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You can run Microsoft’s Windows 11 Installation Assistant before Windows Update offers the upgrade, but Microsoft recommends waiting for the offer tailored to your PC. First check compatibility and back up your files. The Assistant will proceed only if it determines your PC meets Windows 11’s requirements; it is not a way around them.
Before you start: check compatibility and back up your files
Check eligibility in Windows Update or with Microsoft’s PC Health Check app. The Installation Assistant also checks compatibility, but its result is the gate: if the PC does not meet requirements, it will not install Windows 11.
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Microsoft’s minimum requirements include a compatible processor running at 1 GHz or faster with at least two cores, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, TPM 2.0, DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver, and a 720p display larger than 9 inches. Microsoft also lists Windows 10 version 2004 or later for an upgrade through Windows Update. Check the specific PC with PC Health Check or Windows Update, since exact eligibility and feature requirements can be more specific. See Microsoft’s Windows 11 requirements.
If your PC is managed by an organization, ask your IT administrator about eligibility and approved upgrade options.
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Back up important files and data before installing. The upgrade’s default experience moves files and data, but a backup gives you a recovery option if something goes wrong. You can use OneDrive or another backup destination; an external drive is optional, not a requirement for the Assistant. Microsoft’s installation guidance and backup guidance explain these steps.
Choose how to install Windows 11
| Method | When to use it | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | When Windows Update offers the upgrade for your PC. | Microsoft recommends this route because the upgrade has been tested and validated for that specific device. |
| Installation Assistant | When you want to start before Windows Update offers the upgrade. | It checks compatibility and installs only if the PC qualifies. Back up first. |
| Installation media | As an alternate method, including for upgrading an existing Windows installation. | Media is not needed for the Assistant. Booting from media for a fresh install is a different process and wipes the drive. |
Microsoft says you can use the Assistant before Windows Update offers Windows 11, but recommends waiting for the device-specific offer. If you choose to proceed sooner, follow the steps below and stop if the Assistant reports that your PC is ineligible.
How to use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
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Install available Windows 10 updates and restart. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, install any offered updates, and restart if prompted. Then check Windows Update again. The offer might not appear until the current Windows version is up to date.
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Back up your important files. Confirm that the files you care about are saved to a backup location before starting the upgrade.
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Download the Assistant from Microsoft. Use the official Windows 11 download page and run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
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Resolve any request for more compatibility information. If the Assistant says it needs more information, run PC Health Check, return to the Assistant, and select Refresh.
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Start the installation. If the Assistant confirms Windows 11 can be installed, select Accept and install.
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Restart and let setup finish. Select Restart now when prompted. Your PC may restart more than once. When the Windows sign-in screen appears, sign in to finish.
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If the Assistant says your PC is not eligible
Do not expect repeated attempts, installation media, or an accessory to resolve an unsupported processor or another unmet Windows 11 requirement. Microsoft’s Assistant guidance recommends leaving an ineligible device on Windows 10. If the PC is managed, check with your IT administrator; otherwise, use PC Health Check to identify the compatibility issue and consult Microsoft’s requirements guidance.
Cost, download time, and returning to Windows 10
Microsoft says the Windows 10-to-Windows 11 upgrade is free. Download time depends partly on internet speed, and installation typically takes longer than a Windows 10 feature update. A large download may incur charges if your internet connection is metered.
Microsoft provides a 10-day period after the upgrade to return to Windows 10 while keeping migrated files and data. After that period, going back requires backing up files and performing a clean install.
Windows 10 support has ended
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10 after that date. If your PC qualifies, upgrading is one way to move to a supported Windows version; if it does not, review Microsoft’s current support and upgrade options for your device.
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