How to Upgrade to Windows 11
Method 1: Windows Update (Recommended)
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If available, you will see a banner: “Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready and it’s free!”
- Click Download and install.
- Your PC will restart multiple times during installation. Be patient.
Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures you stay protected, compliant, and enjoy improved features and performance.
Method 2: Windows Update (Manual)
- Visit the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page.
- Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
- Run the tool and follow on-screen instructions for upgrade.
Additional Tips
- Keep your device plugged in and connected to the internet during upgrade.
- Close all applications before starting installation.
- After upgrading, check for the latest updates in Windows Update to complete setup.
Method 3: Media Creation Tool (For USB/ISO)
Use this method if you need to create a bootable USB drive or an ISO file to install Windows 11 on multiple PCs or for a clean install.
- Go to the Microsoft Software Download page for Windows 11.
- Under “Create Windows 11 Installation Media,” click Download Now.
- Run the tool, accept the terms, select your language/edition, and choose either a USB drive (minimum 8 GB) or an ISO file.
- Once media is created, open the USB drive or mount the ISO file, then run setup.exe to begin the upgrade process.
Post-Upgrade
- The entire process, including multiple reboots, may take over an hour.
- Once you’re done, log in to your new Windows 11 desktop.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates again to ensure you have the latest drivers and patches.
Note on Downgrade
After upgrading, you have a 10-day window to easily revert back to Windows 10 while keeping your files and data intact. After 10 days, reverting to Windows 10 would require a manual backup and a “clean install.”