Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows 10 as of October 14, 2025. Millions of users are now expected to transition to Windows 11 to continue receiving security updates and new features. However, Windows 11 comes with stricter hardware requirements, which means not all Windows 10 PCs are eligible for a straightforward upgrade. Here’s an in-depth guide to upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10, whether your PC is supported or not.
1. Upgrade via Windows Update on Supported PCs
The easiest and most straightforward method is upgrading through Windows Update. If your PC meets the minimum Windows 11 hardware requirements, you’ll see a banner in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update stating, “This PC can run Windows 11.” Simply click “Check for updates,” download Windows 11, and restart your computer to complete the upgrade. Your personal files and applications remain intact during this process.
2. Use Windows 11 Installation Assistant
If Windows Update does not offer the upgrade automatically, download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s official website. Run the tool, which will verify your system compatibility and begin downloading and installing Windows 11. This method also preserves your files and installed applications.
3. In-place Upgrade on Unsupported PCs Using the Rufus Tool
If your PC is deemed incompatible due to missing TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or insufficient RAM, you can bypass these checks using the Rufus tool. Download the official Windows 11 ISO and Rufus utility, create a bootable USB with options enabled to remove hardware requirements, then run “setup.exe” from the USB. This allows you to perform an in-place upgrade without deleting your files and programs, effectively installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
4. Clean Install Windows 11 on Unsupported PCs
For users wanting a fresh install, Rufus can also create bootable media for a clean installation of Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. This method erases the system drive, so backing up important data is essential. After creating the USB installer with hardware check bypasses enabled, boot from the USB, follow the setup prompts, and install Windows 11 cleanly.
Minimum Windows 11 Requirements (Summary)
- CPU: 1 GHz dual-core, 64-bit compatible
- RAM: 4 GB minimum
- Storage: 64 GB or more
- TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled (can be bypassed)
- DirectX 12-compatible graphics
- Display: 720p or higher, 9” or larger
- Internet connection and Microsoft account (especially for Home edition)
Final Recommendations
Before upgrading, back up your critical files using OneDrive, external drives, or cloud storage. Make sure you have at least 20 GB of free disk space. If upgrading from unsupported PCs, using Rufus is the most viable option to get Windows 11 without losing data. Keep your system updated and consider cleaning unused files after upgrading for smooth performance.
If you need help or run into issues during the upgrade, feel free to ask in the comments.