If you’re keen to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, you’ve probably heard it’s not as simple as just clicking a button. There’s a few things to check first, like whether your PC is actually up to scratch — Microsoft’s requirements aren’t exactly minimal anymore. Also, on some setups, the upgrade can get stuck or throw up weird errors, especially if you haven’t done a bit of prep. So, it’s worth doing all the initial checks and backups first, just to avoid ending up with a bricked system or losing your files — trust me, nobody wants that. Once you’re sure your hardware passes the test, you can go ahead with the upgrade via Windows Update or the install assistant. It’s a bit frustrating that Windows makes it like this, but at least these steps should make things a fair bit smoother.
How to Get Windows 11 Now
This guide is about making sure your system is ready, your data stays safe, and the upgrade doesn’t turn into a headache. If all goes well, you’ll be running the latest Windows without too much fuss, enjoying new features and better security along the way.
Check if your PC can handle Windows 11
This is the first — and most important — step. If your machine doesn’t meet the specs, no amount of fiddling will get Windows 11 to run right. Microsoft’s official requirements include a 64-bit processor, minimum 4GB RAM, at least 64GB storage, TPM 2.0 chip, and Secure Boot support. To see if your PC ticks the boxes, head over to the Microsoft’s Windows 11 Compatibility page, or better yet, download and run the PC Health Check app. It’ll tell you straight away whether your device is good to go. Honestly, some older hardware just won’t make the cut, no matter how much you want the shiny new OS.
Back up all your important files
This one’s a must. Think of it like packing your valuables before moving house. Sometimes Windows has to make things tricky — the upgrade might go sideways or cause weird glitches. Use a reliable method like an external HDD, a USB stick, or a cloud service like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. If you don’t back up, you risk ending up with corrupted files or, worse, losing everything.
Make sure Windows 10 is fully up-to-date
Before jumping into the upgrade, make sure your Windows 10 is fully updated. This helps avoid compatibility issues and reduces the risk of surprises. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and hit Check for updates. Let it do its thing — it might take a while. Sometimes, pending updates can block the Windows 11 upgrade, so it’s best to get this sorted first.
Download and install Windows 11
If your PC’s good to go, you’ll often see a message in Windows Update saying “Windows 11 is ready to install.” Just click Download and install. If it’s not there, no worries — Microsoft has the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Download that and run it. It will guide you through the process and check if your PC is compatible along the way, so it’s a handy backup plan. Sometimes, on older hardware, the upgrade isn’t automatically pushed out or shows as unavailable, so doing it manually is the way to go.
Follow the prompts and let your PC do its thing
This is where patience pays off. Follow each step carefully — choose your language, privacy preferences, and whether to keep your files. Expect some reboots or longer setups. Sometimes, Windows 11 installs smoothly on the first go; other times, it might get stuck or crash, especially if your drivers or hardware aren’t quite up to scratch. If you hit a snag, a clean install might be needed, but try troubleshooting basic issues first, like disabling TPM hardware virtualization or tweaking BIOS settings. No guarantees, but these little tricks have helped a few mates I know. And honestly, some devices need a bit more manual fiddling to get it working properly.