Before a Windows 11 feature update, back up important files, check Windows Update for any readiness or storage messages, and make sure a laptop can stay plugged in while the PC installs and restarts. You do not need to clear disk space pre-emptively unless Windows says space is low.
1. Back up important files
Microsoft recommends backing up files before installing a new Windows version. Confirm that important files are safely backed up or synced with the service you rely on. If they are already synced to OneDrive, Microsoft says additional backup action might not be necessary. See Microsoft’s Upgrade to Windows 11 FAQ.
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2. Check Windows Update
Open Settings > Windows Update and review the update status, available updates, and any messages about readiness or storage. For a Windows 11 upgrade offer, Microsoft says Windows Update indicates when the upgrade has been tested and validated for your PC. If that offer is not available, Microsoft’s getting-ready guidance says to install available updates for your current Windows version, restart, and check again.
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3. Check storage only if Windows reports a shortage
There is no single free-space figure that guarantees every update will install. Microsoft says feature updates typically need 6 GB–11 GB or more of free space; actual demand varies with the update path, optional content installed on the PC, and other updates. Windows checks available storage and prompts you if it needs more. These figures and steps are from Microsoft’s Free up space for Windows updates page, checked in 2026.
If Windows asks you to free space
- Read the space requirement shown by Windows, if one is provided.
- Open Settings > System > Storage and review Cleanup recommendations or use Storage Sense. Check what Windows identifies before removing anything.
- Move or delete only files you understand and no longer need in that location. Update space can be used to download and apply the update and may temporarily support removing it afterward.
- If Windows offers the option and you have one available, use external storage temporarily. This is a workaround for a reported shortage, not something every PC needs; Microsoft does not specify a required drive capacity or model.
4. Keep a laptop or tablet powered
Connect a laptop or tablet to power, particularly if it may install updates outside your active hours. Microsoft recommends keeping these devices plugged in when not in use so they have enough power for updates. Save open work and leave the PC available to restart when Windows requests it; installation time varies, so allow the device to finish rather than planning around a fixed duration. See Microsoft’s Windows Update FAQ.
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5. Confirm the update completed
After the PC restarts, return to Settings > Windows Update to check its status. You can also review Update history there. If Windows reports an error, use Microsoft’s relevant troubleshooting guidance for that message rather than guessing at a fix.
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