A category covering Microsoft's enterprise and professional Windows solutions
If the PC currently runs Windows 10, back up important files, confirm that the bank software supports Windows 11, and install the upgrade through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
1. Confirm compatibility and prepare
- Ask the bank or software provider whether its program supports Windows 11 and whether it requires a specific edition, such as Windows 11 Pro.
- Back up important files before upgrading. The normal upgrade keeps files and data, but Microsoft still recommends having a backup.^1^
- Search the taskbar for PC Health Check and open it. If it is not installed, download it from
https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp. - Under Windows 11 eligibility, select Check now. The app will report whether the PC meets Windows 11 requirements and identify any failed checks.^2^
If this is an organization-managed PC, contact its IT administrator instead of upgrading it yourself; eligibility and deployment can be controlled centrally.^3^
2. Upgrade through Windows Update
On Windows 10:
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- Install any available Windows 10 updates and restart if requested. Check again afterward.
- When Windows 11 is ready appears, select Download and install.
- Select Accept and install.
- When the status changes to Restart required, select Restart now.
- Allow the PC to restart several times. When the sign-in screen appears, sign in to finish the upgrade.^4^
An upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free, provided the PC meets the requirements.^1^
If Windows Update does not offer Windows 11
If PC Health Check says the PC is compatible, but Windows Update does not offer the upgrade:
- Microsoft recommends waiting because the PC might have a temporary compatibility safeguard.
- If Windows 11 is needed immediately, download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from the official Windows 11 download page linked in Microsoft’s installation guidance.
- Run it and select Accept and install.
- Select Restart now when prompted, then let installation complete.^4^
Do not bypass a reported hardware incompatibility. If the Installation Assistant says This PC doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements, Microsoft recommends not installing Windows 11 on that PC. A compatible replacement PC is the supported option.^4^
If the PC has no Windows installation
Use Windows 11 installation media only for a new or clean installation. This can erase applications, settings, and files, so back up everything first.
On another working Windows PC, use Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page to create bootable USB installation media. Start the target PC from that USB and complete Windows Setup. Installation media can also upgrade Windows 10 by running setup.exe from inside Windows; its default option is Keep personal files and apps.^4^
After installation, run Windows Update, install any manufacturer drivers, and then install and test the bank program.
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