer reports a hardware or driver problem.

6. Connect a Laptop to Power

If you are upgrading a laptop, connect its charger before starting. Avoid beginning a major operating-system installation with a low battery.

7. Create a Recovery Option

Windows recovery features can be useful if a problem appears later. You can also create a restore point before making significant system changes, although a restore point is not a substitute for a personal-file backup.

Which Windows 11 Upgrade Method Should You Use?

Method Useful when Typical approach
Windows Update Your eligible PC is offered Windows 11 In-place upgrade
Installation Assistant You need Microsoft’s guided upgrade tool In-place upgrade
Installation Media You need a USB installer or want reusable media Upgrade or installation depending on how it is used
ISO You want to mount an official ISO and start setup from Windows In-place upgrade when the keep-files option is selected
Clean installation You intentionally want a fresh Windows installation Reinstall; backup required

For a normal home-user upgrade, start with Windows Update. Use Microsoft’s official download pages for any other installation method.

Method 1: Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 Through Windows Update

This is the most straightforward route when Microsoft offers the upgrade to your PC.

  1. Save your work and close unnecessary applications.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Select Update & Security.
  4. Open Windows Update.
  5. Select Check for updates.
  6. If Windows 11 is offered, review the information shown on screen.
  7. Select the option to download and install the upgrade.
  8. Keep the computer connected to power and avoid switching it off while installation is running.
  9. Allow the PC to restart as required.
  10. Sign in after the installation finishes.

Windows may restart several times. The screen can remain on a particular percentage for a while, especially on slower hardware. Avoid forcing a shutdown unless Windows has clearly stopped responding and Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance tells you what to do next.

Method 2: Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

If your PC is eligible and you need another official upgrade route, Microsoft’s Windows 11 Installation Assistant can guide the installation.

  1. Open Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page.
  2. Download the current Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
  3. Run the tool and allow it to check the device.
  4. Follow the license and installation instructions shown by Microsoft.
  5. Keep the computer connected to power and allow the process to finish.

Download the assistant only from Microsoft. Avoid third-party “Windows 11 upgrade” programs that promise to bypass requirements or modify the installation.

Method 3: Use Windows 11 Installation Media

Installation media is useful when you want a bootable USB drive or need installation files that can be reused.

  1. Open Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page.
  2. Use the current Microsoft tool to create installation media.
  3. Prepare a suitable USB drive and follow the tool’s instructions.
  4. Allow the tool to download Windows 11 and create the USB installer.

If your goal is to upgrade the existing Windows installation while keeping your files and applications, start Setup.exe from the USB while you are already signed in to Windows. Carefully review the screen that asks what you want to keep before continuing.

Method 4: Upgrade Using the Official Windows 11 ISO

An official ISO can be useful when you want to keep an installation file or prefer to start setup manually.

  1. Download the current Windows 11 ISO directly from Microsoft.
  2. Right-click the ISO and choose Mount.
  3. Open the mounted drive.
  4. Run Setup.exe.
  5. Follow the setup instructions.
  6. When Windows asks what to keep, choose the appropriate option, such as Keep personal files and apps, if that is your intended upgrade path and the option is available.
  7. Review the final summary before selecting Install.

If the keep-files-and-apps option is not available, stop and investigate why before continuing. Do not assume that an installation will preserve your programs simply because you started Setup from Windows.

Method 5: Clean Install Windows 11

A clean installation is different from an ordinary upgrade. It is intended for situations where you deliberately want a fresh installation and have already prepared a complete backup.

Before a Clean Installation

  • Back up personal files.
  • Make sure you can reinstall your important applications.
  • Save license information where required.
  • Confirm you can sign in to the accounts you need.
  • Create official Windows 11 installation media.
  • Confirm the correct storage drive and partition before deleting anything.

When booting from installation media, Windows Setup provides several choices. A clean installation can remove existing partitions and data. Because this is destructive, do not delete or format a partition unless you have confirmed that it is the correct drive and your backup is complete.

Related Windows 11 Troubleshooting Guides

If you run into problems after upgrading to Windows 11, these troubleshooting guides may help: