How to Prepare Your PC for Windows 11 Upgrade

This guide walks you through the essential steps to get your PC ready for a smooth upgrade to Windows 11. You’ll learn how to check compatibility, back up your data, free up space, and update drivers—so the upgrade process doesn’t hit unexpected snags.

What You’ll Need

A PC running Windows 10 (version 2004 or later) with an internet connection
At least 64 GB of free storage space (more is better)
Your Microsoft account credentials (if you use one)
An external drive or cloud storage for backups (recommended)
About 1–2 hours of uninterrupted time

Step-by-Step

Check system requirements. Open Microsoft’s PC Health Check app (download from the official Microsoft website) and run it. It will tell you if your CPU, RAM, storage, and TPM 2.0 meet Windows 11’s minimums. If it says “This PC can’t run Windows 11,” note which requirement fails—you may need to enable TPM or Secure Boot in BIOS.
Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in BIOS/UEFI. Restart your PC and press the key shown on screen (often Del, F2, F10, or Esc) to enter BIOS. Look for “TPM” (sometimes called Intel PTT or AMD fTPM) and set it to Enabled. Also ensure “Secure Boot” is Enabled (or set to Windows UEFI mode). Save and exit. If you’re unsure, check your motherboard manual or the manufacturer’s support page.
Back up your important files. Use File History (Settings > Update & Security > Backup) to an external drive, or manually copy your Documents, Pictures, Desktop, and other key folders to a cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive. Also note any software license keys you might need to re-enter.
Free up disk space. Open Settings > System > Storage. Use Storage Sense to delete temporary files, or manually clean up the Recycle Bin and Downloads folder. Uninstall any large programs you no longer use (Settings > Apps). Aim for at least 64 GB free, but 100 GB is safer.
Update Windows 10. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” Install all pending updates, then restart. This ensures your system is stable before upgrading.
Update drivers and firmware. Visit your PC manufacturer’s support website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) and download the latest chipset, graphics, and network drivers. Also check for BIOS/UEFI updates—these often improve compatibility with Windows 11.
Uninstall conflicting software. Some antivirus tools (like older versions of McAfee or Norton) and system utilities (like CCleaner) can interfere with the upgrade. Temporarily uninstall them, or at least disable them. You can reinstall after upgrading.
Ensure your Microsoft account is ready. If you use a Microsoft account, make sure you know the password. If you use a local account, consider switching to a Microsoft account (Settings > Accounts > Your info) to make the upgrade smoother—though it’s not mandatory.
Create a recovery drive (optional but recommended). Plug in a USB drive (8 GB or larger) and search for “Create a recovery drive” in the Start menu. Follow the wizard to create a bootable recovery USB. This can save you if the upgrade fails.
Start the upgrade. Once everything is ready, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” If Windows 11 is offered, you’ll see a “Download and install” option. Alternatively, use Microsoft’s Installation Assistant from their website. Follow the on-screen prompts—your PC will restart several times.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the compatibility check. Many PCs fail because TPM 2.0 is disabled in BIOS, not because the hardware is too old. Always run PC Health Check first.
Not backing up. Even though upgrades usually keep your files, a power outage or a rare driver conflict can cause data loss. Back up before you start.
Ignoring disk space. Running low on storage is a top cause of upgrade failures. The installer needs room for temporary files—free up more than the minimum.
Leaving old drivers. Outdated graphics or network drivers can cause blue screens after upgrade. Update them beforehand.
Forgetting to remove incompatible software. Some security suites are known to block the upgrade. Uninstall them if you run into issues.

Tips

Do it during a weekend. The upgrade can take an hour or more, and you might need to troubleshoot. Don’t start when you have a deadline.
Keep your PC plugged in. If you’re on a laptop, connect the charger. A power loss mid-upgrade can corrupt the system.
Use a wired internet connection. A stable Ethernet connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi for a large download.
Take a screenshot of your current Start menu layout. Windows 11 changes the taskbar and Start menu. You might want to replicate your old setup.
Note your Wi-Fi password. You’ll need it to reconnect after the upgrade.

Troubleshooting

PC Health Check says “This PC can’t run Windows 11.” Read the specific reason. If it’s TPM or Secure Boot, go into BIOS and enable them. If it’s the CPU, your processor is not on the supported list—you may need to stick with Windows 10 (which is supported until October 2025).
The upgrade gets stuck at a percentage. Wait at least 30 minutes before doing anything. If it’s truly frozen (no disk activity for 30+ minutes), hold the power button to force off, then restart. Windows should roll back to Windows 10 automatically. If not, use your recovery drive.
You get error code 0x80070070. This means insufficient disk space. Free up more space and try again.
Error 0x800F0922. This often indicates a problem with the system reserved partition or a network issue. Try running the Windows Update troubleshooter (Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot).
After upgrade, Wi-Fi doesn’t work. Reinstall the network driver from your manufacturer’s website. If you can’t get online, download the driver on another device and transfer it via USB.
Your files are missing after upgrade. Check the Windows.old folder (C:\Windows.old). Your previous Windows installation and files are usually there. You can restore them manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Windows 11 upgrade delete my files?

No, a standard upgrade keeps your personal files and installed apps. However, it’s always wise to back up—just in case.

Do I need to buy Windows 11?

No, if you have a genuine Windows 10 license, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free.

How long does the upgrade take?

Typically 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your internet speed and hardware. Your PC will restart several times.

What if my PC is not compatible?

You can continue using Windows 10, which receives security updates until October 14, 2025. After that, consider upgrading your hardware or buying a new PC.

Can I go back to Windows 10 after upgrading?

Yes, within 10 days of upgrading. Go to Settings > System > Recovery and select “Go back to Windows 10.” After 10 days, you’ll need to do a clean install.

Do I need to enable TPM even if I use a local account?

Yes, TPM 2.0 is a hardware requirement regardless of your account type. It’s used for security features like BitLocker and Windows Hello.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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