Key Takeaways:
- Check Compatibility with PC Health Check App: Before upgrading, use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to determine if your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 11.
- Upgrade Options: Utilize Windows Update for the most straightforward upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Alternatively, manual upgrades can be done using the Update Assistant or the Windows Media Creation Tool.
- Handling Unsupported PCs: Even if your PC doesn’t officially support Windows 11, you can still proceed with the upgrade. However, be aware of potential compatibility issues and a lack of future Microsoft support.
Detailed Steps to Upgrade:
1. Assessing Compatibility:
- Download and run the PC Health Check app from Microsoft.
- Use the “Check Now” button to find out if your PC can run Windows 11. The app will also provide reasons for any incompatibility, such as the absence of TPM 2.0, which might be enabled in your PC’s BIOS settings.
2. Safe Upgrade via Windows Update:
- Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on your Windows 10 PC.
- Click “Check for Updates.” If eligible, a “Windows 11 is ready—and it’s free!” banner will appear. Follow the prompts to download and install.
3. Using the Update Assistant:
- Visit the Download Windows 11 page on Microsoft’s website.
- Download and run the Windows 11 Update Assistant to guide you through the upgrade process.
4. Creating a Bootable USB Drive:
- Use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable Windows 11 USB drive, or download a Windows 11 ISO file for installation on a virtual machine.
5. Downgrading Options:
- If you encounter issues with Windows 11, you can revert to Windows 10 within ten days of the upgrade.
Considerations for Unsupported PCs:
- If upgrading an unsupported PC, understand the potential for bugs and limited support from Microsoft. Assess whether the upgrade is necessary or if maintaining Windows 10 is more advisable until hardware upgrades are possible.
Note: Upgrading to Windows 11 on unsupported PCs involves risks, including stability issues and exclusion from future updates. It’s recommended to weigh the benefits against potential problems before proceeding with the upgrade.
