Quick Inroduction
Windows 11, released in 2023, offers a visually stunning and minimalist interface with a centered Start Menu. It introduces Snap Layouts for efficient multitasking and a redesigned Microsoft Store integrated with the Amazon Appstore. Gaming is enhanced with faster loading times through DirectStorage and improved visuals via Auto HDR. Security features include Windows Hello for biometric authentication and enhanced malware protection. Windows 11 aims to provide an enjoyable and secure computing experience, prioritizing productivity and user experience.
Before We Begin
To upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, Microsoft has implemented stricter system requirements. Ensuring your PC compatibility requires thorough research. For instance, meeting requirements like TPM and Secure Boot is crucial, but having a first-generation AMD Ryzen or seventh-generation Intel processor would render your system incompatible with Windows 11. Checking your PC against the specific criteria is essential before attempting the upgrade.
Check Windows 11 minimum pc requirements
To install Windows 11, your computer must meet specific minimum requirements, which are more stringent compared to previous versions like Windows 10. Failure to meet these requirements will prevent you from upgrading. It's crucial to ensure that your processor is compatible, so it's advisable to verify this information in advance.
Before proceeding with the installation of Windows 11, it is recommended to use the PC Health Check app to verify if your system is compatible with the new operating system. This step will help ensure that your computer meets the necessary requirements for a smooth installation and optimal performance of Windows 11.
| Minimum Requirements for Windows 11 Installation |
|---|
| Processor: 1GHz (gigahertz) with two or more cores on a compatible processor or system on a chip (SoC) |
| Compatible AMD processors |
| Compatible Intel processors |
| RAM: 4GB |
| Hard Drive Space: 64GB+ for installation. Microsoft recommends more space for future updates and specific features |
| UEFI, Secure Boot compatible |
| TPM version: 2.0 |
| Display: 720p with a monitor larger than 9 inches |
| Internet connection: Required to create a Microsoft account and complete the OS setup on your PC |
Method 1: Upgrade to Window 11 using Windows Update
The most straightforward method to obtain Windows 11 is through Windows Update. You'll receive a notification in Windows Update indicating its availability for your PC. To proceed with the installation, follow the provided instructions. It's important to note that selecting this option will not result in any data or file loss on your PC.
The steps to upgrade to Windows 11:
1. Open the Settings menu and go to Update & Security. Click on the option to check for updates.
2. Look for the notification stating that the upgrade to Windows 11 is ready and free. Click the download and install button, then accept the terms by clicking the accept and install button.
3. In the Windows Update section, you'll see the progress of the Windows 11 upgrade, including a percentage and download status. Wait for the download to complete.
4. After the download finishes, you'll receive a prompt to restart your computer. This prompt will appear in a blue box. Choose the restart now option. Your PC will proceed with the installation of Windows 11 and may restart multiple times. Once the process is complete, you'll be greeted with the Windows 11 desktop.
Method 2: Install Using the Official Installation Assistant
In the scenario where you have confirmed your PC's compatibility with Windows 11 through the PC Health Check but haven't received the update message or prompt to install it, you can utilize the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Although Microsoft doesn't endorse this method, it can be employed to initiate the Windows 11 installation process. To access the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, visit the Windows 11 software download page.
Before using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, it is crucial to ensure that your computer meets the requirements for Windows 11. Only proceed if you have confirmed compatibility. To download the assistant, visit the Download Windows 11 page and obtain the WindowsInstallationAssistant.exe file. Simply run the downloaded file to initiate the installation process. The assistant will verify your system's compatibility and present you with the license agreement as shown in Figure below.
To initiate the download and installation of Windows 11, you need to accept the license agreement by clicking on "Accept and install." Following that, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant will show the progress through a Downloading dialog. Once the download and installation are finished, a dialog stating "Your PC needs to restart to install Windows 11" will be displayed, as depicted in the accompanying figure.
Method 3: Installing Windows 11 using the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool or the ISO download
The process of installing Windows 11 using the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool or the Windows 11 ISO is similar to how you would have upgraded to previous Windows versions. Both methods involve creating an installation program and files that can be executed from bootable media to initiate the Windows 11 installation.
The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool offers the convenience of automatically generating a bootable USB drive. Once you boot from the Windows 11 media, the subsequent installation process is essentially identical for both methods. Opting for either of these approaches grants you additional choices and flexibility in managing the upgrade/installation procedure.
Generating Windows 11 installation media
To acquire the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool or Windows 11 ISO, navigate to the Windows 11 Software Download page. For the Windows 11 ISO file, simply download it and then either mount or burn it onto bootable media. Afterward, run the setup.exe file. Alternatively, you can utilize the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool to generate an ISO file or create a bootable USB drive.
Creating and utilizing a USB drive for Windows 11 installation is a more convenient option. Referencing the previous image, you'll find a "Download Now" button under the "Create Windows 11 Media" section. By clicking this button, the MediaCreationToolW11.exe program will be downloaded. Once the download is complete, you can immediately execute the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool, which will initially display the "Applicable notices and license terms" dialog, depicted in image below.
Clicking 'Accept' button and after that it displays the 'Select language and edition' dialog as show below.
In this dialogue box, you have the opportunity to select your preferred installation language and the edition of Windows 11. However, the available option for the edition is solely Windows 11. Additionally, there is an option to use the recommended settings for your PC. In previous versions, this dialogue determined whether you would receive the 32-bit or 64-bit editions. However, in this particular release, it seems that this option has no effect. Clicking the "Next" button will lead you to the next dialogue box, titled "Choose which media to use," as depicted in the accompanying image.
You have two options with the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool: generating a bootable USB drive or an ISO file. The ISO file is identical to the one you can download directly. While using the USB drive option is more portable and convenient, the choice depends on your installation preferences. In the provided figure, the USB flash drive option is selected, requiring a minimum 8GB capacity. Clicking Next will prompt the Select a USB flash drive dialog, as shown in the image below.
The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool will show a list of USB drives connected to your system. The USB drive must have a minimum capacity of 8 GB, and all existing data on it will be erased to make space for Windows 11 installation files. By clicking "Next," the tool will commence preparing the USB drive, and you will see the "Downloading Windows 11" dialog as depicted in the image below.
Once you select a USB drive, the Downloading Windows 11 dialog appears and remains for a short period while the Windows 11 media is downloaded onto the selected USB drive. After the download is finished and the USB drive is prepared, a dialog will appear indicating that Your USB flash drive is ready, as depicted in the provided image.
Now Follows the installation process
To initiate the installation of Windows 11 on an existing Windows 10 system, you can start by running the setup.exe program found on the installation media. However, if you're performing a fresh installation, you can simply boot your system using bootable media like a USB drive, a DVD disk created from the ISO file, or a mounted ISO file for a virtual machine. The initial screen of the installation process, labeled "Install Windows 11," is depicted in the provided image.
Commencing the installation of Windows 11 is as simple as clicking the "Next" button on the Install Windows 11 dialog. The installation process will automatically connect to the Internet to acquire essential updates and fixes. During this phase, a brief "Getting updates" dialog will be displayed, as depicted in the provided image.
The Getting Updates dialog provides information and requires no action from you. Once the updates have been downloaded, you will need to accept the license agreement through the Applicable notices and license terms dialog. After the updates have finished installing, the Ready to install dialog, as shown in the image below, will appear.
If you choose to proceed with the dialogue, Windows 11 will be installed from the USB media. By default, the installation will upgrade your current system, preserving all your files and applications. This is usually the recommended option, and if you wish to continue with the upgrade, simply click the Install button. Alternatively, you can opt for a clean install, which will delete all existing programs and files. To modify the installation option, click on the provided link labeled "Change what to keep," visible in the image. This will open the "Choose what to keep" dialogue, as shown in the accompanying figure.
By default, the option to "Keep personal files and apps" is selected during the Windows 11 upgrade process. This choice ensures that your existing Windows installation is upgraded while preserving your settings, files, and programs. Alternatively, you can select the "Keep personal files only" option, which installs a new instance of Windows 11, deleting the previous Windows 10 installation and its programs. However, your files will remain unaffected. Choosing the "Nothing" option will clear the volume where Windows 11 will be installed, removing all existing Windows programs and files. After selecting the desired option, clicking "Install" or "Next" will initiate the installation process, followed by a system reboot and the display of the "Installing Windows 11" screen.
During the installation process of Windows 11, you will see the Installing Windows 11 screen, which will remain for a while as the installation progresses. A progress meter will indicate the percentage completion of the installation. It is important to note that you do not need to take any actions during this time. If you decide to cancel the installation, you have the option to do so by clicking the Cancel button. Once the installation is finished, your system will reboot, and you will be greeted with the Windows 11 desktop, resembling the image below.
By opting for the default installation settings, your existing programs and files will remain intact as you transition to Windows 11. Essentially, you will be operating a fresh version of the operating system. In the event that you encounter difficulties or are dissatisfied with Windows 11, you have a 10-day window to revert back to your previous Windows 10 setup. This can be accomplished by accessing the Settings menu, selecting System, then Recovery, and finally opting for the "Go Back" option.