How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 Without Losing Data (2026 Guide)

Why You Should Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Microsoft ended mainstream support for Windows 10 in October 2025. While Windows 10 still works, it no longer receives new features and will stop receiving security updates in October 2025 — leaving your PC vulnerable to new threats.

Windows 11 brings significant improvements:

• 🔒 Better security — TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, Windows Hello, Smart App Control
• 🤖 AI features — Copilot, Recall (on Copilot+ PCs), AI-powered search
• 🎨 Redesigned interface — cleaner Start menu, Snap Layouts, improved taskbar
• 🚀 Better performance — improved memory management and faster updates
• 📊 Longer support — Windows 11 is supported until at least 2031

Related: Windows 10 vs Windows 11: Should You Upgrade in 2026?

Before You Upgrade: Essential Preparation

Step 1: Check Windows 11 Compatibility

Windows 11 has specific hardware requirements. Download and run the PC Health Check app from Microsoft to verify compatibility:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2+ cores on a compatible 64-bit processor
• RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB+ recommended)
• Storage: 64 GB minimum free space
• TPM: TPM 2.0 required
• Secure Boot: UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability
• Display: 720p or higher, 9" or larger
• Internet: Required for Windows 11 Home setup

If your PC fails the compatibility check, see the section below on upgrading incompatible PCs.

Step 2: Back Up Your Data

Even though an in-place upgrade preserves your files, always back up before a major OS upgrade. Use:

• OneDrive — sync your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures to the cloud
• External drive — copy important files manually or use File History
• System Image — create a full backup via Control Panel → Backup and Restore

Full backup guide: How to Back Up Windows 11: Complete Guide.

Step 3: Free Up Disk Space

You need at least 64 GB of free space on your C: drive for the upgrade. Run Disk Cleanup (search in Start menu) and uninstall unused programs to free up space.

Step 4: Update Windows 10 First

Make sure Windows 10 is fully updated before upgrading:

1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
2. Click Check for updates and install all available updates
3. Restart your PC and check for updates again until none remain

Step 5: Note Your Windows License

Your Windows 10 license automatically transfers to Windows 11 during an in-place upgrade — no new key needed. However, note your license type:

• Windows 10 Home upgrades to Windows 11 Home
• Windows 10 Pro upgrades to Windows 11 Pro

If you want to upgrade from Home to Pro during the process, you'll need a Windows 11 Pro license key.

Method 1: Upgrade via Windows Update (Easiest)

If your PC is compatible, Windows 11 may already be offered via Windows Update:

1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
2. Look for "Windows 11 is ready — and it's free"
3. Click Download and install
4. Wait for the download to complete (several GB)
5. Click Restart now when prompted
6. The upgrade process takes 30-60 minutes — your PC will restart several times

All your files, apps, and settings are preserved automatically.

Method 2: Upgrade via Installation Assistant (Recommended)

Microsoft's Windows 11 Installation Assistant is the most reliable upgrade method:

1. Go to microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
2. Under "Windows 11 Installation Assistant", click Download Now
3. Run the downloaded file as Administrator
4. Accept the license terms and click Accept and install
5. The assistant downloads Windows 11 and begins the upgrade
6. Your PC will restart several times during the process (30-60 minutes total)
7. After completion, you'll be on Windows 11 with all your files and apps intact

Method 3: Upgrade via ISO File (Advanced)

For more control over the upgrade process:

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
2. Double-click the ISO file to mount it as a virtual drive
3. Run setup.exe from the mounted drive
4. Choose "Keep personal files and apps" when prompted
5. Follow the wizard to complete the upgrade

What Happens to Your Files, Apps, and Settings?

An in-place upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 preserves:

• ✅ All personal files (Documents, Pictures, Downloads, Desktop, etc.)
• ✅ All installed applications (Office, browsers, games, etc.)
• ✅ Windows settings (Wi-Fi passwords, display settings, etc.)
• ✅ Your Windows license (automatically transferred)

What changes:

• The Start menu moves to the center (can be moved back to the left in Settings)
• New taskbar design
• Some legacy features removed (Internet Explorer, etc.)

Upgrading an Incompatible PC to Windows 11

If your PC doesn't meet Windows 11's official requirements (especially TPM 2.0), you have options:

Option 1: Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS

Many PCs have TPM 2.0 hardware but it's disabled in the BIOS. Enter your BIOS/UEFI settings (press F2, F12, or DEL at startup) and look for TPM, PTT (Intel), or fTPM (AMD) settings and enable them.

Option 2: Use Rufus to Bypass Requirements

The free tool Rufus can create a Windows 11 bootable USB that bypasses TPM and Secure Boot requirements:

1. Download Rufus from rufus.ie
2. Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft
3. In Rufus, select the ISO and enable the bypass options
4. Create the bootable USB and run setup.exe to upgrade

Note: Microsoft may not guarantee updates on unsupported hardware. Proceed at your own risk.

Option 3: Buy a New PC or Upgrade Hardware

If your PC is very old, it may be time for an upgrade. A new Windows 11 PC with a genuine license is the cleanest solution. Get your Windows 11 Pro Retail license from LicenGold for any new build.

After the Upgrade: What to Do First

1. ✅ Check activation: Settings → System → Activation — should show "Windows is activated"
2. ✅ Run Windows Update: Install all available updates for Windows 11
3. ✅ Update drivers: Check Device Manager for any driver issues (yellow exclamation marks)
4. ✅ Verify your apps work: Open your most important applications and confirm they function correctly
5. ✅ Explore Windows 11 features: Try Snap Layouts, virtual desktops, and the new Settings app

Related Articles

• Windows 10 vs Windows 11: Should You Upgrade in 2026?
• Windows 11 Home vs Pro: Complete Feature Breakdown 2026
• How to Activate Your Microsoft Product Key in Under 5 Minutes
• How to Clean Install Windows 11 on a New SSD

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will upgrading to Windows 11 delete my files?

No — an in-place upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 preserves all your personal files, installed apps, and settings. However, always back up your data before any major OS upgrade as a precaution.

Is the Windows 11 upgrade free from Windows 10?

Yes — if your PC meets the hardware requirements, the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free. Your existing Windows 10 license automatically transfers to Windows 11.

How long does the Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade take?

The upgrade typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on your PC's speed and internet connection. Your PC will restart several times during the process. Don't turn off your PC during the upgrade.

Can I go back to Windows 10 after upgrading?

Yes — for 10 days after the upgrade, you can roll back to Windows 10 via Settings → System → Recovery → Go back. After 10 days, the rollback option is removed. After that, you'd need to do a clean install of Windows 10.

What if my PC isn't compatible with Windows 11?

You can enable TPM 2.0 in your BIOS (many PCs have it disabled), use Rufus to bypass requirements, or consider upgrading your hardware. If your PC is very old, a new build with a genuine Windows 11 Pro license may be the best investment.

Do I need a new license key to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

No — your Windows 10 license automatically transfers during an in-place upgrade. You only need a new key if you want to change editions (e.g., from Home to Pro) or if you're doing a clean install on a new drive. Get a Windows 11 Pro key from LicenGold if needed.

Will my Microsoft Office still work after upgrading to Windows 11?

Yes — Microsoft Office (2021, 2024, or 365) works perfectly on Windows 11. Your activation is preserved during an in-place upgrade. If you need Office, get a genuine lifetime license: Office 2024 Professional Plus.