Would you like to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 and keep your files and programs? For eligible PCs with an activated Windows 10 licence, the upgrade is free of charge. This guide shows the three official methods, how to prepare properly and what to do if your PC is not compatible.
Key points at a glance
- The upgrade is free of charge for eligible devices with an activated Windows 10 licence. Home becomes Home, Pro becomes Pro.
- There are three methods: Windows Update, the Installation Assistant and an ISO file with setup.
- Files, settings and most programs are retained. A backup is still essential.
- You can return to Windows 10 within ten days.
Requirements: when you can upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free
The free upgrade requires two things: an activated Windows 10 licence and hardware that meets the Windows 11 requirements. The licence is carried over during the upgrade, so you do not need to enter a new product key.
As far as hardware is concerned, the processor, TPM 2.0 and UEFI with Secure Boot capability matter most. In addition, you need at least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. Microsoft's PC Health Check app tells you whether your PC is eligible. Our article on the Windows 11 system requirements provides a detailed overview.
For the Installation Assistant, Microsoft also specifies Windows 10 version 2004 or later and at least 9 GB of free disk space for the download. In practice, allow considerably more free space, as Windows creates a backup of the old system during the upgrade.
Preparation: what you should do beforehand
- Back up your data: Copy important files to an external hard drive or to cloud storage. An upgrade usually goes smoothly, but a backup protects you against surprises.
- Free up disk space: Delete files you do not need and use Disk Clean-up. At least 20 to 30 GB of free space on drive C: is recommended.
- Update Windows 10: Install all pending updates via Windows Update.
- Check your programs: Make sure that important software and drivers, for example for printers or scanners, run on Windows 11.
- Note down your recovery key: If your drive is protected with BitLocker or device encryption, back up the recovery key.
- Power and devices: Connect laptops to the mains adapter and disconnect any USB devices you do not need.
Method 1: Upgrade via Windows Update
The easiest method is via Windows Update. Microsoft offers the upgrade there to eligible PCs, although not to all devices at the same time.
- Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- Click “Check for updates”.
- If a message appears saying that the upgrade to Windows 11 is ready, click “Download and install”.
- Accept the licence terms and wait until the download is complete.
- Restart the PC when Windows prompts you to.
If Windows Update does not show an offer even though your PC is compatible, simply use method 2.
Method 2: Windows 11 Installation Assistant
The Installation Assistant starts the upgrade regardless of whether Windows Update is already offering it. You can find it on Microsoft's Windows 11 download page.
- Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant and run it.
- The Assistant checks compatibility. If PC Health Check is missing, it prompts you to install it.
- Click “Accept and install”.
- The Assistant downloads Windows 11, verifies the files and prepares the installation. You can carry on working during this time.
- Save your work and restart the PC via “Restart now”.
Method 3: ISO file and setup keeping your data
The ISO file is suitable if you want to upgrade several PCs or if the other methods fail. It is important to start setup from within the running Windows 10 rather than booting from the USB stick. This is the only way to keep your files and programs.
- On Microsoft's download page, download the disk image (ISO) for Windows 11.
- Right-click the ISO file and select “Mount”. It appears as a virtual drive.
- Open the drive and run the file
setup.exe. - Follow the wizard and accept the licence terms.
- At the selection step, make sure that “Keep personal files and apps” is selected.
- Click “Install”.
If, on the other hand, you want to start completely afresh, a clean installation from a USB stick is the better option. Our guide Reinstalling Windows 11 explains how.
How long does the upgrade take?
The duration depends on your internet connection, the amount of data and the hardware. On a PC with an SSD, you should expect around one to two hours; on older devices with a hard disk it may take longer. The download runs in the background, and the actual installation with several restarts usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Do not switch off the PC during the installation, even if progress appears to stall for a while.
After the upgrade: check activation and edition
After the first start, open Settings → System → Activation. It should say that Windows is activated, usually with a digital licence. Then install all updates and drivers offered. If activation does not work, our guide Activating Windows will help.
The upgrade keeps your edition. If you need features such as BitLocker, Hyper-V or the Remote Desktop host, you can switch to Windows 11 Pro later without reinstalling. Our comparison Windows 11 Home or Pro explains the differences.
For a new PC, a switch to Pro or a device without a valid Windows 10 licence, you need your own product key. With us, the key and activation instructions arrive by email.
Matching licence
Going back to Windows 10 within ten days
If you do not like Windows 11 or an important program does not work, you can go back within the first ten days. To do so, open Settings → System → Recovery and select “Go back”. Your files are retained.
Once this period has expired, Windows deletes the backup of the old system. Going back is then only possible by reinstalling. Also bear in mind that Windows 10 no longer receives security updates without ESU.
If your PC is not compatible
If PC Health Check reports a problem with TPM or Secure Boot, it is worth taking a look at the UEFI. On many PCs, TPM 2.0 is present but switched off. On Intel systems it is usually called PTT, on AMD systems fTPM.
If, however, the processor is not supported, there is no officially supported upgrade route. Guides that bypass the check are circulating, but Microsoft makes no commitment to provide updates for such installations. Our article Windows 11 without TPM 2.0 explains the risks and alternatives. As a stopgap, security updates via Windows 10 ESU remain available until October 2027.
Conclusion
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free for compatible PCs and straightforward in most cases. Windows Update is the most convenient method, the Installation Assistant is the reliable alternative and the ISO file is the solution for special cases.
With an up-to-date backup, enough disk space and a little time, you are well prepared. And if something does not suit you after all, you can go back for ten days.
Frequently asked questions
Is the upgrade to Windows 11 really free?
Yes, for eligible devices with an activated Windows 10 licence. The licence is carried over, and no new product key is needed. To change edition from Home to Pro, however, you need a Pro key.
Will my files and programs be retained?
With all three methods described here, files, settings and most programs are retained. Windows removes individual apps that are known to have problems with the upgrade. You can reinstall them afterwards.
How much disk space do I need?
Microsoft specifies at least 9 GB for the download. As Windows creates a backup of the old system during the upgrade, you should allow 20 to 30 GB of free space.
Can I go back to Windows 10 after the upgrade?
Yes, within ten days via Settings → System → Recovery → “Go back”. After that, only a clean installation of Windows 10 is possible.
What should I do if Windows Update does not offer an upgrade?
Use PC Health Check to see whether your PC is eligible. If it is compatible, start the upgrade with Microsoft's Installation Assistant.