How to Upgrade From Windows 10 to Windows 11

You can use Windows Update to upgrade to Windows 11, but only if your device is supported

By
Ruben Circelli
Ruben Circelli
Ruben Circelli
Editor
  • University of Massachusetts, Boston
Ruben Circelli has been a freelance technology writer and editor since 2014. His work has appeared on dozens of sites, including Komando.com, Twinfinite, and TheGamer.
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Updated on October 10, 2023
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute

Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA-certified technologist with more than 10 years of experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.

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What to Know

  • To upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, search for Windows Update and select Windows Update settings.
  • Then, select Check for updates. If you see the Windows 11 upgrade prompt, choose Download and install.
  • If you can't update to Windows 11, your PC might not be eligible. Confirm by running PC Health Check.

This article explains how you can upgrade your Windows 10 device to Windows 11.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11

You can download and install Windows 11 from the Windows Update utility in Windows 10. However, before you start, use PC Health Check to see if your PC can run Windows 11.

  1. Select Start, type Windows Update, and then select Windows Update settings.

    Start > Windows Update > Windows Update Settings in Windows 10

  2. Select Check for updates.

    Windows 10 Update with check for Updates highlighted

  3. If the Windows 11 update is available, Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready—and it's free! is displayed. Select Download and install.

    Download and Install on Update to Windows 11 option in Windows Update

  4. Read through the Software License Terms and then select Accept and install.

  5. Restart the computer when prompted.

Windows 11 Minimum System Requirements

To upgrade to Windows 11, your computer must meet the minimum system requirements. The Windows 11 requirements work slightly differently than previous minimum system requirements for operating systems like Windows 10.

Check out our Minimum System Requirements for Windows 11 page, and carefully consider features like UEFI and TPM 2.0. These exist outside of the standard memory, processor, and graphics requirements of a Windows OS, which are otherwise similar to Windows 10.

Even if your device meets the minimum requirements, you are not obligated to upgrade. Moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11 doesn't do much for you unless you're interested in the features of Windows 11, at least until Windows 10 support is discontinued.

Is Windows 11 Free?

If you're a consumer with a legally obtained copy of Windows 10 and meet the minimum system requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. If you don't own a copy of Windows 10, Windows 11 Home and Pro licenses are available for purchase.

When Did Windows 11 Launch?

Microsoft released Windows 11 to the public on October 5, 2021.

FAQ
  • How long does a Windows 11 upgrade take?

    While the initial upgrade might take longer than a Windows 10 feature update, routine Windows 11 updates should be faster. Updates are 40 percent smaller and happen in the background, which means users can use their PCs and schedule the update for later.

  • How do I upgrade Windows 8 to Windows 11?

    You need to purchase a Windows 11 license if your PC meets the minimum system requirements to upgrade to Windows 11.

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