Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for most eligible PCs, and the easiest way to do it is through Windows Update. You’ll just need a compatible device, a bit of free storage space, and a few minutes to let Windows download and install the new version.
Quick steps
- Go to Settings > Windows Update on your Windows 10 PC.
- Select Check for updates.
- If your PC is eligible, you’ll see an option to download and install Windows 11. Select it.
- Follow the on-screen prompts, restart when asked, and let the install finish.
Before you start
Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, and not every Windows 10 PC meets them. According to Microsoft’s official requirements, your device needs at least a 1 gigahertz or faster processor with two or more compatible cores on a 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot support, and a TPM version 2.0 chip. You’ll also need a graphics card that supports DirectX 12 or later with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and a display of at least 720p resolution and 9 inches diagonally.
A few other things to check before you start:
- Back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage just in case something goes wrong during the upgrade.
- Make sure your PC is plugged in (for laptops) and has a stable internet connection.
- Free up space if your drive is close to full. The upgrade needs room to download and install.
- Windows 11 Home editions require an internet connection and a Microsoft account to complete setup.
Upgrade using Windows Update (recommended)
This is the method Microsoft recommends for most people, since it checks your device automatically and only offers the upgrade if your PC qualifies.
- Open Settings on your Windows 10 PC.
- Select Update & Security, then Windows Update (on older builds) or go directly to Windows Update in newer Settings layouts.
- Select Check for updates.
- If your device is eligible, you’ll see a message that Windows 11 is ready to install, along with a Download and install button. Select it.
- Windows will download the files in the background. When it’s done, restart your PC to finish the installation.
- After the restart, Windows will walk you through final setup steps, including privacy settings and sign-in options.
If you don’t see the upgrade offer right away, that’s normal. Microsoft rolls Windows 11 out in phases, so your device may not have been offered the update yet even if it meets the requirements.
Upgrade using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
If Windows Update hasn’t offered you the upgrade yet but you’ve confirmed your PC meets the hardware requirements, you can use Microsoft’s Installation Assistant tool to upgrade directly.
- Go to Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page and download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
- Run the downloaded file and accept the license terms when prompted.
- The tool will check your PC’s compatibility before continuing.
- Select Accept and install to begin downloading Windows 11.
- Once the download finishes, the tool will install Windows 11 and prepare your PC to restart.
- Restart when prompted and let the installation complete. Your apps, files, and most settings should carry over.
Upgrade using installation media (USB or ISO)
This method is useful if you want to do a clean install, upgrade a PC without working internet during setup, or help multiple devices at once.
- Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page.
- Run the tool and accept the license terms.
- Choose whether to create installation media on a USB drive (8 GB or larger) or download an ISO file.
- Once the media is ready, run setup.exe from the USB drive or mounted ISO on the PC you want to upgrade.
- Follow the setup prompts. Choose to keep your personal files and apps if you want an in-place upgrade rather than a clean install.
- Let the installation finish and restart when prompted.
Check if your PC is eligible first
Before trying any upgrade method, it’s worth confirming your device actually meets the requirements, since attempting to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware can cause problems down the line.
- Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft’s official site.
- Install and open the app.
- Select Check now under the “Introducing Windows 11” section.
- Review the results. If your PC isn’t eligible, the app will usually tell you which requirement it’s failing, such as TPM or Secure Boot.
Many compatibility issues come down to TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot being disabled in the firmware rather than missing hardware entirely. If that’s the case, you may be able to enable these settings in your PC’s UEFI/BIOS menu rather than needing new hardware.
If it doesn’t work
Windows Update doesn’t show the Windows 11 offer
This usually means either your PC hasn’t been selected yet in Microsoft’s staged rollout, or it doesn’t currently meet one or more requirements. Run PC Health Check to confirm eligibility, and if your hardware qualifies, try checking again later or use the Installation Assistant instead.
PC Health Check says your device isn’t compatible
Check whether TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are enabled in your firmware settings, since these can often be turned on even if they were previously disabled. If your processor or other hardware genuinely doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, Windows 11 won’t be officially supported on that device.
Not enough storage space to install
Free up space by deleting temporary files, uninstalling apps you don’t use, or moving large files to an external drive or cloud storage. Windows 11 requires a minimum of 64 GB of storage, and you’ll want some extra headroom beyond that for the installation process itself.
The upgrade gets stuck or fails partway through
Restart your PC and try again, as temporary glitches during download or installation are common. Make sure your internet connection is stable and that your PC stays plugged in and doesn’t go to sleep during the process.
You want to go back to Windows 10
If you’ve recently upgraded, Windows typically keeps your previous version available for a limited rollback window. Check Settings for a recovery option to go back, but once that window closes, you’ll need a backup or reinstall to return to Windows 10.
Frequently asked questions
Is the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 free?
Yes, if your PC meets Windows 11’s hardware requirements, the upgrade from a genuine, activated copy of Windows 10 is free. You won’t need to buy a new license to upgrade an eligible device.
What happens to my files when I upgrade?
When you upgrade using Windows Update or the Installation Assistant and choose to keep your files and apps, your personal data and most installed programs carry over automatically. It’s still smart to back up important files beforehand just in case.
Why can’t I get the Windows 11 upgrade on my PC?
The most common reasons are that your device doesn’t meet the minimum hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot, or that Microsoft hasn’t yet offered the upgrade to your specific device as part of its phased rollout. Running the PC Health Check app will tell you exactly why.
What happens if I stay on Windows 10?
Windows 10 will continue to work on your PC, but Microsoft recommends upgrading eligible devices to Windows 11 for ongoing security and support. Microsoft also offers an Extended Security Updates program for a limited time for those who need extra time before upgrading or replacing their device.
Can I upgrade without losing my installed apps?
Yes, both the Windows Update method and the Installation Assistant are designed to keep your apps and files in place during an in-place upgrade. If you use installation media and choose a clean install instead, your apps won’t carry over.
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