On October 5th, 2021, the tech world eagerly anticipated the rollout of Microsoft’s next-generation operating system: Windows 11. The buzz around this release was palpable, and the good news? It’s now officially available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 users. While many will receive an automatic notification prompting the upgrade – courtesy of their PCs being equipped with features like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot – others might find themselves on the outside looking in due to hardware constraints. If you’re among the latter, don’t fret! There’s a workaround. By downloading the OS directly from the Microsoft server, you can initiate a manual installation. This comprehensive guide by risewindows will walk you through the process of upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11. If you’re setting up a brand-new machine, our suggestion would be to grab a Windows 11 ISO for a pristine installation. Not satisfied with the new changes? Rolling back is an option. Dive in to discover the ins and outs of navigating this exciting OS transition.
How to Check if Your PC Supports Windows 11?
To begin, first download and run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app to check if Windows 11 officially supports your PC hardware. Then, click the Check Now button in the tool, and it will tell you whether Windows 11 officially supports your PC.
In case your PC does not support Windows 11, the tool will give you information about why. Although, if your PC doesn’t pass the test, you do not need to worry. You can still upgrade to Windows 11, anyway. But Microsoft warns you may experience problems and won’t guarantee future updates for Windows on your hardware.
How to Upgrade Your PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11?
Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update on your Windows 10 PC to upgrade your PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Now, click the “Check for updates” button to see if any updates are available. If your PC is ready for Windows 11, you’ll see an “Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready—and it’s free!” banner here.
After that, click “Download and install” to get it. Click the button “Stay on Windows 10 for now” if you are not ready to switch to Windows 11. You can stop your PC from getting the Windows 11 update by doing this.
Finally, if you have no option and still want to download the latest version on your PC, you’ll need to download a Windows 11 ISO and install it manually.
Also Read: How to Bypass Registry to Install Windows 11 on Unsupported Hardware?
Conclusion
With the launch of Windows 11, Microsoft offers a revamped user experience, which has generated excitement in the tech community. Those with eligible PCs will find the transition seamless with automatic prompts. However, for others, manual installation remains an option. By understanding your PC’s compatibility and knowing the appropriate steps, you can easily navigate this OS transition. Whether you’re upgrading an existing machine or setting up a new one, this guide provides you with a clear pathway to experience the latest Windows iteration.
