How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

An upgrade from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 11 Pro can be done in several ways, depending on your situation with the operation system. 

I. Windows 10 Pro is already installed on your computer

Make use of Windows Update 

User of devices with Windows 10 Pro, eligible for the upgrade (which meets all requirements for Windows 11) are usually notified through Windows Update that the upgrade is ready for their device. It can be verified by going to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. The upgrade can be then launched within your Windows 10 Pro directly. 

Download Windows 11 installation file online 

Go to Windows 11 software download page, select ‘Create Windows 11 Installation Media’ and follow the instructions to install Windows 11. The installation file gives you 3 options on how to install the operating system: 

1. Perform a Full Upgrade, which keeps personal files (including drivers), apps, and Windows Settings. This is the best option when you want to keep all files, apps, and settings intact after the upgrade. 
2. Keep Data Only will keep personal files (including drivers) only, not apps and not Windows Settings.
3. Clean Install will install Windows 11 and keep nothing from the previous Windows 10 installation. Warning – it will remove all previous files on the device! 

For more information, visit: Ways to install Windows 11 - Microsoft Support

II. A clean computer/laptop, with no operating system installed

In order to install Windows 11 Pro on a clean device (without any existing operating system) you can download Media Creation Tool from Microsoft website on another device, and create a bootable USB. The installation procedure looks the same, so you can make use of our Windows USB installation guide.

-----

FAQ

Can I make a direct upgrade from Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB/LTSC to Windows 11 Pro (and keep all my files and folders)? 

No, you cannot. The upgrade path from Win10 Enterprise to Win11 Pro is not supported. You have to download an installation file and make a clean installation – it entirely deletes and replaces the existing operating system.

Can I upgrade Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB/LTSC to Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC? 

No, you cannot. Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC hasn’t been released yet. It will be available in the second half of 2024. 

Can I install and activate Windows 11 on a computer which doesn’t meet system requirements? 

Yes, you can. However, ‘Microsoft recommends against installing Windows 11 on a device that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements’. In other words – it’s possible but as the software is not supported on your device, you will do it on your own risk. If you want to know the exact procedure, please read the ‘Warning’ section. 

Can I make use of my product key in order to upgrade my Windows 10 Home to Windows 11 Pro?  

Yes, but additional mid-step is required. You cannot upgrade your Windows 10 Home to 11 Pro directly. In order to upgrade the software to Windows 11 you will need to turn your Windows 10 Home into Windows 10 Pro first. Once it’s done, you can proceed with the Windows 11 upgrade as described above.