Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11

Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11

/ James Masterson

Windows 11, which became available to eligible devices starting October 5, 2021, has now been officially launched. Microsoft made the upgrade free for users currently using Windows 10, provided their devices meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is as straightforward as running the Windows update.

windows 11

Windows 11 Minimum Requirements

Microsoft has detailed the Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11 to ensure users’ devices are ready for the new Operating System.

  • Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM
  • Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
  • System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
  • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
  • Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
  • Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p)
  • Internet Connection: Microsoft account and internet connectivity are required for setup for Windows 11 Home

Note: Some features in Windows 11 will require specific hardware. More details are available on Microsoft’s official website.

Windows 11 Supported Languages

Windows 11 supports 40 languages, allowing users to select their preferred language during the upgrade.

Arabic (Saudi Arabia)Bulgarian (Bulgaria)
Chinese (PRC)Chinese (Taiwan)
Croatian (Croatia)Czech (Czech Republic)
Danish (Denmark)Dutch (Netherlands)
English (United Kingdom)English (United States)
Estonian (Estonia)Finnish (Finland)
French (France)French (Canada)
German (Germany)Greek (Greece)
Hebrew (Israel)Hungarian (Hungary)
Italian (Italy)Japanese (Japan)
Korean (Korea)Latvian (Latvia)
Lithuanian (Lithuania)Norwegian
Bokmål (Norway)Polish (Poland)
Portuguese (Brazil)Portuguese (Portugal)
Romanian (Romania)Russian (Russia)
Serbian (LatinSerbia)
Slovak (Slovakia)Slovenian (Slovenia)
Spanish (Spain)Spanish (Mexico)
Swedish (Sweden)Thai (Thailand)
Turkish (Turkey)Ukrainian (Ukraine)

Windows 11 Features

With the launch of Windows 11, users can enjoy numerous new features, including:

  • A refreshed version of the Sun Valley user interface, with modernized controls, animations, sound effects, and rounded corners.
  • A new look for the Start Menu, now centered by default but can be aligned to the left if preferred.
  • Enhanced virtual desktops.
  • Integration of Microsoft Teams directly into the operating system.
  • An optimized UI for File Explorer.
  • Enhanced gaming support, including for HDR.

While some Windows 10 features have not transitioned to Windows 11, the new operating system continues to evolve, with the possibility of reintroducing beloved features or adding new ones over time.

Installing Windows 11

Now that Windows 11 is officially available, users can upgrade to or install the new operating system to experience its latest features and improvements.

windows 11 look

How to Upgrade to Windows 11

Upgrading to Windows 11 is designed to be a straightforward process for users with devices that meet the necessary system requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to upgrading your system through the Windows Update tool:

  1. Check Compatibility: Before attempting to upgrade, ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. You can use the PC Health Check app provided by Microsoft to assess your device’s compatibility.
  2. Back Up Your Data: Although the upgrade process is generally safe, it’s always a good practice to back up important files and data. This can prevent data loss in the rare event of an upgrade issue.
  3. Update Windows 10: Ensure your current Windows 10 installation is up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select ‘Check for updates.’ Installing the latest updates for Windows 10 ensures a smoother upgrade path to Windows 11.
  4. Initiate the Upgrade through Windows Update:
    • Open ‘Settings’ on your Windows 10 device.
    • Navigate to ‘Update & Security’ > ‘Windows Update.’
    • If your device is eligible, you’ll see an option to download and install Windows 11. Click ‘Download and install.’
  5. Follow On-Screen Instructions: Once the download is complete, the installer will guide you through the rest of the process. This may include accepting license terms, choosing installation preferences, and configuring settings.
  6. Restart Your Device: After the installation is complete, you’ll need to restart your device. Windows 11 will finalize its setup upon reboot, at which point you can log in and explore the new features.

Additional Tips

  • Windows 11 Rollout: The availability of Windows 11 upgrade may vary depending on your device’s hardware, age, and manufacturer. Microsoft is rolling out the upgrade in phases, so if you don’t see the upgrade option immediately, periodically check Windows Update for availability.
  • Using Installation Media: If your device meets the requirements, but you’re encountering issues with the Windows Update method, you can also use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or create installation media. This can be particularly useful for clean installs or upgrading multiple devices manually.
  • After the Upgrade: Once you’ve upgraded to Windows 11, spend some time with the new operating system to familiarize yourself with its features and settings. You may also want to review privacy settings and customize your user experience according to your preferences.

Upgrading to Windows 11 offers users a chance to enjoy the latest innovations and security features developed by Microsoft. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition to a more modern and efficient operating system.

Final Words

As the first major update since the launch of Windows 10 in 2015, Windows 11 marks a significant milestone for Microsoft and its users. It’s crucial to ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements to make the most of this new operating system.

James Masterson
Meet the author

James is a software engineer and an information architect with a keen eye for detail. Among his key interests are enhancing the usability of our Windows 10 content, troubleshooting errors, and tech news.