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Short answer: to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, select Check for updates, then select Download and install when Windows 11 is offered. The upgrade is free from Microsoft if your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements, and your files and apps are kept by default. If Windows Update does not offer it, use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
This guide shows the three official ways to upgrade, what you need before you start, how long it takes, and how to go back to Windows 10 if you change your mind. All steps come from Microsoft Support and Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page, checked in October 2026.
- Cost: free from Microsoft for eligible Windows 10 PCs
- Best method: Windows Update in Settings
- Other methods: Installation Assistant or installation media (USB)
- Your files: kept by default, but back them up first
- Changed your mind? You have 10 days to go back
Table of Contents
Is the Windows 11 upgrade free?
Yes. Microsoft says upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 are free (Microsoft FAQ), so you can upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 without buying anything. The only cost is the download: it is large, so if you are on a metered or mobile connection your internet provider might charge you for the data.
Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025, so Windows 10 PCs no longer get free security updates. Our guide on Windows 10 end of support explains your options if you are not ready to upgrade yet.
Your edition normally stays the same: Windows 10 Home becomes Windows 11 Home, and Windows 10 Pro becomes Windows 11 Pro. You do not need a new product key for the free upgrade.
Before you upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11: 5 checks
- Requirements: your PC must meet the Windows 11 system requirements, including TPM 2.0 and a supported processor. The free PC Health Check app tells you if it does. Our guide on Windows 11 requirements explains each one.
- Windows 10 version: the Installation Assistant needs Windows 10 version 2004 or later.
- Disk space: Microsoft says you need 9 GB of free disk space to download Windows 11.
- Processor type: the Installation Assistant and the media tool only work on x64 processors, not Arm-based PCs.
- Back up your files: the upgrade keeps them by default, but Microsoft always recommends a backup, for example to OneDrive or an external drive.
Also plug in your laptop charger and make sure you have a stable internet connection. The PC restarts several times during the upgrade, so do not turn it off.
Method 1: Upgrade with Windows Update (recommended)
Microsoft recommends waiting until Windows Update says the upgrade is ready for your PC (Microsoft). This is the safest way: if there is a known compatibility issue with your PC, Microsoft holds the upgrade back until the issue is fixed.
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates. Install any waiting Windows 10 updates first and restart, then check again.
- When you see that Windows 11 is ready, select Download and install.
- Read the license terms and select Accept and install.
- When the status says Pending restart, select Restart now.
- The PC restarts a few times. When the sign-in screen appears, sign in to finish.
If Windows Update does not show Windows 11, the upgrade may not be ready for your PC yet, there may be a known compatibility issue, or your PC may not meet the requirements. Run the PC Health Check app to find out which one.
Method 2: Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
The Installation Assistant is a free Microsoft app that upgrades the PC you are using. You can use it before Windows Update offers Windows 11, although Microsoft recommends waiting for the offer. Download it from Microsoft’s Windows 11 page.
- Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant and select Run. You need to be an administrator.
- The tool checks your hardware. If it asks for more information, run PC Health Check and select Refresh.
- If your PC is compatible, select Accept and install.
- When it is ready, select Restart now. The PC restarts a few times.
- Sign in on the Windows 11 sign-in screen.
If the tool says your PC does not meet the minimum system requirements, Microsoft recommends staying on Windows 10.
Method 3: Use installation media (USB or ISO)
Installation media is mostly used to install Windows 11 on a new or empty PC, but it can also upgrade Windows 10. You need a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB: everything on it is deleted.
- On Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page, use the Media Creation Tool to make a USB drive, or download the ISO file.
- Sign in to Windows 10 on the PC you want to upgrade.
- Insert the USB drive (or mount the ISO) and run setup.exe.
- Follow the steps. On the Ready to install page, choose what to keep.
- Start the upgrade and wait for the restarts.
Keep files and apps, files only, or nothing
Setup offers three choices. Keep personal files and apps is the default and moves everything to Windows 11. Keep personal files only deletes your apps and settings. Nothing deletes everything, including your files, so only choose it after a full backup.
Booting from the USB drive instead does a clean install. On a new PC or a clean install you may need a product key: our guide on how to activate Windows 11 Pro shows where to enter it.
Which method should you use to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11?
| Method | Best for | Keeps files |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | Most people | Yes |
| Installation Assistant | Upgrade not offered yet | Yes |
| Installation media | Several PCs, or a clean install | You choose |
If the upgrade does not start
If you cannot upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11, the cause is usually simple. Check these first:
- Waiting updates: install all Windows 10 updates, restart, and check again. Windows 11 might not be offered until they are installed.
- Not enough space: free up at least 9 GB, for example by emptying the Recycle Bin or moving videos to an external drive.
- “What needs your attention” message: Windows found an app or driver that is not ready for Windows 11. Update or remove it, or wait for the fix.
- PC not eligible: PC Health Check shows which requirement fails. Often TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot is only switched off in the firmware settings.
If your PC really does not meet the requirements, Microsoft does not recommend installing Windows 11 on it. Consider a new PC instead.
How long does it take to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11?
When you upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11, Microsoft says the time varies. The download depends on your internet speed, and installing Windows 11 usually takes longer than a normal monthly update. Plan for a few hours when you do not need the PC, for example in the evening, and keep it plugged in.
How to go back to Windows 10 within 10 days
If you do not like Windows 11, you can go back. Microsoft says that in most cases you have 10 days after the upgrade (Microsoft Support):
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Select Go back if it is shown.
- Follow the steps. Your personal files are kept, but apps and drivers you installed after the upgrade, and changes to settings, are removed.
For this to work, do not delete the windows.old and $windows.~bt folders, remove any user accounts you added after the upgrade, and keep the USB drive you used, if any. After 10 days, the files needed to go back are removed. You would then have to back up your files and do a clean install of Windows 10, which no longer gets free security updates.
Want Windows 11 Pro? Upgrade Home to Pro
If your PC had Windows 10 Home, it gets Windows 11 Home. To get Pro features like BitLocker, Remote Desktop and Hyper-V, you can upgrade Home to Pro with a Windows 11 Pro product key, without reinstalling. See Windows 11 Home vs Pro to decide, and how to activate Windows 11 Pro for the steps.
Get a Windows 11 Pro key from IQSIX
You do not need a key for the free upgrade. You need one to move from Home to Pro, or to activate Windows 11 on a new PC or a clean install. IQSIX sells a Windows 11 Pro product key for one PC.
- Delivery: after your payment is confirmed, we send the key by email.
- Activation: Settings > System > Activation > Change product key.
- Payment: crypto, card, or a Remitly bank or mobile money transfer at checkout.
- Help: not sure if you need a key? Ask us on WhatsApp before you buy.
Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 FAQ
How do I upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free?
Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, select Check for updates, then Download and install when Windows 11 is offered. If it is not offered, use the free Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft.
Is the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 really free?
Yes. Microsoft says upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 are free, as long as your PC meets the Windows 11 requirements. Your internet provider may charge for the large download on a metered connection.
Will I lose my files when I upgrade to Windows 11?
No. By default your files and data move to Windows 11. Microsoft still recommends backing up your files before you upgrade.
Why is Windows 11 not showing in Windows Update?
The upgrade may not be ready for your PC yet, there may be a known compatibility issue, or your PC may not meet the requirements. Run the PC Health Check app to check.
Can I go back to Windows 10 after upgrading?
Yes, within 10 days in most cases: go to Settings > System > Recovery and select Go back. After that, you need a clean install of Windows 10.
Do I need a product key to upgrade to Windows 11?
No. The free upgrade keeps your Windows 10 licence. You only need a key to upgrade Home to Pro or to activate Windows 11 on a new PC or after a clean install.
Sources, checked 18 October 2026: Microsoft: ways to install Windows 11, Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ, Download Windows 11, Go back to the previous version of Windows and Windows 11 system requirements.
