1. Check eligibility
Open Settings → Windows Update — if your PC meets the requirements, you'll see an option to upgrade to Windows 11 there. You can also run the free PC Health Check app from Microsoft to check compatibility in detail.
2. Back up your files
Before any major OS upgrade, back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage as a precaution.
3. Start the upgrade
From Settings → Windows Update, select Download and install when Windows 11 appears as available. Your apps, files, and settings carry over automatically.
4. Activate with your key
If you're installing Windows 11 on a new PC rather than upgrading in place, enter your Windows 11 product key during setup, or activate afterward from Settings → System → Activation.
