7 Things to do before installing or upgrade windows 11 free
Getting ready for the Windows 11 upgrade? Here are very first thing you need to check, Ensure Compatibility, Enable TPM and secure boot, backup your data, free up space on your drive.
Microsoft is set to end support for Windows 10 in next year 2025. This means you won’t receive any security updates that may put your computer at risk. Microsoft offers a free upgrade to Windows 11 for compatible Windows 10 devices. If you are still running Windows 10 and planning to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 before Microsoft end support this article is helpful for you. Here we discuss seven essential tasks you should complete before upgrading or installing Windows 11 on your device.
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Things to do before Installing Windows 11
Checking several things like checking hardware compatibility, enabling required security features, and creating a backup of the current setup to avoid potential errors or data loss.
Verify Your Computer’s Compatibility 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, Secure Boot, and at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage is required for Windows 11.
| Processor: | 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC) |
|---|---|
| RAM: | 4 gigabyte (GB) |
| Storage: | 64 GB or larger storage device Note: See below under “More information on storage space to keep Windows 11 up-to-date” for more details. |
| System firmware: | UEFI, Secure Boot capable |
| TPM: | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 |
| Graphics card: | Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display: | High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel |
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.
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:
- Open Settings in Windows 10 and go to Update & Security > Recovery.
- Under Advanced Startup, click Restart now to access BIOS settings.
- In the BIOS, navigate to the security or advanced settings tab.
- 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:
- Access BIOS settings via Advanced Startup as explained above.
- Navigate to the boot or security settings tab.
- Enable the Secure Boot option.
Back Up Your Data and System
Again, creating data backup is the most important step before any major system upgrade. Unexpected problems can arise during installation, and having a backup ensures your files and settings are safe.
You can use the built-in Backup and Restore tool in Windows 10:
- Connect an external storage device with sufficient space.
- Go to Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore.
- Select Create a system image and save it to your external drive.
Additionally, individual files can be backed up to cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive to keep them easily accessible.
Uninstall Problematic Software
Applications, especially older ones, can cause conflicts during the upgrade process. Some third-party antivirus programs or poorly optimized apps may prevent Windows 11 installation from completing successfully.
To uninstall unnecessary or conflicting apps:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
- Select the application you want to remove and click Uninstall.
Once the upgrade is complete, you can reinstall any essential software.
Free Up Disk Space
The latest Windows 11 requires at least 64GB of free storage, but having additional space ensures a smoother installation process.
Follow these steps to clear space:
- Open Settings > System > Storage.
- Click on Temporary Files under the Local Disk (C:) section.
- Select unnecessary files, like temporary files, previous Windows installations, and recycle bin content, then click Remove Files.
If you still need more space, consider moving large files to an external device or cloud storate or uninstalling unused programs.
Disconnect Non-Essential Devices
External peripherals, such as USB drives, printers, and cameras, can sometimes cause compatibility issues during installation.
Before upgrading:
- Disconnect all non-essential devices, leaving only the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and an internet connection.
- Turn off Bluetooth via Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & Other Devices.
Once the upgrade is complete, you can reconnect your peripherals and check for driver updates to ensure they work with Windows 11.
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.
