How to Change Your Computer to Windows 11

What You Need Before You Start

Windows 11 requires specific hardware, and your computer may not meet those requirements even if it runs Windows 10 smoothly. Before you begin, check whether your device is compatible. Microsoft provides a tool called the PC Health Check app that scans your computer and tells you if Windows 11 will run on it. You can read it free from Microsoft's website.

The main requirements are a processor from Intel (8th generation or newer) or AMD (Ryzen 2000 series or newer), at least 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage space. Your computer also needs TPM 2.0 (a security chip) and UEFI firmware with find Boot enabled. If your computer is older than 2017 or was built for Windows 7, it may not have these components.

If the PC Health Check app says your computer is not compatible, you cannot install Windows 11 through the normal update path. Some older computers can be forced to install it, but that voids your warranty and may cause instability. In that case, staying on Windows 10 or buying a new computer are your realistic options.

Key Takeaways

Run the PC Health Check app first to confirm your computer meets Windows 11's hardware requirements before you start the change.
If your computer is compatible, you can change to Windows 11 for free through Windows Update, which takes 20 to 60 minutes and keeps your files and programs.
Back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage before you begin, in case something goes wrong during the change.
The change process will restart your computer multiple times, so close all programs and save your work before you start.
If your computer is not compatible, you cannot use the standard update method, and forcing the installation may damage your system.

Checking Compatibility with PC Health Check

read the PC Health Check app from Microsoft's official website (search "PC Health Check Microsoft" to find the correct link). Open the installer and follow the prompts to install it on your computer. Once installed, open the app and click the button to check your PC's compatibility.

The app will scan your processor, RAM, storage, TPM version, and firmware type. It will then tell you whether your computer is compatible or which specific components do not meet the requirements. Write down or take a screenshot of any components that fail, because you will need that information if you decide to contact Microsoft support or a technician.

If the app says your computer is compatible, you can proceed to the update. If it says your computer is not compatible, stop here. Attempting to install Windows 11 on incompatible hardware often results in a computer that will not start or becomes unstable.

Backing Up Your Files Before You Change

The Windows 11 update process is designed to preserve your files and programs, but hardware failures or power loss during the update can destroy data. Before you start, back up anything you cannot afford to lose to an external drive or cloud storage service.

Connect an external hard drive or USB drive with at least 100 GB of free space to your computer. Copy your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and Downloads folders to the external drive. If you use cloud storage like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox, make sure your important files have synced to the cloud before you begin.

Also write down your passwords for important accounts (email, banking, work systems) and store them somewhere safe offline. If something goes wrong during the update, you may need to sign in again, and you want to be able to do that without guessing.

Starting the Windows 11 Update from Windows Update

Close all programs and save any open work. Click the Windows Start button (the four squares in the bottom left corner), then type "Update" and click "Check for updates." Windows will open the Settings app and begin scanning for available updates.

If Windows 11 is available for your computer, you will see a button that says "read and install" or "Update now." Click it. Windows will read the Windows 11 installation files, which may take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed. Do not turn off your computer or unplug it during this time.

Once the read is complete, Windows will ask you to choose a time to install. You can click "Install now" to start when ready, or you can schedule the installation for a time when you will not need your computer. The installation itself takes 20 to 60 minutes and requires your computer to restart multiple times.

What Happens During the Installation

When you click to begin the installation, Windows will restart your computer. You will see a black screen with a spinning circle or progress bar. This is normal. Do not turn off your computer, even if it seems to be stuck. The installation can take a long time on older hard drives.

Your computer will restart several times during the process. Each time it restarts, it will continue the installation automatically. You may see a screen asking you to press a key or choose an option — follow the on-screen instructions. After the final restart, Windows 11 will load and you will see the login screen.

Sign in with your Microsoft account or local account password. Windows will then spend a few minutes setting up your programs and settings. You may see a screen saying "Getting things ready" or "Setting up your PC" — this is normal and can take 10 to 20 minutes. Do not turn off your computer during this time.

Checking That Windows 11 Installed Correctly

Once you are logged in and the setup is complete, open Settings (click the Start button and type "Settings"). Click "System" on the left side, then scroll down and click "About." Look for the line that says "Edition" — it should say "Windows 11" rather than "Windows 10."

Also check that your files are still there. Open File Explorer (click the folder icon on the taskbar) and look in your Documents, Pictures, and Downloads folders. Your programs should still be installed and appear in the Start menu. If files are missing or programs will not open, restore them from the backup you made before the update.

If Windows 11 did not install correctly or your computer will not start, restart the computer and try the update again. If the problem persists, you may need to contact Microsoft support or take your computer to a technician.

What to Do If Your Computer Is Not Compatible

If the PC Health Check app said your computer is not compatible, the standard Windows Update method will not offer Windows 11 as an update. You have three realistic options: stay on Windows 10, buy a new computer that supports Windows 11, or contact a technician to discuss whether a hardware upgrade (like adding TPM 2.0) is possible for your specific model.

Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates until October 2025. After that date, Microsoft will no longer release patches for Windows 10, which means your computer will become more vulnerable to viruses and hacking. If you plan to use your computer after 2025, you will need to either upgrade to Windows 11 or buy a new computer.

Some people attempt to force Windows 11 onto incompatible computers by downloading the installation media directly from Microsoft and bypassing the hardware checks. This is technically possible but voids your warranty, often causes system instability, and may result in a computer that will not start or loses data. Unless you are very experienced with computers, this approach is not worth the risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the update delete my files or programs?

No. The Windows 11 update is designed to keep your files, programs, and settings intact. However, hardware failure or power loss during the update can destroy data, which is why backing up beforehand is important. If something goes wrong, you can restore from your backup.

How long does the whole process take?

The read takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed. The installation itself takes 20 to 60 minutes, and your computer will restart multiple times. Plan for two to three hours total from start to finish, and do not use your computer for other tasks during that time.

Can I go back to Windows 10 if I do not like Windows 11?

Yes, but only within 10 days of the update. After 10 days, the option to roll back is deleted. To go back, open Settings, click "System," then "Recovery," and look for "Go back" or "Previous version." After 10 days, you would need to reinstall Windows 10 from scratch, which deletes everything on your computer.

What if my computer gets stuck during the update?

If your computer is stuck on a black screen with a spinning circle for more than an hour, try holding the power button for 10 seconds to turn it off, then turn it back on. Windows will usually resume the installation automatically. If it gets stuck again, restart once more. If the problem continues, contact Microsoft support or a technician.

Do I need to buy Windows 11 or is it really free?

The update to Windows 11 is free if you already own a valid copy of Windows 10. You do not need to pay anything. If your computer does not have Windows installed, you would need to purchase a license, but the update itself is free.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.