I forgot to upgrade from Windows 10 to 11.

If the hardware on your PC is Windows 11 compatible, then you can still upgrade from Windows 10 to 11, that is still a free upgrade.

1

Open the Settings App, go to the Windows updates section.

Are you offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 from there, if so, you can perform the upgrade form there.

2

If you are not offered the free upgrade, download the PC Health Check Tool and check if that indicates your hardware is Windows 11 compatible.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/how-to-use-the-pc-health-check-app-9c8abd9b-03ba-4e67-81ef-36f37caa7844

3

If that tool indicates your hardware is compatible and you are not offered the free upgrade in the Settings app, the most successful method to upgrade to Windows 11 is to use the Windows 11 ISO.

You will need at least 40GB of free space on your C drive for the upgrade.

Please ensure you download the ISO in the same language as you use for the Windows UI, follow the steps, this is then not like re-installing Windows, it is just like an update and your personal files, settings and installed software will not be affected.

Click this link:

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

to download the Windows 11 ISO

When the ISO file completes downloading

Disconnect from the Internet

Disconnect all external devices with the exception of a mouse or keyboard.

Temporarily disable any 3rd party Anti-virus you may have installed

Then, in Windows File Explorer, double click the ISO and then run Setup.exe and select the Install option.

At they start of the upgrade, you will be asked if you want to install other updates, you must select No.

Very Important - ensure you select the option to keep your files and apps.

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is still possible as long as the device meets the Windows 11 minimum system requirements.

To proceed safely:

1. Check if the PC is eligible for Windows 11:
   • Use the PC Health Check app to determine if the device can upgrade to Windows 11. Download it from: Download the PC Health Check app.
   • Alternatively, review the minimum hardware requirements here: Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements.
2. Back up important data:
   • Before upgrading, back up all important files. If files are already synced to OneDrive, additional backup steps might not be necessary. For help with OneDrive, see Upload and save files and folders to OneDrive.
3. Start the upgrade to Windows 11:
   • On Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
   • If the device meets the requirements, Windows Update will indicate that the Windows 11 upgrade is ready. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install.
   • For other installation methods (such as using installation media), see Ways to install Windows 11.
4. During the upgrade:
   • By default, files and data are kept when upgrading to Windows 11. However, having a backup is still recommended in case of unexpected issues.

If Windows Update does not offer Windows 11 and PC Health Check reports that the device does not meet the minimum requirements, the device cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 and should remain on the latest supported version of Windows 10 or move to a new Windows 11 PC.

References:

• Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ
• Windows 10 notification: "You're not receiving security updates"