How to Upgrade to Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

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    If your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements, the easiest way to upgrade to Windows 11 is through Windows Update. If Windows Update doesn’t offer it yet, or your PC is close to the requirements, you can use Microsoft’s Installation Assistant or build bootable installation media instead. This guide walks you through each method and what to check first.

    Quick steps

    1. Go to Settings > Windows Update on your Windows 10 PC.
    2. Select Check for updates.
    3. If your device is eligible, you’ll see an option to download and install Windows 11. Select it and follow the prompts.
    4. Restart when asked to finish the upgrade.

    Before you start

    Before you upgrade, it’s worth doing a few quick checks so the process goes smoothly.

    • Check your hardware meets the requirements. Windows 11 needs a compatible 64-bit processor (1 GHz or faster with two or more cores), 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, TPM version 2.0, a graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 (or later) with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and a display larger than 9 inches with HD resolution.
    • Back up your files. An upgrade shouldn’t remove your personal files, but it’s good practice to back up anything important first, especially if you store files with OneDrive. If you’re not sure how OneDrive syncing works, see our guide on how to activate OneDrive AutoSave.
    • Make sure you’re running a genuine, activated copy of Windows 10. You’ll need an active internet connection, and for Windows 11 Home, a Microsoft account and internet connection are required to complete device setup.
    • Free up disk space if your drive is nearly full, since the installer needs working room beyond the minimum storage requirement.
    • Plug in your laptop and make sure it has a stable internet connection before you start, since an upgrade can take a while and you don’t want it interrupted.

    This is the simplest route for most people and applies to Windows 10 PCs that already meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements.

    1. Select the Start button, then open Settings.
    2. Go to Update & Security (or Windows Update, depending on your Windows 10 version).
    3. Select Check for updates.
    4. If your PC is eligible, you’ll see a message that Windows 11 is ready to install. Select Download and install.
    5. Review the terms, then continue through the setup prompts.
    6. Restart your PC when prompted. The upgrade will finish setting up on the next boot, and your apps, files, and most settings will carry over.

    If Windows Update doesn’t show Windows 11 as available, it usually means your device isn’t yet in the rollout group, or it doesn’t currently meet the requirements. Microsoft rolls Windows 11 out in phases, so it’s normal for it not to appear immediately even on eligible hardware.

    Upgrade using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

    If Windows Update hasn’t offered the upgrade yet but your PC does meet the requirements, you can use Microsoft’s Installation Assistant tool to upgrade directly.

    1. On your Windows 10 PC, go to the official Windows 11 download page on Microsoft’s site.
    2. Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
    3. Run the downloaded file and accept the license terms.
    4. The tool will check your device’s compatibility, then begin downloading Windows 11.
    5. Once the download finishes, follow the on-screen instructions to install.
    6. Restart your PC when prompted to complete the upgrade.

    This method is useful when you want to upgrade now rather than wait for Windows Update to offer it to your device automatically.

    Upgrade using installation media (USB drive or ISO)

    This option is handy for a clean install, for upgrading a PC without reliable internet access during setup, or for setting up multiple machines.

    1. On a PC with internet access, go to Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page and choose the option to create installation media.
    2. Download the media creation tool and run it.
    3. Choose whether to create a bootable USB drive or download an ISO file. You’ll need a USB flash drive with enough free space if you choose that option.
    4. Once the media is created, insert the USB drive (or mount the ISO) on the PC you want to upgrade.
    5. Run setup.exe from the drive to start an in-place upgrade while keeping your files and apps, or boot from the USB drive for a clean install.
    6. Follow the setup prompts, and restart when the installation finishes.

    If you’re managing updates across many devices in an organization rather than a single PC, that’s a different process involving tools like Windows Autopilot or update management through Windows Server Update Services, which falls outside a simple one-device upgrade.

    If it doesn’t work

    Windows Update says your PC doesn’t meet requirements

    Double-check your processor, TPM, and Secure Boot status. Many PCs have TPM 2.0 built in but it’s turned off in the BIOS/UEFI firmware by default. You may be able to enable it from your firmware settings, though the exact menu varies by manufacturer.

    The upgrade option isn’t showing up yet

    Windows 11 rolls out gradually, so an eligible PC may not see the offer immediately. If you don’t want to wait, use the Installation Assistant or installation media methods above instead of Windows Update.

    Download or installation fails partway through

    Free up disk space, make sure your internet connection is stable, and try again. Restarting your PC before retrying can also clear temporary issues with the download.

    Apps or settings behave differently after upgrading

    Some background apps, like Microsoft Teams or OneDrive, may change their startup behavior after a major upgrade. If Teams is launching automatically when you don’t want it to, see our guide on how to stop Teams loading up after logging in. If you want to adjust or remove OneDrive syncing after the upgrade, check our guides on how to disable OneDrive on Windows or how to remove OneDrive from your PC.

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I upgrade to Windows 11 for free?

    If your Windows 10 PC meets the minimum hardware requirements and is running a genuine, activated copy of Windows, the upgrade to Windows 11 is offered at no extra cost through Windows Update. Go to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates to see if it’s available for your device.

    Can I upgrade to Windows 11 if my PC doesn’t meet the requirements?

    Microsoft designs the upgrade path around devices that meet the minimum requirements, particularly the TPM 2.0 and processor compatibility checks. If your PC falls short, the safest option is to check your firmware settings for TPM and Secure Boot, since these are sometimes available but disabled by default.

    Will I lose my files when I upgrade to Windows 11?

    An upgrade is designed to keep your personal files, apps, and most settings in place. Even so, it’s good practice to back up anything important before starting any major OS upgrade, just in case something goes wrong during setup.

    How long does it take to upgrade to Windows 11?

    The time varies depending on your internet speed, PC performance, and how much data needs to be installed and restarted. It can range from under an hour to a couple of hours, so it’s best to start when you don’t need the PC right away.

    Do I need a Microsoft account to upgrade to Windows 11?

    For Windows 11 Home, you need internet access and a Microsoft account to complete device setup. Other editions may offer more flexibility depending on how the device is configured.

    Sources

    Updated on November 8, 2026
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