Although Windows 11 is a free upgrade for existing devices running Windows 10, the hardware needs to meet the minimum requirements to continue with the installation process. In a nutshell, you need an Intel’s 8th Gen or newer, AMD Zen 2 or newer, or Qualcomm 7 and 8 Series processor. This is in addition to the requirements of TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot and a minimum of 64GB of storage. Microsoft supports multiple upgrade paths to the new version. If the computer meets the hardware requirements, you will receive a notification from Windows Update letting you know the upgrade is on the way. However, you can also use the Installation Assistant to perform an in-place upgrade. Or you can download the ISO file to upgrade using a USB flash drive. (The Media Creation Tool is only available to create a USB flash drive or ISO file. You can no longer use it do an in-place upgrade) In this guide, you will learn the steps to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 in four different ways. You can also upgrade the system using a clean installation in six different ways.
Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 using ISO file Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 using Windows Update Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 using Installation Assistant Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 using Insider Program
Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 using ISO file
To upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 with an ISO file, use these steps: If you want to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 11, click the Change what to keep option, select the Nothing option, click the Next button, and then click the Install button. Windows 11 setup update options Disable updates during installation Media Creation Tool settings After you complete the steps, the upgrade process will begin and the computer will restart several times. After the installation, you won’t need to go through the out-of-box experience (OOBE) to finish configuring Windows 11 because most of your previous settings, apps, and files will migrate automatically. (See also this video tutorial highlighting all the instructions in the Pureinfotech YouTube channel.)
Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 using Windows Update
After Windows 11 is officially available sometime in October 2021, you can update manually to the new version, similarly to installing a feature update on Windows 10 using Windows Update. To upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 manually through Windows Update, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will install on the computer. (See also this video tutorial with the steps to upgrade using Windows Update.) Windows 11 upgrade
Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 using Installation Assistant
Alternatively, you can also use the Installation Assistant to upgrade any version of Windows 10 to Windows 11 since the Media Creation Tool no longer offers the option to perform an in-place upgrade. (See also this video tutorial highlighting the steps to use the Installation Assistant tool to upgrade.) To upgrade to Windows 11 with the Installation Assistant, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the setup will continue upgrading your device to the new release of the operating system.
Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 using Insider Program
If you want to test Windows 11 before it becomes available, you can enroll the computer in the Dev or Beta Channel of the Windows Insider Program. The “Dev Channel” is for highly technical users since builds are rough and contain code that is still under heavy development. Typically, previews in this channel are not stable, you will come across errors and problems, and you may have to use workarounds to fix issues that may affect your experience. On the other hand, the “Beta Channel” is for anyone who wants to test upcoming features or needs to validate apps and deployments. The builds in this channel are stable, but you may still run into issues. Also, features included in this channel are expected to ship with the final version of Windows 11. To upgrade to the latest preview of Windows 11, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will download and begin upgrading the device to Windows 11. You can also remove the computer from the program from the “Windows Insider Program” settings page to prevent upgrading to a follow-up version by turning on the “Stop getting preview builds” toggle switch. Join the Windows Insider Program button Link an account option Windows 11 upgrade All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
