Upgrade from w10 to w11

dave hyslop 0 Reputation points
2026-11-08T22:17:52.5466667+00:00

what steps do I have to do to upgrade my desktop from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update
0 comments

3 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-11-08T22:18:07.2+00:00

    To upgrade a desktop from Windows 10 to Windows 11:

    1. Check that the PC is eligible.
      • The device must be running a currently supported version of Windows 10.
      • The device must meet the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11.
      • A quick way to verify this is to run the PC Health Check app.
    2. Back up important files before starting.
      • The upgrade is designed to keep files and apps, but backing up important data before a major OS upgrade is recommended.
    3. Try the recommended method first: Windows Update.
      • Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
      • Select Check for updates.
      • If Windows 11 is ready for the PC, a message appears showing that Windows 11 is ready.
      • Select Download and install.
      • In the license window, select Accept and install.
      • Wait for the download and installation to complete.
      • When prompted with Restart required, select Restart now.
      • The PC restarts several times, then shows the Windows sign-in screen when the upgrade is finished.
    4. If Windows 11 does not appear in Windows Update:
      • Install any available updates for the current Windows 10 version, restart, and check again.
      • If it still does not appear, use Windows 11 installation media.
    5. Upgrade using installation media if needed.
      • Create Windows 11 installation media on a USB flash drive.
      • Sign in to Windows on the PC.
      • Insert the USB drive.
      • If prompted, select Run setup.exe.
      • If no prompt appears, open File Explorer > This PC, find the Windows 11 installation media, and run setup.exe.
      • Follow the setup wizard to complete the upgrade.

    Notes:

    • Microsoft recommends waiting until Windows Update notifies that the upgrade is ready for the device.
    • If errors appear during upgrade or installation, use the Windows upgrade and installation error help article.
    • Support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025, and moving to Windows 11 is recommended.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

  2. CrazyKats 20,300 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-11-08T22:45:41.98+00:00

    Hi Dave,

    First run this to see if your PC is

    fully compatible for Windows 11.

    https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp

    If it is then use the MCT here to do an

    in place update: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Kapil Arya 38,716 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-11-09T12:27:41.6566667+00:00

    If you get This PC meets Windows 11 requirements with PC Health Check app, then you can use Windows 11 Installation Assistant which you can download from here:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

    Alternatively, you can try manual upgrade using ISO file. Follow these steps: 

    1. Download Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft website.
    2. Double click on it to mount it to a DVD drive.
    3. Then go to DVD drive, double click on setup.exe to proceed.
    4. Follow on-screen instructions to complete upgrade.

    Let us know if this helps!

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.