How To Upgrade From Windows 10 To Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Published on November 11, 2025

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Upgrading your operating system can feel daunting, but moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is a relatively straightforward process. This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough to ensure a smooth transition, allowing you to enjoy the latest features and improvements that Windows 11 offers.

Before you begin, it’s crucial to ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11. This includes checking your processor, RAM, storage, and graphics card. We’ll cover this, and the entire upgrade process, in detail below.

What Are The Steps To Upgrade From Windows 10 To Windows 11?

1. Check System Compatibility

Download and run the PC Health Check app: Microsoft provides a free tool to assess your computer’s compatibility. You can download it from the official Microsoft website.
Install the PC Health Check app: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.
Run the compatibility check: Open the app and click “Check now” to see if your PC meets the minimum requirements.
Review the results: If your PC passes, you’re good to go. If not, the app will specify which components need upgrading.

2. Back Up Your Important Files

Gather your important data: Identify all the files, documents, photos, and other data you want to preserve.
Choose a backup method: You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage (like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox), or a combination of both.
Copy your files: Copy all your important files to your chosen backup location.
Verify the backup: Double-check that all files have been successfully copied to ensure you have a complete backup.

3. Prepare For The Upgrade

Ensure your Windows 10 is activated: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation to check your activation status.
Update Windows 10 to the latest version: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any available updates.
Close all open applications: Before starting the upgrade, close all running programs to prevent conflicts.
Disconnect unnecessary peripherals: Disconnect any non-essential devices, such as printers and external drives (except for your backup drive, if applicable).

4. Initiate The Windows 11 Upgrade

Go to Windows Update settings: Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Check for updates: Click the “Check for updates” button.
Look for the Windows 11 upgrade option: If your system is compatible, you should see an option to upgrade to Windows 11.
Click “Download and install”: Start the upgrade process by clicking this button.

5. Follow The On-Screen Instructions

Accept the license agreement: Read and accept the terms and conditions.
Choose what to keep: You’ll be prompted to choose what to keep (settings, personal files, and apps, or just personal files).
Wait for the installation to complete: The installation process may take some time, and your computer will restart several times.
Do not interrupt the process: Ensure your computer remains powered on and connected to the internet throughout the installation.

6. Configure Windows 11 After The Upgrade

Sign in to your Microsoft account: After the installation, sign in with your Microsoft account.
Review privacy settings: Adjust your privacy settings to your preferences.
Install any missing drivers: Check Device Manager for any devices with missing drivers and install them.
Restore your files (if necessary): If you chose to keep only personal files, restore your applications and settings from your backup.

Tips For A Smooth Upgrade

Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable and reliable internet connection throughout the upgrade process.
Allocate sufficient time: The upgrade can take a couple of hours, so plan accordingly.
Read all prompts carefully: Pay attention to the on-screen instructions and prompts to avoid any errors.
Consult Microsoft’s support resources: If you encounter any issues, refer to Microsoft’s official support documentation or community forums.

Windows 10 vs Windows 11: Key Differences

Feature	Windows 10	Windows 11
User Interface	Traditional Start Menu and Taskbar	Redesigned Start Menu and Taskbar
Gaming	DirectX 12 support	DirectX 12 Ultimate, DirectStorage
Android Apps	Requires third-party emulators	Native Android app support via Amazon Appstore
Security	Regular security updates	Enhanced security features like TPM 2.0
Multitasking	Snap Assist	Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, Desktops

Enjoying Your Upgraded System

Successfully upgrading to Windows 11 opens the door to a more modern and feature-rich computing experience. Take some time to explore the new interface, enhanced security features, and improved performance.

FAQ

Will upgrading to Windows 11 delete my files? No, if you choose the option to keep your personal files and apps during the upgrade, your files will not be deleted. However, it’s always recommended to back up your data before any major system upgrade.

How long does it take to upgrade to Windows 11? The upgrade process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your system’s hardware and internet speed.

What are the minimum system requirements for Windows 11? The minimum requirements include a 1 GHz or faster processor with 2 or more cores, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI, Secure Boot capable system firmware, and a TPM 2.0 module.

Can I revert back to Windows 10 after upgrading? Yes, you can revert back to Windows 10 within the first 10 days after upgrading. After that, you’ll need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10.

Is Windows 11 a free upgrade? Yes, Windows 11 is a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 users.

A Fresh Start With Windows 11

By following these steps, you can confidently upgrade to Windows 11 and experience the latest that Microsoft has to offer.