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How to download Windows 11 to PC with Windows 10

Cindy Reeder 0 Reputation points
2026-05-15T18:16:30.3733333+00:00

I just discovered my PC still has Windows 10 and need to upgrade to 11

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
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  1. John Jefferson Doyon 72,360 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-15T18:49:16.49+00:00

    Hi, I'm John! I will help you with this.

    You can upgrade to Windows 11 for free if your PC meets the system requirements.

    First, check if your PC is compatible. Go to:

    • Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Do you see an option for Windows 11 there?
    • If not, download and run the PC Health Check app from Microsoft to see what requirement is blocking the upgrade. Common reasons are TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or an unsupported processor.

    Also, what is your PC model or processor?

    You can press Windows key + R, type msinfo32 then share: System Model & Processor. That will help check if your device officially supports Windows 11.

    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-05-15T18:16:50.7766667+00:00

    To upgrade a Windows 10 PC to Windows 11, follow these steps.

    1. Confirm Windows 10 version and compatibility
    • The PC should be running Windows 10 version 2004 or later to upgrade directly via Windows Update.
    • Run the PC Health Check app to confirm the device meets Windows 11 requirements:
      • Download and install PC Health Check from aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp.
      • Open PC Health Check, in the Windows 11 section select Check now.
      • If the PC is compatible, it will show “This PC can run Windows 11.” If not, it will list what requirements are missing (for example TPM or Secure Boot, which might need to be enabled in BIOS).
    1. Back up important data
    • Although the upgrade is designed to keep files and apps, back up important documents, photos, and other data to an external drive or cloud storage.
    • Make sure product keys and app sign-in details are available in case reauthentication is needed.
    1. Recommended method: Windows Update
    2. On the Windows 10 PC, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    3. Select Check for updates.
    4. Install any pending Windows 10 updates and restart if required, then check for updates again.
    5. If the device is eligible, a banner appears offering Upgrade to Windows 11. Select Download and install.
    6. Accept the license terms when prompted (Accept and install).
    7. Windows Update will download and install the upgrade. Status will show progress.
    8. When prompted with Restart required / Pending restart, select Restart now to continue the upgrade. The PC will restart several times.
    9. After setup finishes and the sign-in screen appears, sign in to complete Windows 11 setup.
    10. Other ways to install Windows 11 (if Windows Update does not offer it) If Windows Update does not show the Windows 11 upgrade but the PC is compatible, use one of these methods:

    A. Windows 11 Installation Assistant

    • Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page.
    • Run it as administrator and follow the on-screen steps to download and install Windows 11.

    B. Installation media (ISO or USB)

    • Create Windows 11 installation media using Microsoft’s Create installation media for Windows tool.
    • After creating a USB or ISO:
      1. In Windows 10, sign in normally.
      2. Insert the USB or mount the ISO.
      3. Run setup.exe from the media.
      4. Follow the Windows 11 Setup wizard and choose to keep personal files and apps when prompted.
      5. Complete the installation; the PC will restart multiple times.
    1. If the PC is not eligible If PC Health Check shows the device is not eligible for Windows 11:
    • Consider a new PC with Windows 11 preinstalled, or
    • Stay on Windows 10 and use the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program if more time is needed before moving to Windows 11.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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