How to Install Windows 11 on Windows 10 Free: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Introduction

Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, offering a refreshed user interface, improved performance, and new features. If you’re currently using Windows 10 and want to upgrade to Windows 11, this How to Install Windows 11 on Windows 10 Free step-by-step guide will walk you through the installation process. Please note that before proceeding, you should ensure your device meets the system requirements for Windows 11.

Step 1: Check System Requirements:

1.1. Verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11. These requirements typically include a compatible processor, a certain amount of RAM, and sufficient storage space. Visit Microsoft’s official website to review the system requirements.

Hardware requirements

To install or upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet the following minimum hardware requirements:

Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC).
Memory: 4 gigabytes (GB) or greater.
Storage: 64 GB or greater available disk space.

Note

There might be more storage requirements over time for updates, and to enable specific features within the OS. For more information, see Windows 11 specifications.
Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
Display: High definition (720p) display, 9″ or greater monitor, 8 bits per color channel.
Internet connection: Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates, and to download and use some features.
- Windows 11 Home edition requires an internet connection and a Microsoft Account to complete device setup on first use.

For more information, see the following Windows Insider blog post: Update on Windows 11 minimum system requirements.

For more information about tools to evaluate readiness, see Determine eligibility.

OS requirements

Eligible Windows 10 devices must be on version 2004 or later, and have installed the September 14, 2021 security update or later, to upgrade directly to Windows 11.

Note

S mode is only supported on the Home edition of Windows 11.
If you’re running a different edition of Windows in S mode, before upgrading to Windows 11, first switch out of S mode.
To switch a device out of Windows 10 in S mode also requires internet connectivity. If you switch out of S mode, you can’t switch back to S mode later.

Step 2: Check Compatibility with Windows 11:

2.1. Download Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool from their website.

2.2. Run the tool and allow it to scan your system.

2.3. The tool will inform you whether your device is compatible with Windows 11. If it is, proceed to the next step. If it isn’t, you may need to consider upgrading your hardware.

Step 3: Backup Your Data:

3.1. Before making any changes to your operating system, it’s crucial to back up all your important files, documents, and settings.

3.2. Create a backup on an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or another computer to ensure your data remains safe.

Step 4: Prepare Installation Media:

4.1. Go to the official Microsoft website and search for the Windows 11 ISO file.

4.2. Download the Windows 11 ISO file, which will be used to create a bootable USB drive for the installation.

4.3. Once the download is complete, insert a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage capacity.

Step 5: Create a Bootable USB Drive with Rufus:

To Download Rufus’s Latest Version, Click below Download Button

Download Rufus

5.1. Download and install the Rufus tool, a popular application for creating bootable USB drives.

5.2. Open Rufus and select the USB drive you inserted.

To create a bootable drive with Rufus, follow the steps outlined in this article

Create a Bootable USB drive with Rufus

5.3. Under “Boot Selection,” click on the “Select” button and browse to the location where you downloaded the Windows 11 ISO file.

5.4. Click on the “Start” button, and Rufus will create a bootable USB drive using the Windows 11 ISO file.

Step 6: Install Windows 11:

6.1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings. The key to access the BIOS settings may vary depending on your computer manufacturer (common keys are Del, F2, F10, or Esc).

6.2. In the BIOS settings, navigate to the “Boot” tab and set the USB drive as the primary boot device.

6.3. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings. Your computer will restart.

6.4. The Windows 11 installation process will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your language, time zone, and keyboard layout.

6.5. When prompted, choose the option to perform a clean installation (which will remove Windows 10) or upgrade your existing Windows 10 installation. Select the appropriate option based on your preferences.

6.6. Windows 11 will then be installed on your computer. The installation process may take some time, so be patient.

6.7. Once the installation is complete, follow the setup wizard to customize your settings, such as signing in with your Microsoft account, privacy preferences, and personalization options.

Conclusion

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can upgrade your existing Windows 10 installation to the latest operating system, Windows 11. Remember to back up your important data before proceeding with the installation to avoid any potential loss. Enjoy the latest version of Windows 11 user experience from Microsoft.

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