Almost everyone you know has made the switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and they advised you to do the same since the update is free and compatible with most PCs with this operating system. Not knowing much about the subject, however, you decided to search the Internet and you came straight to this tutorial of mine.
That’s the way it is, right? Then I am more than happy to help you find out how to switch from windows 10 to windows 11 giving you all the information you need to update your operating system without losing data. I assure you it is less difficult than you might think.
So if you are ready, and you have a few free minutes to dedicate to me, I would say not to waste any more time and to go directly to the explanation, to find out everything you need to know about Windows 11, how it works and how to update. Having said that, I just have to wish you a good reading and a good continuation!
Index
- Switching from Windows 10 to Windows 11 pays off
- How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11
- How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free
- Go from Windows 10 to Windows 11 without losing data
- Switch from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11
- Moving from Windows 10 to 11: Problems
Switching from Windows 10 to Windows 11 pays off
If you are here, you have probably wondered how convenient it is actually to switch between operating systems and want to know what it means to upgrade your PC to Windows 11. I can start by telling you that, in general, updating your computer is almost always a good idea: operating system updates, especially those major, like Windows 11, are designed to bring new features and improve existing ones. In addition, the updates increase the security levels of the PC and allow a better general functioning of the computer.
Specifically, Windows 11, compared to its predecessor, has a minimalist design and is designed to meet the needs of smart and remote working and recreational use of the PC, gaming included; the basic idea for his development, in fact, was to bring the user closer to his passions and his multiple interests.
As for the first point, smart and remote working, Windows 11 includes Microsoft Teams (the Microsoft videoconferencing platform) and offers the possibility, through simple operations, to use more virtual desktops at the same time to be dedicated to different activities.
Regarding the second point, that is recreational use, Windows 11 raises the performance of PCs in terms of quality of gaming and is designed to meet any user need with the introduction of widget, useful for personalizing your PC according to the use you want to make of it. Furthermore, alche the Microsoft Store is renewed and lets you perform android applicationsby hybridizing mobile and desktop operating systems in order to have a greater and simpler connection between the different devices you own.
Regarding the more technical aspects, however, you should know that not all computers can support this update and that there are specific hardware standards to be respected. The PC must meet these minimum requirements: a 1 GHz processor or higher with two or more cores in a compatible 64-bit processor SoC (system on a chip), a 4GB RAM or greater, a free disk space of at least 64 GBa graphics card compatible with DirectX 12 with driver WDDM 2.0a screen HD (720p) for at least 9 inchesa Firmware system compatible with UEFI and the microcontroller TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module 2.0.) The upgrade is not supported without either of these components. On top of that, to upgrade, you also need one Internet connection and a Microsoft account.
Windows 11 also is free for all those who are in possession of a regular one Windows 10 license. If you purchased a computer with this operating system, or if you purchased Windows 10 directly, you are entitled to the free update that will be provided to you by Microsoft through Windows Update, if your PC is compatible. More info on features and prices here.
How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11
If you want to know how to switch from windows 10 to windows 11, know that it is a rather simple operation that does not require special computer skills. The update, as mentioned earlier, is automatically provided by Microsoft for all compatible computers via Windows Update, but there are other ways to get it faster as well. However, you can find everything explained in detail below.
How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free
As mentioned in the previous chapter, Windows 11 is a free upgrade for anyone with a valid Windows 10 license. If you don’t have it, or if for any reason you need to buy it, you can proceed by following the advice in my post on how and where to buy Windows 11, where you will find all the necessary information.
Generally speaking, however, you don’t have to worry about the price as it’s free and it’s a matter of time before Windows Update makes it available on your PC.
Go from Windows 10 to Windows 11 without losing data
Are you determined to upgrade to Windows 11 but afraid of losing all the precious files on your PC? In this case you don’t have to worry: through the simple update procedure you can keep all your files intactexactly as they were on Windows 10. If the PC meets the requirements and you are not willing to “force” the update (with the possibility of causing even permanent damage to the PC) you have nothing to fear.
To proceed, the first method that I recommend you to implement is to take advantage of Windows Update, the stock update service on your Windows PC. The first thing you need to do is then check if your computer is ready or not to receive the update to Windows 11: then press on the menu Start Windows (represented by the flag at the bottom left) and then click on the item in the menu that has opened Settings. At this point, in the panel you see open, press the icon Update and security and, under the heading Windows Updateclick the button Check for updates and wait for the outcome of the verification.
If your PC is ready for the update, and has all the necessary requirements to successfully download Windows 11, you will see an additional button called Download and install. Click on it to start the Windows 11 download and, in the new panel that opens, click on the button Accept and install, then wait for the operation to finish. Once finished, all you have to do is press the button Restart, to restart your computer and start using the new operating system. Automatically, without the need for any particular operation, your files will be exactly as you left them.
A second method that you can use, in case your PC is compatible with the minimum requirements but Windows Update is not yet giving you the option to update (it can happen, the transition is gradual and can take a long time), is the ‘use ofWindows 11 installation assistant. Simply put, via Microsoft’s website, you can download support and upgrade right away.
To proceed connected to the Microsoft web page dedicated to the download of Windows 11 and click on the button Download now under the heading Windows 11 installation assistant. In this way you will see the file download appear at the bottom, on the left side of the screen Windows11IntallationAssistant.exe: Double tap on it, then click the keys Yup and Runto install the Assistant.
At this point wait for the device compatibility check, then click on the button Accept and install. Once the installation of Windows 11 is finished, as a last thing, press the button Restart now and, at the end of the operation, you can use the PC with the new operating system. Of course, even in this case, the files, folders and everything that was present in the PC memory will be in its place and no data will be lost.
Switch from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11
You are a possession of Windows 10 Pro, the version designed for business and work purposes, and want to upgrade to Windows 11? Then, even in this case, the passage is totally free. Also as regards the procedure there are no differences compared to the Home version (the one for more “domestic use).
Therefore, if you want to update your operating system, you can follow the same instructions I gave you in the previous paragraph without any changes: you can check the update presentation via Windows Update or proceed with the Windows 11 installation assistant, in case the update is not available directly from the PC.
Are you wondering which version of Windows 11 will be downloaded in this case? The same one you are licensed to. So to put it simply, if you own Windows 10 Pro you will get it free of charge Windows 11 Pro.
Moving from Windows 10 to 11: Problems
Have you tried to follow the directions but your PC doesn’t want to update? The most likely cause is that the PC does not completely comply with the minimum requirements for installing Windows 11. The absence of only one of the hardware components that I listed above is enough to ensure that the update fails .
What you can do, to eliminate any doubts, is to proceed with the compatibility check through the Installation Assistant, as I showed you previously. After downloading it, it will give you an overview of suitable and unsuitable computer components.
The main problems are usually related to the processor / CPU and al TPM 2.0 microcontroller which are not compatible. In this case, then, you can proceed via a ‘clean installation from ISO file for unsupported CPUs or via the removal of controls if it is a TPM problem.
In both cases, however, these are “forced” installation procedures that can cause problems, even seriously undermining the stability of the operating system and causing damage of varying degrees to the PC. Also, forcing the installation, you will lose the warranty on your device and you will not receive system and security updates. In short, your PC will no longer be supported by the manufacturer and Microsoft.
If you still want to proceed, since these are not illegal operations but only dangerous for the functioning of the computer (and therefore not particularly recommended), you can read my guides on how to install Windows 11 without requirements and on how to install Windows 11 without TMP.
