Do This Before Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free (7 Important Things)

Upgrading to Windows 11 brings new features, improved security, and a fresh interface, but it’s also a major change. Microsoft still offers a free upgrade to eligible Windows 10 users, so if your device supports it, now is the right time to switch. Before you click “Install”, follow these 7 essential steps to avoid installation errors, data loss, activation issues, or performance problems.

Getting ready for the Windows 11 upgrade

• Check PC compatibility: Use the PC Health Check app to ensure your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
• Back up your data: Create a full backup of your important files to cloud storage or an external drive in case the upgrade fails.
• Free up disk space: The installation requires at least 20 GB of free space, so delete unnecessary files or uninstall programs you no longer use.
• Update your system: Install all available Windows 10 updates and consider updating your device drivers, BIOS, and firmware.
• Remove security software: Temporarily uninstalling third-party antivirus software can prevent conflicts during the installation process.
• Disconnect peripherals: Unplug external devices like printers, webcams, and external drives to avoid potential conflicts.

Check if Your PC Is Compatible With Windows 11

Not all computers that run Windows 10 are compatible with Windows 11. This time, Microsoft changed hardware requirements for Windows 11, which prioritizes security and performance. As per Microsoft’s official 64-bit processor, TPM 2.0 chip, Secure Boot capability, at least 4GB RAM, and a minimum of 64GB storage. required for Windows 11.

• Processor: 1GHz or faster, 64-bit compatible CPU with 2 or more cores
• Supported CPUs: Intel 8th Gen+, AMD Ryzen 2000+, Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c+
• RAM: Minimum 4GB (8GB recommended)
• Storage: 64GB or more available storage
• System Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot support
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
• Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible GPU with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: 9-inch or larger with at least 720p resolution
• Internet: Required for Microsoft account sign-in during setup
• Connectivity: Stable internet connection for updates and activation

You can download and run the official PC Health Check app to see if your computer meets Windows 11 requirements.

If your computer is compatible, you’ll see a confirmation. Otherwise, the app will tell you which hardware components fail to meet the standards.

Back Up Your Important Files and Data

Upgrading to a new OS always carries a small risk of data loss. Even though Windows 11 keeps your files during installation, unexpected errors can still happen. Therefore, it is essential to back up your important data.

You can save your files to cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive, or copy them to an external hard drive or USB.

Creating a full system image backup is also recommended to restore your PC if something goes wrong.

You can use the built-in Backup and Restore tool in Windows 10:

1. Connect an external storage device with sufficient space.
2. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore.
3. Select Create a system image and save it to your external drive.

Keeping multiple backups ensures your data stays safe no matter what happens during installation.

Additionally, even though backup exists, creating a System Restore Point gives you a much quicker way to roll back system changes without restoring your entire backup — making it a useful extra layer of safety.

Free Up Storage Space on Your Windows Drive

Windows 11 requires enough free space to download and install system files. If your PC has limited storage, the upgrade might fail or get stuck. Cleaning your system beforehand helps avoid such issues.

Use Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files, old Windows update files, cache files, and items in the Recycle Bin.

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
2. Click on Temporary Files under the Local Disk (C:) section.
3. Select unnecessary files, like temporary files, previous Windows installations, and recycle bin content, then click Remove Files.

Uninstall unused apps or games you no longer use to make additional free space.

If you still need more space, Clear the Downloads folder, and consider moving large files to an external device or cloud storage.

Update Windows, Drivers, and BIOS Firmware

Before upgrading, make sure your system is fully updated. Outdated drivers or firmware can cause compatibility issues with Windows 11.

Go to Settings > Update and security -> Windows Update and install all pending Windows updates.

Also, update your graphics, Wi-Fi, audio, and chipset drivers following steps.

• Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
• Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark, which indicates an issue.
• Expand the category for the device you want to update (e.g., Display adapters for graphics cards).
• Right-click the device and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers to have Windows find and install the latest driver.

Alternatively, you can download and install the latest version from your manufacturer’s website.

In some cases, updating the BIOS/UEFI firmware improves system stability and ensures a smoother upgrade experience.

Updating everything ensures maximum compatibility.

Enable TPM 2.0 in Your BIOS Settings

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 chip is a crucial requirement for Windows 11 as it enhances security features like encryption and device integrity. If you have the latest computer or laptop, most probably it supports TPM 2.0. As its minimum requirement, without TPM 2.0 Windows 11 upgrade won’t proceed.

Here’s how to enable TPM 2.0:

1. Open Settings in Windows 10 and go to Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under Advanced Startup, click Restart now to access BIOS settings.
3. In the BIOS, navigate to the security or advanced settings tab.
4. Look for TPM options, such as “fTPM” (AMD systems) or “PTT” (Intel systems), and enable them.

If you’re unsure, consult your motherboard’s user manual or the manufacturer’s website for detailed instructions.

Turn On Secure Boot in BIOS

The Secure Boot ensures your system only runs trusted software during startup, again, this is another minimum requirement for Windows 11. Most modern computers already have Secure Boot support, but if it’s missing, your system may not be compatible with Windows 11. In such cases, upgrading your device might be the best option.

To enable Secure Boot:

1. Access BIOS settings via Advanced Startup as explained above.
2. Navigate to the boot or security settings tab.
3. Enable the Secure Boot option.

Disconnect Unnecessary External Devices

External devices connected to your PC can sometimes cause driver conflicts or installation errors during the Windows 11 setup. To avoid issues, disconnect all unnecessary peripherals such as printers, external hard drives, USB flash drives, webcams, and game controllers.

Keep only the keyboard, mouse, and internet connection plugged in to ensure a smooth upgrade process.

Once the upgrade is complete, you can reconnect your peripherals and check for driver updates to ensure they work with Windows 11.

Third-party antivirus tools can sometimes block the upgrade process or interfere with Windows setup files. Temporarily disabling or uninstalling them reduces the chance of installation errors.

In addition, Run tools like DISM and SFC to repair corrupted system files. Run the commands DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and sfc /scannow In Command Prompt as an administrator.

If you face issues with Windows Update, use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s website for a manual installation.

FAQ

Q1: Will upgrading erase my files?
A1: No, if you choose “Upgrade” (not clean install), your files should remain. But that’s why backup is crucial — just in case something goes wrong.

Q2: Do I need TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot?
A2: Yes, Microsoft requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot for Windows 11.

Q3: Can I skip updating drivers?
A3: It’s not recommended. Outdated drivers are a common cause of post-upgrade instability.

Q4: What if I want to revert to Windows 10?
A4: You typically have a 10-day rollback window (if upgraded), but having backups and a recovery drive will make reversion safer.

Q5: How do I activate Windows 11 after upgrade?
A5: Usually, if your Windows 10 was genuine and activated via a Microsoft account, Windows 11 will activate automatically. Still, keep your license key handy just in case.

Kelvin smith

I am Kelvin Smith, founder of TechAIThreads. I have completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and am a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). With a strong background in computer applications, I love writing practical guides on Microsoft Windows (11, 10, etc.), Android, cybersecurity, WordPress, and more.