To upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. If your PC is eligible, you’ll see Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready—and it’s free! Select Download and install. Your files, apps, and most settings come with you.
The upgrade is free, but only on PCs that meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements. If you don’t see the offer, check your PC with Microsoft’s PC Health Check app, as shown below.
Applies to: Windows 10 PCs. Checked against Microsoft’s Windows 11 pages on September 24, 2026.
Check whether your PC can run Windows 11
Windows 11 needs:
- A compatible 64-bit processor, 1 GHz or faster, with 2 or more cores
- 4 GB of memory (RAM) and 64 GB or more of storage
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, and TPM 2.0
- A graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 and a display larger than 9 inches at 720p or better
- For Windows 11 Home, a Microsoft account and internet connection during setup
The easiest way to check is Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app. Install it, open it, and select Check now under Introducing Windows 11. It tells you whether your PC qualifies and, if not, which requirement it fails.
If PC Health Check says TPM or Secure Boot is off
Many PCs from 2018 or later have both features but ship with them turned off. To check what you have:
- Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter. If it shows Specification Version: 2.0, your TPM is ready. If it says no compatible TPM was found, it may be turned off in the firmware.
- Press Windows + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter. Check that BIOS Mode says UEFI and look at Secure Boot State.
To turn them on, restart into your PC’s UEFI settings (often by pressing F2, F10, F12, or Delete at startup). TPM may be called Intel PTT or AMD fTPM. Secure Boot is usually under a Boot or Security tab. Check your PC maker’s instructions first, and don’t change other settings you’re unsure about.
Before you upgrade
- Back up your files to OneDrive or an external drive. The upgrade keeps them, but a backup protects you if something goes wrong. If you use OneDrive, sign in to OneDrive on Windows 11 after the upgrade to see those files in File Explorer.
- Install Windows 10 updates that are waiting, and restart if asked.
- Plug in your laptop and allow an hour or more. The PC restarts several times.
- Free up space. The download needs several gigabytes. Microsoft’s Installation Assistant asks for at least 9 GB free.
Upgrade through Windows Update
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- When Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready—and it’s free! appears, select Download and install.
- Read and accept the license terms.
- Keep using the PC while Windows 11 downloads. When asked, save your work and select Restart now.
- After the final restart, sign in. Windows 11 finishes setting up your apps. Then check for Windows 11 updates to get the latest fixes.
Upgrade with the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
Use this if PC Health Check says your PC is eligible but Windows Update hasn’t offered the upgrade yet. It needs Windows 10 version 2004 or later, and it doesn’t work on Arm-based PCs. On a PC that still runs Windows 7, follow our guide to upgrading from Windows 7 instead.
- Go to Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page.
- Under Windows 11 Installation Assistant, select Download Now.
- Run the file and select Yes if Windows asks for permission.
- Select Accept and install, then follow the prompts.
- Select Restart now when it’s ready. The PC restarts several times.
Upgrade with a USB drive or ISO file
If Windows Update and the Installation Assistant don’t work, use Microsoft’s download page for Windows 11:
- ISO file: download the Windows 11 disk image, right-click it, and select Mount. Open the new drive and run setup.exe.
- USB drive: use the Media Creation Tool to make a bootable USB drive of 8 GB or more, open it in File Explorer, and run setup.exe.
When setup asks what to keep, choose Keep personal files and apps to upgrade in place.
If the upgrade fails
- Free up space. The upgrade needs plenty of room on the C drive. Delete temporary files with Disk Cleanup or move large files elsewhere.
- Unplug extra devices such as external drives, printers, and USB hubs, then try again.
- Uninstall third-party antivirus temporarily. Microsoft Defender protects you in the meantime.
- Note the error code that appears, such as 0x800f0922, and search Microsoft Support for it. Microsoft’s free SetupDiag tool can also read the setup logs and explain why the upgrade stopped.
If your PC doesn’t qualify
- TPM or Secure Boot is turned off: many PCs have both but ship with them off. They’re turned on in the PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings. Check your PC maker’s support site for your model before changing firmware settings.
- Unsupported processor: this can’t be fixed with a setting. Microsoft doesn’t recommend installing Windows 11 on PCs that don’t meet the requirements. Those PCs aren’t guaranteed updates, including security updates.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so a PC that stays on Windows 10 no longer gets security updates unless it’s enrolled in Extended Security Updates. See how to enroll in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates. The other option is a new PC that comes with Windows 11.
After you upgrade
- Check Settings > Windows Update in Windows 11 and install any updates.
- Make sure your printer, scanner, and other devices work. Get newer drivers from the maker’s site if they don’t.
- To confirm the upgrade worked, see how to tell if you have Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
Is the upgrade really free?
Yes, for Windows 10 PCs that meet the requirements. You don’t need a new product key. Windows 11 uses your existing Windows 10 license.
Will I lose my files and apps?
No. Upgrading through Windows Update or the Installation Assistant keeps your files, apps, and most settings. Back up anyway in case something goes wrong.
Do I need a new product key?
No. If your copy of Windows 10 is activated, Windows 11 activates automatically with the same digital license after the upgrade. You can check in Settings > System > Activation.
Can I go back to Windows 10?
Yes, for 10 days after upgrading. Go to Settings > System > Recovery and select Go back. After 10 days, the option is removed and you’d need to reinstall Windows 10.
How long does the upgrade take?
Usually about an hour, depending on your internet speed and the PC. Most of the download happens while you keep working.
More help is on our Windows 11 Help & Guides page. Microsoft’s overview is Get Windows 11.
If you’d rather stay on Windows 10 for now, see how to stop Windows 10 from upgrading to Windows 11.
Not sure your PC is ready? See how to check if your PC can run Windows 11.
For how long the upgrade and later updates usually take, see how long a Windows 11 update takes.
Related: How to convert Windows 10 Home to Pro.
Related: How to download Windows 11 Pro.
Related: how to install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC.
Related: how to stop Windows 11 from installing.
Related: install TurboTax on Windows 10.
Related: how much space Windows 11 takes up.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.