Windows 11 is officially released by Microsoft, we will go through different ways to upgrade to Windows 11. Check out each Windows 11 upgrade method to determine the best option for you.
We will upgrade a Windows 10 PC to Windows 11. You can also test the Windows 11 upgrade on a Virtual Machine. However, don’t forget to enable TPM on a VM before you upgrade to Windows 11.
Usually, the new Windows upgrades often are delivered via the Windows Update. However, with Windows 11, we did not see the Windows 11 update appear under Windows Updates.
According to Microsoft, “If you are upgrading from Windows 10, we recommend that you wait until you are notified through Windows Update that the upgrade is ready for your PC.”
In other words, you can either wait until the Microsoft makes the Windows 11 upgrade possible via Windows Updates or manually perform Windows 11 upgrade.
That doesn’t mean you can’t upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft offers different ways to upgrade your Windows 10 PC to Windows 11, we will be listing all the possible Windows 11 upgrade methods.
Different Methods to Upgrade to Windows 11
There are several methods that you can use to upgrade Windows 10 devices to Windows 11.
- Use SCCM in-place upgrade task sequence to upgrade to Windows 11.
- Manually Upgrade to Windows 11 using Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
- Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 using ISO Installation Media.
- Windows 11 upgrade via Windows Update.
System Requirements for Windows 11
To install Windows 11 or to upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft has documented minimum system requirements for installing Windows 11 on a PC.
Your system must meet those minimum system requirements to upgrade to Windows 11. If you cannot check those specs manually, the Windows 11 PC Health check app will make your task easier.
We will cover about the new Windows 11 PC health check app in the next section. Here are the minimum requirements for Windows 11 that your PC / Laptop should have.
Processor1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)RAM4 GB Storage64 GB or MoreSystem firmware UEFI, Secure Boot capable TPM TPM version 2.0 Graphics card DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver Display HD display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel Internet Microsoft account and internet connectivity
Download Windows 11 ISO File
Using Windows 11 ISO file, you can upgrade Windows 10 PC to Windows 11. We will cover more about this in method 2.
This Windows 11 ISO (disk image) option is for users that want to create a bootable installation media (USB flash drive, DVD) or create a virtual machine (.ISO file) to install Windows 11.
This download is a multi-edition ISO which uses your product key to unlock the correct edition.
You can download the 64-bit Windows 11 ISO from the following sources.
- Sign in to the Volume Licensing Service Center to download Windows 11 Enterprise editions.
- Sign in to your subscription on the Visual Studio Subscriptions portal and download the Windows 11 ISO.
- Visit the Windows Insider site to download Insider Preview builds.
- Download the Windows 11 ISO file for free from Microsoft download page.
We will cover the steps to download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft downloads page. This method should be used when you don’t have access to Visual Studio Subscriptions portal or MSDN.
Go to Windows 11 Downloads page, look for Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO). Click the drop-down and select Windows 11 product. Click Download.
Download Windows 11 ISO File
The Windows 11 is available in several languages. Select the Product language and click Confirm.
Download Windows 11 ISO File
Click the 64-bit download button to download Windows 11 ISO file. The download link is available only for 24 hours and then the link expires.
Note – This download is a multi-edition ISO which uses your product key to unlock the correct edition. After you install Windows 11, you must activate it using a product key.
Download Windows 11 ISO File
Create Windows 11 Bootable Installation Media
When you have downloaded Windows 11 ISO media, you can create a bootable installation media (USB flash drive, DVD) to install or upgrade Windows 11.
Check the Guide from Microsoft to create the Bootable Installation Media
Download and Install Windows 11 PC Health Check App
Before performing a Windows 11 upgrade, you must download and run the Windows 11 PC health check app.
The PC Health Check app was intended to help people check if their current Windows 10 PC could upgrade to Windows 11.
Microsoft had released the PC health check app, but it was not totally ready. Hence, a new version of PC health check app has been released for Windows 11.
Download the latest version of PC health check app from Microsoft site. Follow the below steps to install the Health check app on Windows 10 PC.
Run the WindowsPCHealthCheckSetup.msi installer. On the Windows PC health check setup window, select I accept the terms in the license agreement. Click Install.
Install Windows 11 PC Health Check App
The Windows PC health check application is now installed. Click Finish.
Install Windows 11 PC Health Check App
You should now see a PC health check screen. If your device is already running Windows 10, you can run the PC Health Check app to assess compatibility.
To determine if your Windows 10 PC can be upgraded to Windows 11, click Check Now.
Install Windows 11 PC Health Check App
This PC meets Windows 11 requirements – If you see this message, congratulations, your computer is eligible for Windows 11 upgrade.
In case your system doesn’t qualify for Windows 11 upgrade, you can click See all resultsand find what system requirement is blocking you from upgrading to Windows 11.
Install Windows 11 PC Health Check App
Method 1 – Upgrade to Windows 11 using Windows 11 Installation Assistant
According to Microsoft, the Windows 11 upgrade assistant is the best option for installing Windows 11 on the device you’re currently using. First, download the Windows 11 installation assistant on your computer.
Your computer should be connected to the internet to download the Windows 11 update.
Download the Windows 11 installation assistant
Right click Windows11InstallationAssistant installer and select Run as administrator.
Run Windows 11 installation assistant
We purposely added this screen to show you know that a Windows 11 PC health app is required by Windows 11 installation assistant tool. If you have already installed the health check app, you shouldn’t see this screen.
Windows11InstallationAssistant
If you haven’t installed the health check app, install it and click Refresh. Now you should see Install Windows 11 screen. Click Accept and Install.
Upgrade to Windows 11 using Windows 11 Installation Assistant
The Windows 11 installation assistant tool now starts to download files required for Windows 11 upgrade. Leave your computer idle and let the download complete.
Downloading Windows 11
In the next step, we see the Windows 11 upgrade installation begins.
Installing Windows 11 Update
Usually, the Windows Upgrades will require a computer restart. To install Windows 11, click Restart Now.
Restart Computer to begin the Windows 11 Upgrade
The Windows 11 Installation Assistant will reboot your device to complete the install. Click Close.
Restart Computer to begin the Windows 11 Upgrade
Site back and relax because your Windows 10 PC will now be upgraded to Windows 11.
Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade
A couple of system restarts is expected during Windows 11 upgrade.
Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade
And finally, we have successfully upgraded our Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 using the Windows 11 installation assistant tool.
Upgrade to Windows 11 Successful
Method 2 – Upgrade to Windows 11 using ISO Installation Media
In this method, you can upgrade to Windows 11 using the ISO file that Microsoft provides. You can download the ISO file from other sources as listed at the beginning of the post.
When you have the Windows 11 ISO media, you can choose to upgrade to Windows 11 using 2 methods.
- Copy the Win 11 ISO media to Windows 10 PC and manually begin the Windows 11 upgrade.
- Create a bootable installation media (USB flash drive, DVD) and use it to upgrade to Windows 11.
The first method is easy because all you need to do is copy the Windows 11 ISO to the computer, mount it and begin the upgrade. The second method requires a bootable installation media such as DVD or USD Flash drive. Using the bootable media, you begin the Windows 11 upgrade.
If you want to install Windows 11 directly from the ISO file without using a DVD or USB flash drive, you can do so by mounting the ISO file. This will perform an upgrade of your current operating system to Windows 11.
Right click Windows 11 ISO media and select Mount.
Mount the Windows 11 ISO Media
From the virtual drive, run the Windows 11 setup.exe as administrator.
Run the Windows 11 Setup
Now you see Install Windows 11 window. The setup will download updates online, drivers and optional features. Your computer should be connected to Internet for smooth Windows 11 upgrade.
Click Next.
Upgrade to Windows 11 using ISO Installation Media
The latest updates required to upgrade to Windows 11 are downloaded. The Windows 11 setup restarts now.
Upgrade to Windows 11 using ISO Installation Media
On the Applicable notices and license terms window, click Accept.
Accept License Terms
On the Getting Updates window, wait for the setup to check for latest Windows 11 updates.
Windows 11 Updates
On the Ready to Install window, click Install.
Upgrade to Windows 11 using ISO Installation Media
Now the Windows 11 Upgrade begins. Your PC will restart several times during upgrade to Windows 11.
Installing Windows 11 Update
The upgrade to Windows 11 is complete. We have successfully upgraded Windows 10 PC to Windows 11.
Upgrade to Windows 11 Successful
Method 3 – Windows 11 Upgrade SCCM (Configuration Manager)
In this method, we will perform Windows 11 Upgrade using SCCM task sequence. You must import the Windows 11 upgrade package into SCCM and use the in-place upgrade task sequence to upgrade to Windows 11. If you are already deploying operating systems and managing software updates via Configuration Manager, you can opt for this method.
Note – You must use ConfigMgr 2107 and above to upgrade computers to Windows 11. Configuration Manager 2107 supports Windows 11 as client.
Here can you check SCCM Upgrade Guide
Add Windows 11 Operating System Upgrade Package
Here are the steps to add or import Windows 11 upgrade package into SCCM.
- Launch the SCCM console.
- Navigate to Software Library > Operating Systems > Operating System Upgrade Packages.
- Right click Operating System Upgrade Packages and click Add Operating System Upgrade Package.
Add Windows 11 Operating System Upgrade Package in SCCM
On the Data Source page, click Browse and specify the folder path that contains Windows 11 setup files.
Select the option – By checking this box you are agreeing that when applying this operating system to the device the applicable Windows license was purchased through volume licensing or that you are authorized to bind your organization and are accepting on its behalf the Microsoft license terms.
Check the box – Extract a specific image index from install.wim file of selected upgrade package. Select the image index appropriately and click Next.
Add Windows 11 Operating System Upgrade Package in SCCM
On the General window, specify the upgrade package name as Windows 11 upgrade. You may add more details in the comment box and click Next.
Add Windows 11 Operating System Upgrade Package in SCCM
Click Next on Summary window.
Add Windows 11 Operating System Upgrade Package in SCCM
On the Completion window, click Close. We have successfully imported Windows 11 upgrade package in SCCM.
Add Windows 11 Operating System Upgrade Package in SCCM
Create Windows 11 In-place upgrade SCCM Task Sequence
Let’s create an SCCM in-place upgrade task sequence to upgrade to Windows 11.
- Launch the Configuration Manager console.
- Go to Software Library\Overview\Operating Systems\Task Sequences.
- Right click Task Sequences and select Create Task Sequence.
Create Windows 11 In-place upgrade SCCM Task Sequence
On the Create a new task sequence page, select Upgrade an operating system from an upgrade package. Click Next.
Create Windows 11 In-place upgrade SCCM Task Sequence
Specify the task sequence name such as in-place upgrade of Windows 10 to Windows 11 or something meaningful. Add an optional description. Click Next.
Create Windows 11 In-place upgrade SCCM Task Sequence
Now you see Upgrade Windows operating system window. You must select an upgrade package, click Browse and select Windows 11 upgrade package. The edition index is automatically populated. Click Next.
Create Windows 11 In-place upgrade SCCM Task Sequence
Select Do not install any software updates. Click Next.
Create Windows 11 In-place upgrade SCCM Task Sequence
If you have any applications that you need to install along with this upgrade, you can do so. Otherwise, click Next.
Create Windows 11 In-place upgrade SCCM Task Sequence
Review the settings on Summary window and click Next.
Create Windows 11 In-place upgrade SCCM Task Sequence
Finally, on the Completion window, click Close. This completes the steps for creating a Windows 11 in-place upgrade task sequence.
Create Windows 11 In-place upgrade SCCM Task Sequence
Distribute the Windows 11 Task Sequence Content to Distribution Points
After you have created the Windows 11 task sequence, you must distribute the TS content to distribution points.
Go to Software Library\Overview\Operating Systems\Task Sequences. Right-click the Windows 11 in-place upgrade task sequence and click Distribute Content.
Distribute the Windows 11 Task Sequence Content to Distribution Points
On the General window of distribute content wizard, click Next.
Distribute the Windows 11 Task Sequence Content to Distribution Points
On the content window, click Next.
Distribute the Windows 11 Task Sequence Content to Distribution Points
Specify the content destination which involves adding the distribution points. Click Addbutton and select the distribution points to which you want to distribute the task sequence content.
Click Next.
Distribute the Windows 11 Task Sequence Content to Distribution Points
On Summary window click Next and close the Distribute Content Wizard.
Distribute the Windows 11 Task Sequence Content to Distribution Points
You can go to Monitoring\Overview\Distribution Status\Content Status and confirm if the Windows 11 upgrade task sequence content has been distributed to DP’s.
Deploy Windows 11 In-Place Upgrade Task Sequence
Let’s deploy the Windows 11 in-place upgrade task sequence to SCCM device collection.
In the ConfigMgr console, go to Software Library\Overview\Operating Systems\Task Sequences. Right click Windows 11 upgrade task sequence and click Deploy.
Deploy Windows 11 In-Place Upgrade Task Sequence
Click Browse and select the device collection for Windows 11 upgrade. Click Next.
Deploy Windows 11 In-Place Upgrade Task Sequence
Specify the settings to control how the Windows 11 upgrade is deployed. Select the Purposeas Available. Click Next.
Deploy Windows 11 In-Place Upgrade Task Sequence
You can schedule the deployment for Windows 11 upgrade. For example, you can schedule the date and time when the deployment will become available and when the deployment will expire.
Scheduling a deployment is optional, if you don’t schedule a deployment, the upgrade will be made available to devices without much delay. Click Next.
Deploy Windows 11 In-Place Upgrade Task Sequence
Specify the user experience settings and click Next.
Deploy Windows 11 In-Place Upgrade Task Sequence
Nothing to configure on Alerts page, click Next.
Deploy Windows 11 In-Place Upgrade Task Sequence
Select the deployment options. The recommended and default deployment option is download content locally when needed by the running task sequence. Click Next.
Deploy Windows 11 In-Place Upgrade Task Sequence
Click Next on Summary window and on Completion window, click Close.
Deploy Windows 11 In-Place Upgrade Task Sequence
Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 using Task Sequence
It’s time to upgrade Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 using SCCM upgrade task sequence. Log in to the client computer and launch the software center.
In the Software Center, click Operating Systems tab and select Windows 11 in-place upgrade task sequence. You will be asked to confirm if you want to upgrade the operating system on this computer. Select Install.
Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 using Task Sequence
The task sequence progresses now and the Windows 11 upgrade files will be downloaded to computer.
Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 using Task Sequence
The Windows 11 upgrade is now in progress. It’s nice to see the task sequence displays the Windows 11 upgrade progress percentage.
Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 using Task Sequence
When the in-place task sequence is running, you can monitor the deployment by reviewing the smsts.log file. During the Windows 11 upgrade, the smsts.log file is located in C:\Windows\CCM\Logs\SMSTSLog folder on the client machine.
Upgrade to Windows 11 using SCCM
The task sequence restarts the computer to complete the upgrade.
Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 using Task Sequence
The Windows 11 upgrade using SCCM is successful. You can verify the upgrade by reviewing the smsts.log file located in C:\Windows\CCM\Logs folder.
Upgrade to Windows 11 using SCCM
From the Configuration Manager console, you can monitor the task sequence progress. Right-click the Windows 11 in-place upgrade task sequence and select Deployments tab. Right-click the deployment and select Show Status Messages.
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