---
title: "How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11"
description: "Upgrading to Windows 11 gives you a newer interface, improved multitasking tools, and updated security features. Use the steps below to check compatibility, prepare your device, and complete the upgrade smoothly."
url: https://help.activekeys.com/en/articles/27-how-to-upgrade-from-windows-10-to-windows-11
collection: "Windows Installation Guides"
updated: 2026-02-12
language: en
---

# How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Upgrading to Windows 11 gives you a newer interface, improved multitasking tools, and updated security features. Use the steps below to check compatibility, prepare your device, and complete the upgrade smoothly.

**Step 1 – Check if your PC supports Windows 11**  
Before upgrading, confirm your computer meets Windows 11 requirements (including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on most systems). The easiest way is to use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool, which will tell you if your device is eligible.

**Step 2 – Back up important files (recommended)**  
Upgrades usually keep your personal files, but it’s still best to back up anything important in case something unexpected happens. Save key documents and folders to cloud storage or an external drive.

**Step 3 – Install all Windows 10 updates first**  
Having the latest updates installed reduces the chance of errors during the upgrade.

-   Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update**
    
-   Click **Check for updates**
    
-   Install everything available
    
-   Restart if prompted
    

**Step 4 – Make sure you have enough free storage**  
Windows 11 installation needs free space to download and apply files. If your drive is nearly full, delete temporary files, uninstall unused apps, or move large files to another drive.

**Step 5 – Start the upgrade (recommended method: Windows Update)**  
If your PC is eligible, Windows 11 may appear in Windows Update.

-   Go to **Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update**
    
-   Look for the Windows 11 upgrade option
    
-   Click **Download and install**
    
-   Follow the on-screen prompts
    

Your PC may restart multiple times during the process.

**Step 6 – Alternative method (if Windows Update doesn’t show it yet)**  
If Windows Update doesn’t offer the upgrade but your device is compatible, you can use Microsoft’s Windows 11 Installation Assistant or an official installation tool to start the upgrade manually. Follow the tool instructions to upgrade while keeping your files.

**Step 7 – Confirm the upgrade completed**  
After the final restart:

-   Go to **Settings > System > About**
    
-   Check that the version shows **Windows 11**
    

**Step 8 – Install updates after upgrading**  
Once you’re on Windows 11, install the latest updates to improve stability and security.

-   Go to **Settings > Windows Update**
    
-   Install available updates
    
-   Restart if required