What “updating to Windows 11” actually means
There is a difference between installing routine Windows updates and performing a full operating system upgrade. Routine updates are the monthly security and quality patches delivered through Windows Update. Upgrading to Windows 11 replaces the operating system itself while aiming to keep your files, settings and most applications in place. The upgrade is a one-off process, but it is a significant change to your PC, so preparation matters.
Microsoft positions Windows 11 as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 PCs, but eligibility depends on hardware. Windows 10 reached the end of standard support on 14 October 2025. Extended Security Updates (ESU) are a separate programme with their own eligibility rules and are not the same as standard support. If you are still on Windows 10, planning a move to Windows 11 — or replacing hardware that cannot run it — is worth doing sooner rather than later.
This guide walks through the safe route: check compatibility, back up, then upgrade using the method Windows offers you. It also covers what to do when the upgrade fails and when to stop and seek local help.
Step 1: Check whether your PC is compatible with Windows 11
Before you download anything, confirm that your hardware meets Microsoft’s requirements. The official tool for this is PC Health Check, available from Microsoft’s Windows 11 page. Install it, open it, and select the option to check for Windows 11 eligibility. The tool will tell you whether your PC meets the requirements or which specific component is holding it back.
The core requirements include a supported 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB or more of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, and TPM version 2.0. Be careful with storage: 64 GB is the minimum device storage requirement for Windows 11, not the amount of free space you need to perform the upgrade. You will need additional free space for the download and installation, so aim to have a comfortable margin — ideally tens of gigabytes free — before starting.
If PC Health Check reports that TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is not enabled, these are often firmware settings rather than missing hardware. On many PCs, TPM is present but disabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings. Enabling it is a firmware change, and the exact menu names vary by manufacturer. If you are not confident navigating BIOS/UEFI, this is a sensible point to ask for help rather than guessing.
If the processor itself is unsupported, there is no safe official workaround. Microsoft’s supported path is to upgrade to a compatible PC. Unofficial bypass methods exist online, but they leave you with an unsupported configuration that may not receive updates reliably. For a working machine you depend on, that is a poor trade.
Step 2: Back up your files before you upgrade
An in-place upgrade is designed to preserve your data, but upgrades can fail, hang, or leave a PC unbootable. Treat a backup as mandatory, not optional. Copy important documents, photos, business records and anything irreplaceable to an external drive or a cloud service you trust. If you want a structured approach, our guide to SSD vs HDD failure signs and a complete data backup strategy explains how to plan backups that actually protect you.
Also note your software licences and sign-in details before you start. If you use specialist applications for work, check the publisher’s guidance on Windows 11 compatibility. A backup is not a substitute for checking that your essential software will run after the upgrade.
Step 3: Upgrade through Windows Update
For many eligible PCs, Windows 11 is offered directly through Windows Update. This is the simplest route and the one Microsoft recommends first.
- Open Settings from the Start menu.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- If Windows 11 is offered, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.
If updates are available, Windows will normally show a Download & install option. The upgrade may not appear immediately even on compatible hardware, because Microsoft rolls out upgrades in stages. If your PC is eligible but Windows 11 is not offered, you can use the Installation Assistant instead.
Keep the PC plugged in throughout. An upgrade can take a while and involves several restarts. Do not switch the machine off during the process, even if it appears to be sitting on a progress screen.
Step 4: Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or ISO
If Windows Update does not offer the upgrade, Microsoft provides alternative official routes on its Windows 11 download page.
Installation Assistant
The Installation Assistant is a small tool that guides you through the upgrade on a compatible PC. Download it from Microsoft’s official page, run it, accept the licence terms, and follow the prompts. It performs an in-place upgrade, so your files and applications should be retained. As with Windows Update, keep the PC powered and connected.
ISO route
Microsoft also offers a Windows 11 disk image (ISO) for users who prefer a manual installation. An ISO can be used to perform an in-place upgrade or a clean installation. A clean installation wipes the drive, so it is only appropriate if you have a full backup and are prepared to reinstall your applications. For most people upgrading an existing PC, the Installation Assistant or Windows Update is the safer choice.
Only download Windows 11 from Microsoft’s official website. Third-party “upgrade tools” and modified images are a common source of malware and unstable systems. If you are concerned about malicious software generally, our complete virus and malware removal guide covers how to check and clean a PC.
If your PC does not meet the requirements
PC Health Check will usually tell you which requirement failed. The most common blockers are TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and an unsupported processor.
- TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot disabled: These can often be enabled in BIOS/UEFI. The setting names differ between manufacturers, so check your PC or motherboard manual. If you are unsure, stop and ask for help — changing firmware settings incorrectly can prevent the PC from starting.
- Unsupported processor: There is no official fix short of moving to a supported PC. Do not rely on registry bypasses for a machine you need for work or study.
- Insufficient storage: Free up space before attempting an upgrade. The 64 GB figure is the device minimum, not the free space needed for the upgrade itself.
If your PC cannot run Windows 11, you have a few realistic options: continue on Windows 10 with a clear understanding of its support status, consider ESU if you are eligible, or plan a hardware replacement. A local technician can assess whether a repair or upgrade is worthwhile, but be wary of anyone promising to “force” Windows 11 onto unsupported hardware as a long-term solution.
What to do if the upgrade fails, hangs, or the PC will not boot
Upgrade failures happen. The important thing is to avoid making things worse.
- Wait before acting. Some stages appear frozen but are still working. Give it time before forcing a restart.
- Note any error code or message. Take a photo of the screen with your phone. Error codes are useful for diagnosis.
- If the PC restarts repeatedly or will not boot, do not keep power-cycling it. Repeated interrupted upgrades can complicate recovery.
- Try Windows recovery options if the PC reaches them, such as Startup Repair or uninstalling the latest update. Our Windows troubleshooting guide covers common recovery steps in more detail.
- Stop if you are out of your depth. If the machine holds important data and will not start, professional help is safer than repeated attempts.
If the PC boots but runs poorly after the upgrade, check for driver updates from your PC manufacturer and confirm that your essential software is supported. Performance problems are not always caused by the upgrade itself; our guide to speeding up a slow PC covers general diagnostics.
Rolling back to Windows 10
After an upgrade, Windows normally provides a limited window — typically 10 days — during which you can roll back to the previous version through Settings. The exact wording and availability can vary, so check the recovery options in Settings rather than assuming the option will always be there. Rolling back is not a substitute for a backup, and it may not be available if you performed a clean installation or if the rollback files have been removed.
If you are within the window and the upgrade has caused problems you cannot resolve, rolling back can return you to a working system while you plan your next step. Do not delete the Windows.old folder if you think you may want to roll back.
When to get local IT help in London
Most upgrades go smoothly, but some situations justify professional help: the PC will not boot after an upgrade, important data is at risk, firmware settings need changing and you are not confident doing so, or your PC fails compatibility and you need advice on repair versus replacement. A local technician can assess the hardware, check the drive health, and help you decide whether an upgrade is sensible. If you are also dealing with a slow or unreliable network at home or in the office, our Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide may help, but keep the two issues separate — an OS upgrade should not be used as a fix for network problems.
Be cautious with any service that offers to bypass Windows 11 requirements as standard. A supported, stable system is worth more than a forced upgrade that may cause problems later.