Upgrading to Windows 11: Personal Computer
Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ
To view minimum requirements, visit the following link https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications?r=1 or Download Windows PC Health Check tool later in this article.
Applies To
This FAQ is intended to answer questions about upgrading a Windows device to Windows 11 from previous versions of Windows such as Windows 10.
To show an answer and more information for any of the following Windows 11 upgrade questions, select it:
What are the benefits of Windows 11 over Windows 10?
Can I upgrade to Windows 11 for free?
Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 are free.
Important:
The upgrade to Windows 11 is free from Microsoft. However, the Windows 11 upgrade download is large in size. Internet providers might charge fees for large downloads that occur over metered connections.
To upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements. Some Windows 10 features aren't available in Windows 11. For more information, see Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements.
When will Windows 11 be available for my current Windows 10 device?
Windows Update in Windows 10 analyzes and validates if a specific device meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Once this verification completes, Windows Update indicates that the Windows 11 upgrade is ready for installation.
To manually check if a device is eligible for Windows 11, download the PC Health Check app. For more information, see Can I upgrade to Windows 11?
Important: To upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements. Some Windows 10 features aren't available in Windows 11. For more information, see Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements.
Step 1: Check Compatibility
Before upgrading, confirm your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements.
Download Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool:
👉 PC Health Check
Run it and check if your device is eligible.
Minimum requirements include:
Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit CPU
RAM: 4 GB or more
Storage: 64 GB or more
TPM: Version 2.0
Secure Boot capable
Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible
Display: 720p or higher
🪟 Step 2: Back Up Your Data
Before upgrading:
Back up your important files (to OneDrive, an external drive, or cloud storage).
Ensure your device is plugged into power.
⚙️ Step 3: Get the Upgrade
You have a few options depending on your system:
Option 1: Windows Update (Recommended)
Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
If your PC is eligible, you’ll see “Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready”.
Click Download and install.
Option 2: Windows 11 Installation Assistant
If it doesn’t show up in Windows Update:
Visit Microsoft’s official page:
👉 Download Windows 11
Click Download now under Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
Run the tool and follow the prompts.
Option 3: Create Installation Media
If you want a fresh install:
On the same page, select Create Windows 11 Installation Media.
Use it to make a bootable USB drive.
🔄 Step 4: Complete the Installation
Once the upgrade starts:
The PC will restart several times.
Follow the on-screen setup prompts.
After installation, sign in with your Microsoft account.