You can upgrade to Windows 11 and keep your files, installed apps, and Windows settings by using an in-place upgrade from your current Windows installation and confirming Keep personal files and apps in Setup. First check that your PC is eligible and back up important files. Avoid booting from a Windows installation USB: that starts a fresh installation and wipes the existing drive contents.
Choose the upgrade route that fits your PC
| Route | When to use it | What to know about keeping files and apps |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | When Windows 11 is offered for your PC | Microsoft recommends this route for the particular device. Back up important files before installing. |
| Installation Assistant | As an alternative for compatible hardware | Microsoft recommends waiting for the Windows Update offer when possible. If the Assistant says the PC does not meet minimum requirements, Microsoft recommends staying on Windows 10. |
| Installation media, run from Windows | When you want to use a USB or other installation media for an in-place upgrade | Run setup.exe from the existing Windows session and confirm Keep personal files and apps. |
| Booting from installation media | For a fresh installation, not an upgrade that preserves the current setup | This route wipes the existing drive contents, so do not use it to keep your files and apps. |
Check Windows 11 eligibility first
Windows 11 upgrades from Windows 10 are free from Microsoft, but the PC must meet Windows 11’s minimum system requirements. Microsoft lists TPM 2.0 among the requirements. For an upgrade through Windows Update, Microsoft says the PC must be running Windows 10 version 2004 or later.
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- In Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check whether Windows 11 is offered.
- Use Microsoft’s PC Health Check to assess whether your PC meets the minimum requirements.
- If your PC is managed by an organization, ask your IT administrator about eligibility and available upgrade options.
A PC can meet the requirements without receiving the Windows Update offer immediately. Microsoft says a compatibility issue may temporarily delay the offer. Its installation guidance warns that installing without verifying eligibility can leave a system unsupported, so do not treat a requirements bypass as the normal route.
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Microsoft recommends backing up files before installing a new version of Windows, even though the default in-place upgrade moves files and data to the new installation. If your files are already synced to OneDrive, Microsoft says additional backup action might not be necessary; an external backup device is another option. Make sure important files are available somewhere separate from the PC before continuing.
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- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
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Installation media is optional if you use Windows Update. If you create it, Microsoft requires a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB and warns that creating the media deletes the drive’s existing contents. Copy anything on that USB drive elsewhere first.
Upgrade through Windows Update
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- If Windows 11 is offered, select Download and install.
- Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade.
Microsoft recommends waiting for Windows Update to offer Windows 11 for your specific PC. If it is not offered, check eligibility and allow for the possibility of a temporary compatibility hold instead of forcing the installation.
Upgrade with installation media and keep apps
- Sign in to the Windows installation you want to upgrade.
- Attach or open the Windows 11 installation media while still in Windows.
- Run
setup.exefrom the media. Do not restart the PC and boot from the USB drive. - On the Ready to install screen, check the selection. The default is Keep personal files and apps.
- If needed, select Change what to keep, then select Keep personal files and apps.
- Confirm your choice before selecting Install.
Microsoft says this choice migrates personal files, apps, and Windows settings to Windows 11. The other choices have different results:
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- STREAMLINED & INTUITIVE UI, DVD FORMAT | Intelligent desktop | Personalize your experience for simpler efficiency | Powerful security built-in and enabled.
- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC with no prior version of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
- PRODUCT SHIPS IN PLAIN ENVELOPE | Activation key is located under scratch-off area on label.
- GENUINE WINDOWS SOFTWARE IS BRANDED BY MIRCOSOFT ONLY.
- Keep personal files only: retains personal files but removes apps and Windows settings.
- Nothing: removes personal files, apps, and settings.
If Setup does not offer Keep personal files and apps, do not proceed on the assumption that everything will be retained. Recheck that Setup was launched from the existing Windows session and review the choices shown before installing.
What to expect from apps, accessories, and timing
Microsoft expects most software and accessories that worked with Windows 10 to work with Windows 11, but compatibility is not guaranteed. Some apps may be removed during the upgrade because they are known to cause problems or are not compatible. Check with the app publisher or accessory manufacturer for compatibility information and updated versions.
Upgrade time varies, including with internet speed. Microsoft says downloading and installing usually takes longer than a typical Windows 10 feature update. You can use the device while Windows downloads and schedule installation after the download.
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Going back after the upgrade
Microsoft says the option to return to the previous Windows version is available for a limited time—10 days in most cases. Going back keeps personal files, but removes apps and drivers added after the upgrade and reverses settings changes.
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Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft’s support notice. Returning to Windows 10 can therefore mean using an operating system without standard free security fixes and support.
Quick Recap
Microsoft sources
- Ways to install Windows 11
- Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ
- Windows 11 system requirements
- Create installation media for Windows 11
- Go back to the previous version of Windows
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