How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11: Complete Guide

## How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. If you have not upgraded yet, now is the time. This guide covers everything from checking compatibility to performing the upgrade while keeping all your files and applications. ## Step 1: Check Compatibility Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10: | Requirement | Minimum | |---|---| | Processor | 1 GHz, 2+ cores, 64-bit | | RAM | 4 GB | | Storage | 64 GB | | TPM | Version 2.0 | | Secure Boot | UEFI capable | | Display | 720p, 9" diagonal | | Graphics | DirectX 12 with WDDM 2.0 | ### How to Check TPM 2.0 1. Press `Windows + R` 2. Type `tpm.msc` and press Enter 3. Look for "TPM Manufacturer Information" — version should be 2.0 ### Use Microsoft PC Health Check Download the [PC Health Check app](https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11) from Microsoft. It scans your hardware and reports compatibility issues. For a deeper dive on requirements, see our [Windows 11 System Requirements](/en/blog/windows-11-system-requirements-complete-checklist) guide. ## Step 2: Prepare Your PC Before upgrading: 1. **Back up important files** — Use an external drive or cloud storage 2. **Free up disk space** — You need at least 20 GB free (64 GB total on the drive) 3. **Update Windows 10** — Install all pending updates via Settings > Update & Security 4. **Update drivers** — Especially graphics, chipset, and storage drivers 5. **Note your product key** — Run `wmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey` in Command Prompt 6. **Uninstall incompatible software** — Old antivirus or system utilities can interfere ## Step 3: Choose Your Upgrade Method ### Method A: Windows Update (Simplest) 1. Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update** 2. If eligible, you will see "Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready" 3. Click **Download and install** 4. Your PC will restart several times 5. All files, apps, and settings are preserved ### Method B: Installation Assistant If Windows Update does not show the upgrade: 1. Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft 2. Run the tool and accept the license terms 3. The assistant downloads Windows 11 and starts the upgrade 4. Follow on-screen prompts ### Method C: Media Creation Tool For more control: 1. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool 2. Create a bootable USB drive (8 GB minimum) 3. Run setup.exe from the USB while in Windows 10 4. Choose **Keep personal files and apps** when prompted 5. Follow the installation wizard ### Method D: Clean Install For a fresh start (most reliable but requires reinstalling apps): 1. Create a bootable USB with the Media Creation Tool 2. Boot from USB (press F12/DEL during startup) 3. Choose **Custom: Install Windows only** 4. Format the target drive and install 5. Set up Windows 11 from scratch ## Step 4: Activate Windows 11 After upgrading: - **From genuine Windows 10**: Your digital license transfers automatically. No key needed. - **Clean install**: Enter your Windows 10 key during setup — most Windows 10 keys activate Windows 11. - **New license needed**: Purchase a [Windows 11 Pro key](/en/products/windows-11-professional-2) or [Windows 11 Home key](/en/products/microsoft-windows-11-home) from Distivo. See our detailed [Windows 11 activation guide](/en/blog/how-to-activate-windows-11-guide) for troubleshooting. ## Step 5: Post-Upgrade Checklist After Windows 11 is running: - [ ] Verify activation: Settings > System > Activation - [ ] Run Windows Update to get latest patches - [ ] Update all drivers (Device Manager or manufacturer website) - [ ] Verify all applications work correctly - [ ] Restore any backed-up files - [ ] Configure new Windows 11 features (Snap Layouts, Widgets, etc.) - [ ] Set default apps if they were reset ## What If My PC Is Not Compatible? If your hardware lacks TPM 2.0 or other requirements: 1. **Check BIOS settings** — TPM might be disabled. Look for "Intel PTT" or "AMD fTPM" 2. **Upgrade hardware** — A TPM module costs €15–30 for desktop motherboards 3. **Stay on Windows 10** — Extended Security Updates will be available (paid) after October 2025 4. **Buy a new PC** — All PCs sold since 2022 support Windows 11 ## Upgrading from Home to Pro If you want to upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro simultaneously: 1. Upgrade to Windows 11 Home first 2. Then go to Settings > System > Activation > Upgrade your edition 3. Enter a [Windows 11 Pro key](/en/products/windows-11-professional-2) Or during the clean install, choose Windows 11 Pro and enter a Pro key. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Will I lose my files?** Not with an in-place upgrade (Methods A, B, C with "Keep files" selected). Only a clean install erases data. **How long does the upgrade take?** 30–60 minutes depending on your hardware and internet speed. **Can I go back to Windows 10?** Yes, within 10 days. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Go back.

How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11: Complete Guide

Verwandte Beiträge

Windows Activation Troubleshooting: Fix Every Error Code

How to Set Up Remote Desktop on Windows Server: Complete Guide

How to Transfer a Windows License to a New PC: Complete Guide

How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11: Complete Guide

Verwandte Beiträge

Windows Activation Troubleshooting: Fix Every Error Code

How to Set Up Remote Desktop on Windows Server: Complete Guide

How to Transfer a Windows License to a New PC: Complete Guide