How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11: Everything You Need to Know

Great news! If you have Windows 10 on your PC, you can upgrade to the latest Windows 11 (version 24H2) at no cost. This is crucial since support for Windows 10 will cease on October 14, 2025. While Windows 10 will continue to function after this date, Microsoft will halt all security updates.

If you don’t see the update option in your Windows 10, you can still download Windows 11 directly from Microsoft’s website. This will allow you to access the necessary installation files, which can be used to create a bootable USB drive. Even if you’re not ready to upgrade just yet, it’s wise to prepare this USB drive so you can transition to the new version whenever you decide.

Additionally, it’s advisable to have your Windows 10 product key handy before proceeding with the installation or upgrade to Windows 11.

Who is eligible for a complimentary upgrade to Windows 11?

Microsoft will continue to permit eligible devices to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This upgrade remains available as long as your device meets the minimum specifications and uses the recommended upgrade tools, such as the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Windows Update. Note that utilizing these tools is crucial to preventing potential loss of support for Windows 11.

After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive official support, meaning Microsoft will cease all free security patches, technical assistance, and bug fixes. For those who still want to use Windows 10, Microsoft offers a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program that allows users to receive essential security updates for an additional year at a cost of $30.

Whether users can continue to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 after the cutoff date remains uncertain, as Microsoft has not publicly confirmed if the free upgrade option will still be available. Therefore, users are encouraged to upgrade while support is still active to make the most of beneficial conditions.

It’s important to recognize that Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and compatible processors starting from the 8th generation of Intel CPUs or comparable AMD options. Microsoft has made it clear that these requirements won’t be adjusted, and older devices will not receive official support. There are unofficial avenues for installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware, but such methods may result in stability issues and incomplete updates.

For users with devices that fall short of the specifications, acquiring a new PC with Windows 11 already set up is advisable, as Microsoft provides various programs and tools to facilitate this transition.

How to determine if your PC can be updated to Windows 11 24H2

To see if your PC is eligible for the Windows 11 update, you can use Microsoft’s complimentary PC Health Check tool. Simply launch the application and click on “Check now.”

If your system does not support the update, the PC Health Check tool will inform you why. If TPM 2.0 is disabled, you can often activate it through your BIOS settings. In instances where your PC lacks this security chip, we’ll share alternative methods below.

Generally, Windows 11 tends to function just as smoothly, if not more swiftly, than Windows 10, even on PCs lacking a TPM chip. That said, this is not consistent across all systems, so running Windows 11 on incompatible hardware is undertaken at your own risk.

Updating from Windows 10 to Windows 11 24H2

To upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 24H2, visit the “Download Windows 11” webpage. Click on “Download now” beneath the “Windows 11 Installation Wizard.” If your hardware meets the requirements, the upgrade will proceed seamlessly, retaining all your applications, settings, and files.

It’s wise to back up your system prior to the upgrade. You can use Microsoft’s free Disk2VHD tool for a quick backup. Make sure to store this backup on an external drive as the tool creates a virtual hard drive containing all data from your current drive.

When the installation for Windows 11 initiates, click “Next” under “Install Windows 11.”

The installation wizard will check for updates and may need to restart your system during this process, which may take several minutes. After you confirm the licensing agreement, the wizard typically performs another update check, continuing until it is fully up to date. Remember, these steps require an internet connection.

Ensure the option to “Keep personal data and apps” is selected when you reach the “Ready for installation” screen. If it isn’t selected, you can modify this by clicking “Change what to keep.”

Then press “Install” to commence the upgrade. After transitioning to Windows 11 24H2, it’s advisable to check for and install any new updates through the Windows settings under “Windows Update.”

Once the process is completed, you’re all set to explore Windows 11. Should you find it doesn’t meet your needs, you can uninstall it through “System -> Recovery -> Go back.” However, this option may not always work reliably, as Microsoft may have removed necessary files from your system since the upgrade.

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 24H2 on incompatible hardware

If the Windows 11 Installation Wizard indicates that your PC cannot be upgraded, you might still move forward. Start by downloading the free Rufus utility. You can choose the portable version that requires no installation—just launch the program. You’ll also need an 8 GB USB drive (or larger). Connect this USB stick to the PC where you want to install Windows 11. Please be aware that any existing data on the USB will be wiped during the process.

Open Rufus and confirm by selecting “Yes” when asked about the update. The tool will then connect to the internet to download Windows 11 installation files directly within the Rufus application. If you accidentally skip this step, you can reconnect through the Rufus settings by selecting “Check now” at the bottom of the window.

Next, select your USB device under the “Device” section. Then click on “Selection” under “Boot selection,” followed by “Download.” Choose “Windows 11” from the Version dropdown, and then hit “Next.”

Select “24H2” for the release, specify “Windows 11” for the edition, and set the architecture to “x64” before clicking “Download” to save the Windows 11 ISO file to a designated folder. Alternatively, you can also obtain the Windows 11 ISO outside the tool from Microsoft’s download page linked earlier. The download time will vary based on your internet speed.

Once Rufus completes downloading the installation files—or you added the ISO manually through “Select”—click “Start.” In the subsequent window, default settings will enable all options that could obstruct the installation of Windows 11, along with the option to configure Windows 11 using a local user account.

Select the desired options and click “OK.” Confirm the prompt to format the USB drive.

Note: All existing data on the USB stick will be deleted during this process

You can now use this USB stick to upgrade your Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11 24H2, or to perform a fresh installation of Windows 11 24H2. In Windows 10, access the USB drive in Explorer and click on “Setup.exe.” The installation for Windows 11 will then commence, though it may take some time for the installation wizard to initiate. The update process will then proceed as described above.