To upgrade Windows and help downloads run correctly, follow these steps in order.
- Check if the device can upgrade to Windows 11
- On the PC, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
- If the device is eligible, Windows Update will show that Windows 11 is available and offer a Download and install button.
- Alternatively, install and run the PC Health Check app from the Windows 11 page to see if the device meets the minimum hardware requirements.
- Confirm the device is supported
- Make sure it is running a currently supported version of Windows 10 if upgrading from Windows 10.
- Verify that it meets the minimum hardware specifications listed in Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements.
- Install the Windows 11 upgrade
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- If a message appears that Windows 11 is ready, select Download and install.
- If other updates for the current Windows version appear first, install them, restart the device, then check for updates again until the Windows 11 upgrade is offered.
- During the upgrade, personal files and data are kept by default, but it is recommended to back up important files (for example, by syncing to OneDrive) before starting.
- If no upgrade appears
- If Windows Update does not show Windows 11 and the PC Health Check app indicates the device is not eligible, the device cannot be upgraded directly. In that case, consider using a newer PC that comes with Windows 11 preinstalled.
- After upgrading, address download issues
- Once Windows is updated, return to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install all available cumulative and driver updates.
- Having the latest Windows version and updates installed often resolves problems where downloads fail or do not run correctly.
If any error appears during installation, use the guidance in Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors to troubleshoot.
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