Windows 11

Since a majority of I.T. support, from this site, focuses on Microsoft products and applications, over the years there are times when an operating system updated is supported right away and there are times when it isn't possible. At this time, this update will not be supported until 2024 (on this website).

This particular operating system focuses on very specific processors in your computer. Chances are, if you purchased a new Windows 10 computer, within the last 2-3 years, this upgrade should work. This upgrade is available at no charge (at the time of this writing).

There are some steps that should be exercised before doing any Windows operating system upgrade that replaces itself to a new version.

1. Backup the computer to another device.

While Windows operating system upgrades do place files into a folder (such as windows.old) during any major upgrades, it is a good idea to back the drive up to another external hard drive or flash memory using the Backup settings in the control panel using the incremental backup option.

2. Download the PC Health Check App from Microsoft

This app can be used with Windows 10 computers to make sure you device has the correct hardware to install Windows 11 as well as making sure any necessary Windows 10 updates and other concerns are taken care of (must be version 2004 or later to update to Windows 11).

Download the app using the Windows 11 Upgrade website (download link located at the bottom of the Microsoft web page).

3. Windows 10 must be updated to version 2004 or later

Once the software is downloaded, using step 2, the app will alert you to update Windows 10 to the current version (you may have to reboot once completed).

If you are good about following the updates when provided, this should be ok.

If you are running Windows 8.1, this upgrade isn't going to work (must be on Windows 10).

4. Update comptuer firmware using the PC manufacturer website

When Windows 10 was released, some forgot (or were not aware) to do this and were surprised that the comptuer crashed.

While you computer may be compatible to install the new operating system, the manufacturer should have an update to correct the software built into your computer to make everything work together.

If your computer is manufactured by Dell or HP, the company websites should have the necessary link (using the software update tool provided by the manufacturer). Asus, Lenovo have similar tools as well and may already be pre installed in your computer.

These firmware updates have specific instructions and applications to follow. They typically require a reboot to install the firmware as well.

Some firmware updates require a flash drive to install the updates. The firmware installation app should instruct you about this. These updates typically use a smaller flash drive to install (64mb)

Once the firmware has been updated, the operating system upgrade should install (following the on screen instrutions).

If a firmware update isn't available, you should check with the manufacturer of the computer before updating to the new operating system.

5. Install Windows 11 to a flash drive

Since this is written before the realease is available, this is just referring to how the process has work in recent releases of Windows 10 as well as Windows Server operating systems.

In the past few years, Windows operating systems haven't been provided by CD or DVD but provided a link to download them so that the operating system can be placed onto a flash drive.

Typically, Windows operating systems work with a 8gb or 16gb flash drive (depending on which version of Windows it is (standard or server)). When the operating system is downloaded, a utility is provided to format the flash drive and installs the opetating system to the flash drive.

Once the flash drive media is completed, the computer must be shut down and powered off.

Once turned back on, you must go into the boot settings of your computer (usually by pressing a function key when you turn the computer back on) and let the computer know that you are booting the comptuer with the USB device (the flash drive connected to the computer).

6. Follow the on screen instructions to complete the installation.

Once installed, the system should ask you to remove the USB drive to boot to hard drive to complete the installation (device should be connected to the internet for updates).

7. Pay attention to About (in System Setting (Control Panel))

Make sure the correct version of Windows 11 is being installed (Home or Professional) making sure the Microsoft has assigned a Device ID and Product ID for successful registration.

You may have to press a button to get the information and complete the registration.

If the step insn't completed, you may be in evaluation mode and the system may disable (after 30 days) if the Device and Product ID isn't assigned.