I’m trying to upgrade my computer to Windows 11, but I’m not sure where to start or what steps are involved. My current PC runs Windows 10 and meets the system requirements. I want to make sure I do this right without losing any data. Any step-by-step guidance or tips would help a lot.
Okay, so you want to plunge into the glorious world of Windows 11? Been there—upgrading my own Franken-PC took a hot minute. Here’s what worked for me, plus a few facepalm moments to maybe save you some grief.
1. Backup Everything. Yes, everything. Documents, photos, your Skyrim saves—cloud, external drive, whatever you’ve got. Seriously, Windows upgrades are mostly safe but the digital gods love to troll us, so don’t risk it.
2. Check Requirements. You say you meet ’em, but double-check: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, at least 4GB RAM, 64GB storage… Win+R > “tpm.msc” can confirm TPM status.
3. Updates. Run Windows Update in 10, install all critical updates first—sometimes Windows throws a tantrum otherwise.
4. Install Tool. Go to Microsoft’s legit site (not one of those random “download Win11 free now!!!” links, unless you want malware). Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool if you want a USB installer.
5. Run the Tool. If you use the Assistant, just follow the prompts—click-through, wait, snack, repeat. If you go the USB drive way, boot from it and make sure you select “Keep personal files and apps” to minimize potential heartbreak.
6. Wait…and Wait. It’ll restart a bunch, possibly glare ominously. Don’t panic. Eventually, it boots into Windows 11.
7. Post-Install Wrangling. Uninstall/reinstall any drivers acting up (audio, GPU, printer—mine always break), update your apps, marvel at the rounded corners.
I lost my desktop icons and one printer driver didn’t make the journey, but otherwise, it was shockingly painless. If you’re nervous, make a system image backup first—can never have too many parachutes.
One random tip: make sure you have your BitLocker key handy if you use drive encryption. Trust me. I learned that the hard way.
That’s the play-by-play. Not rocket science, but Murphy’s Law applies, so triple-check your backups. Have fun rediscovering where the settings menus are—Windows loves hiding stuff.
Not gonna rehash @codecrafter’s whole process (solid walkthrough though, ngl), but I honestly think a clean install is sometimes just easier. Like yeah, “keep files and apps” sounds chill, but honestly, come on—we both know Windows likes to sneak in a weird bug or two, especially dragging debris from an old Win10 setup. If you’re ALREADY backing everything up, why not just wipe the slate clean with the Media Creation Tool USB? Feels fresher, usually runs smoother, avoids weird legacy app glitches. Only pain: re-installing all your software. But at least you know exactly what goes back on.
ALSO: Double and triple check your device drivers before you upgrade, specially if you’ve got any off-brand hardware or custom stuff. I’ve seen too many folks stumped because they blew past some “working fine” driver on Win10 that goes kaboom on 11. Some manufacturers are behind with driver updates. Download network drivers (Ethernet/Wi-Fi) to a USB drive just in case. Don’t trust Windows Update to sort it out right away.
Not sure I agree with chasing every last Windows Update in 10, though. Sometimes the updater borks your install even before you try 11—so if your system is already current (ish), you’re probablly fine.
Oh and, don’t freak if the install hangs at 71% for like, an hour. That’s just classic Windows drama. Trust the process unless it’s stuck for hours, then maybe try a reboot.
TL;DR: Clean install > in-place upgrade (usually), back up like a fiend, snag drivers, relax and don’t let Windows’s weird progress bar stress you out.