[Article] How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Question

📌 Note: This article was originally created by Andre da Costa on Answers Support Community. It provided meaningful insights and proved helpful to many. We're recreating it here on their behalf to preserve its value and ensure continued access for others.

Users running Windows 10 can upgrade to Windows 11 multiple ways. Before you upgrade though, you might need to first ensure your system is compatible. Microsoft has made that easy by providing information from within the Windows Settings app in the Windows Update section. You can also download and install a dedicated tool to check your systems compatibility. Systems that meet the minimum requirements include Intel 7th generation or later, support for Secure Boot and the Trusted Platform Module 2.0. This article covers the most common ways you can upgrade if your system is ready.

This is an evolving article based on how Windows 11 is currently distributed to early adopters. Windows 11 is primarily targeted to compatible Windows 10 devices and is available as an early download through Windows Update. Enthusiast interested in trying the next version of Windows will need to be enrolled into the Windows Insider Program.

Just in case though, always create a backup in case the new version might not work or makes your system unstable. At least you will be able to gracefully restore it if recovery methods such as Rollback does not work. 

Launch the Settings app (Start > Settings), then click on Windows Update:

Normally, Windows Update will check for new updates, if it doesn't find any, click on Check for updates. 

Microsoft will determine over time if your system is compatible. In the case of my system, it was pretty quick, but Windows 11 was not actually offered immediately for download. If you want to immediately upgrade by doing so manually, you can use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

Start by visiting the following link Download Windows 11 (microsoft.com), scroll down then click Download Now

Launch the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from your downloads

Accept the End User License Agreement

The Windows 11 Assistant will go through several steps, after downloading the install files, you will be prompted to restart then complete the upgrade.

Upgrade using Windows Update

If you are offered the option to download through Windows Update, the upgrade download like a normal Windows Update.

The process can take some time, so be patient as it downloads and installs. 

When the download and installation is complete, you might be prompted to choose how you want to finish the installation. You can delay the installation or pick a suitable time, or click Restart to complete it immediately. 

Installation will restart a couple times, if you are on the most recent builds, the installation should be very fast. When complete, Windows will go through its configuration phase then boot to the desktop. 

When you upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, unlike previous versions, much of the configuration work is performed here. You won't see any OOBE screens.

You can start checking out whats new in the latest build. 

These steps might not go as planned, so expect hiccups which can include a GSOD (Green error screen). If you are able to recover your system from this, it might be a wise sign to delay the installation until another build is released or try another means of testing such as a virtual machine.