Before installing a Windows 11 feature update, check whether your PC meets the requirements and whether Windows Update offers the upgrade for that device. Choose an in-place upgrade if you want to keep your apps and files, and back up before a clean install. If something goes wrong, use Go back for a version-upgrade problem or uninstall a specific update for a problem that began after that update.
What is a Windows 11 feature update?
A feature update introduces functionality and capabilities to Windows. Microsoft says Windows 11 feature updates are typically released once per year. A quality update is different: these arrive more frequently and mainly provide smaller fixes and security improvements. See Microsoft’s Windows Update FAQ.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Microsoft Windows 11 (USB) | $128.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Microsoft System Builder | Windоws 11 Home | Intended use for new systems | Install on a new PC |... | $119.99 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
How can I determine if my device qualifies for the Windows 11 upgrade?
Eligibility depends on the individual device. Microsoft’s minimum requirements include:
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall- A 1 GHz or faster processor with at least two cores, listed among Microsoft’s approved CPUs.
- At least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, and TPM version 2.0.
- DirectX 12-compatible graphics with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
- A high-definition display larger than 9 inches diagonally.
Windows 11 Home and Pro for personal use also require an internet connection and a Microsoft account during initial setup. To upgrade through Windows Update, the existing installation must be Windows 10 version 2004 or later. Some Windows features have higher requirements. Check Microsoft’s complete Windows 11 system requirements.
#1 Best Overall
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
For a consumer PC, use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app or open Settings > Windows Update to see whether the device is eligible and whether the upgrade is offered. Those checks are not intended for PCs managed by an IT administrator; ask your organization’s administrator about a managed device. After a hardware change, eligibility status may take time to refresh. Even an eligible PC may not receive the update immediately because Microsoft stages the rollout.
An offer in Windows Update is the recommended starting point: Microsoft validates and offers the upgrade for a specific device based on compatibility and readiness. If Windows Update does not offer it, official manual installation methods are available for compatible devices, but an offer and a manual install are not the same thing. Microsoft warns that installing Windows 11 on a device below minimum requirements is not recommended; such devices may have compatibility problems and are not guaranteed to receive updates, including security updates. See the guidance on Windows 11 on devices that don’t meet minimum requirements.
How should I choose an installation method?
For most people, use Windows Update if it offers the feature update. If it does not, the right alternative depends on the device and whether you want to preserve the current Windows installation.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →| Method | When it fits | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | The upgrade is offered for this PC. | Start at Settings > Windows Update and follow the offer for the device. The upgrade may be staged rather than immediately available. |
| Windows 11 Installation Assistant | A compatible x86/64 PC needs a manual feature-update route. | Microsoft’s assistant downloads and installs the latest feature update; it does not run on ARM-based PCs. See Windows Update Assistant. |
| Installation media, setup launched in Windows | You want to upgrade an existing Windows installation, using installation media. | Run Setup from within Windows and choose the option for what to keep. Available choices depend on the installation; check the choices carefully before proceeding. |
| Installation media, PC booted from the media | You want a fresh, clean installation. | This erases the existing Windows installation, files, and apps. Back up important data first. |
Microsoft explains the differences in its guides to ways to install Windows 11 and creating Windows installation media. Do not boot from the media if your intention is to upgrade while keeping the existing installation; launch Setup from within Windows instead.
How long does it take to upgrade to Windows 11?
There is no fixed duration. A Windows 11 upgrade can take longer than a routine Windows 10 feature update, and the download time depends in part on internet speed. You can use the PC while the files download and may be able to schedule the restart and installation. Allow time for the installation and restart rather than relying on a promised number of minutes or hours; Microsoft’s Windows 11 upgrade FAQ does not give a universal completion time.
Rank #2
- 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.
How can I go back to the previous Windows version?
If a problem began after upgrading to a new Windows version, open Settings > System > Recovery > Go back, if that option is still available. Microsoft says the option is available for a limited time and is usually available for 10 days after the upgrade; the 10-day period is typical, not guaranteed for every device. The previous-version files and folders must still be present.
Go back preserves personal files, but removes apps and drivers installed after the upgrade and reverts Settings changes made since then. Accounts added after the upgrade may need to be removed, and if a USB drive was used for the upgrade, keep it available. Microsoft’s instructions are in Go back to the previous version of Windows.
Recommended Free Tools
After the rollback window closes, returning to the earlier Windows version requires backing up your data and performing a clean installation. If that earlier version is Windows 10, note that Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes ended on that date; see its Windows 11 upgrade FAQ.
How do I uninstall an update?
First identify whether the problem followed an entire Windows version upgrade or one recent update. Use Go back for the former. To remove a particular recent update, open Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, then select the update and follow the prompts. If Windows will not start, Microsoft’s update removal guide describes using the Windows Recovery Environment instead.
Some updates cannot be uninstalled. Removing a security update can expose the device to risks, so consider the consequences before doing so. Microsoft also suggests trying to reinstall the current Windows version first on Windows 11; see Recovery options in Windows.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
