Upgrades are different than updates in that they move your PC away from the previous Windows version, for example, Windows 10, to Windows 11. This FAQ provides answers to your questions on upgrading from Windows 10.
Windows Update ensures that your device has the latest updates and security enhancements for its current version. Windows Update: Frequently Asked Questions is the best place to find out more if you are looking for information about how to update your Windows device.
Click on any link below for answers to some questions that you may have regarding the Windows 11 upgrade. The information will be displayed.
Windows 11: All you will need
You should check your computer hardware first before installing Windows 11. Downloading and installing Windows 11 is not a high-risk activity, however, there is always a chance that something could go wrong. Back up important files before you proceed to Windows 11. Windows 11’s upgrade checklist will help ensure everything goes smoothly.
You should also be aware that Windows 11 Home, to run properly, will need a Microsoft-issued account. After upgrading to Windows 11 Pro with a Windows 10 Pro login, you will be able to use your local or, as Microsoft refers to it today, “offline”, account. It’s easiest to upgrade Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro by upgrading to Windows 10 Pro in the Microsoft Store before starting the upgrade. This route will cost you the full price. To save some cash check out our guide about how to get Windows on a budget (or possibly even free). If you have upgraded from Windows 10 Home and want to upgrade to Windows 11 Home afterward, then enter your Microsoft account.
Windows 11 has been released.
Windows 11 comes with a streamlined design. The new look features pastels, rounded edges, and an improved startup sound. Windows Start menu moved to the center screen from the bottom left. Next to that, app icons were arranged. The new desktop will include a variety of tools such as widgets to provide quick information and virtual desktop creation. Android apps are also integrated into Windows. They can be purchased from the Microsoft Store. You can learn more about the Windows 11 best features.
Microsoft is releasing the update as its first major operating system change since Windows 10’s launch in 2015. The rumors of a significant Windows redesign circulated for over a year. Satya Nadella told the Microsoft Build conference attendees on May 25, last year that Microsoft is planning to release “one [of] the most significant Windows upgrades of the past decade,” which confirmed a major update was coming for the OS’ 1.3 million users in 2021. Microsoft made a secret announcement in mid-June that the company would stop supporting Windows 10 by 2025. This was in response to leaked screenshots of Windows 11.
Before you begin
Windows 11 must meet the minimum requirements. The PC Health Check app is a great way to verify minimum system requirements if you are currently using Windows 10 on your device. Windows 11 is not recommended for devices that don’t meet system requirements. More information is available on Windows 11 installation on devices not meeting minimum system requirements.
Windows Update settings (recommended)
We recommend that you upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 only after you receive a notification through Windows Update. Windows 11 may be available for your computer by selecting Start > Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update.
Windows has a health hub where you can check for any known problems with your system.
Windows 11: Alternative ways of installing it (not recommended)
You can upgrade your software using Installation Assistant
You should wait for your device to be offered Windows 11 as an upgrade before using Installation Assistant. The Windows 11 software can be downloaded when you’re ready.
Create Windows 11 installation media
Windows 11 installation instructions are available on the Windows 11 Download Page. Select the Create tool and then follow the steps.
Installing the software is possible in two ways:
Install Windows 10 by opening Setup. The media will be upgraded by clicking on Setup in Windows 10.
a. Complete a Full Update, which retains personal files including drivers, Windows Settings, and apps. Installation Assistant is using this as the default.
b. Keep Data Only saves only your files and drivers (not apps, or Windows Settings).
Clean Install allows you to install Windows 11 with no trace of Windows 10. Visit Give Your Computer a fresh start for additional information.
Start Setup from your media. This will be a “clean install” and won’t retain any previous files or preferences. To learn more, visit Give your computer a fresh start.
Windows 11: Update in place or clean install?
Windows Update can be used to “incrementally” install Windows 11 on a computer that already has apps and documents. If you back up your old files, it’s safe. It’s important to backup your files before you upgrade. Windows 11 also allows you to “roll back”, to Windows 10 after a specified period (normally 10 days), if it is not for you.
Clean installs allow you to start fresh. This is typically what other installation options provide. Consider this option if you’re installing Windows 11. Cleaning up the installation will eliminate all bugs.
Cleaning up your PC means removing all documents, apps, and settings. This is where cloud computing comes in. It’s possible to easily copy your documents over if you store them on OneDrive. You will have to download the apps and game and update them. Be careful here, as saved games could not be located in the games folder but may instead have been stored in the documents directory.
Microsoft Media Creation Tool
Create Windows 11 Installation Media
Microsoft Media Creation Tool can be used to create an installation CD for a new OS. Not only can you update your PC with this method, but it also allows you to prepare the required media to upgrade other PCs.
The Create Windows 11 Installation Media button is located on the Download Windows 11 page. Run the downloaded MediaCreationTool.exe file, then accept the license terms, confirm your language, and select the edition of Windows you want to install. After that, you have the option to either copy or burn to disk an ISO file created from your installation files.
Copy ISO to USB or create an ISO file
Use a USB stick with a minimum of 8GB storage. After downloading the Windows 11 installer files, the tool copies these to the USB. Open the USB drive after this is completed and click on the file setup.exe. This will start the Windows 11 upgrade.