To keep your personal files and installed apps when upgrading from Windows 10, first confirm that your PC is eligible, back up important files, and run the upgrade from within Windows using the Keep personal files and apps option. Do not boot from installation media for a fresh install if you want to retain your current installation.
1. Check that your PC is eligible
Eligibility is specific to your device; not every Windows 10 PC can upgrade. Run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to see whether the computer meets Windows 11’s minimum requirements and, if it does not, why. You can also open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates. Microsoft’s eligibility guidance explains the requirements. Some Windows 11 features have hardware requirements beyond the minimum, and some Windows 10 features are not available in Windows 11.
2. Wait for Windows Update to offer the upgrade
When practical, use the offer shown for your device in Windows Update rather than starting with the Installation Assistant. Microsoft says rollout can vary by device. If a known compatibility issue could disrupt use, Microsoft may temporarily delay the upgrade with a safeguard hold. Its PC Health Check guidance and installation options cover compatibility checks and holds.
3. Back up important files first
The in-place upgrade is designed to transfer files and data, but keep-setting choices are not a substitute for a backup. Microsoft says, “Microsoft always recommends backing up files before installing a new Windows version.” Its preparation guidance identifies OneDrive as one option. Make sure important files are actually backed up and accessible before you begin. Microsoft’s recovery guidance also describes creating a USB recovery drive; that is an optional recovery measure, not a requirement for an ordinary in-place upgrade and not a way to preserve apps.
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4. Start an in-place upgrade and choose what to keep
Start Windows Setup from within your existing Windows installation, then check the keep choice shown before proceeding. Microsoft’s installation guide describes these outcomes:
| Setup choice or method | Personal files | Installed apps | Windows settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep personal files and apps | Kept | Kept | Kept |
| Keep personal files only | Kept | Removed | Removed |
| Nothing | Removed | Removed | Removed |
| Boot installation media for a fresh installation | Existing contents removed | Existing contents removed | Existing installation removed |
For the goal of keeping both files and apps, confirm that Setup says Keep personal files and apps. If that choice is unavailable or a different choice is selected, stop and resolve the setup path before continuing. Booting from USB or other installation media to install a fresh copy is not the retention path: Microsoft’s guide warns it wipes the existing Windows installation, files, and installed apps.
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5. Let Setup finish
Allow time for the upgrade and keep the PC connected to power. Microsoft says the duration varies, depends partly on internet speed, and usually exceeds the time required for a typical Windows 10 feature update. The Windows 11 upgrade FAQ provides that qualification; there is no single completion time that applies to every PC.
6. Check software and devices after upgrading
Microsoft expects most software and accessories that worked with Windows 10 to work with Windows 11, but that is not a guarantee for every app, driver, peripheral, or feature. Check with the software publisher or accessory manufacturer for products you rely on. The upgrade FAQ covers Microsoft’s compatibility guidance.
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7. Understand the rollback limit
Microsoft says the option to go back from Windows 11 to Windows 10 while keeping migrated files and data is available for 10 days after upgrading. After that period, returning requires manually backing up files and performing a clean installation. Also, Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so going back does not restore a supported Windows 10 environment. See Microsoft’s upgrade FAQ for the rollback period and support date.
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