Windows 10 Support Has Ended: How to Upgrade to Windows 11 Safely

Upgrading to Windows 11 is a big step for a lot of users, and we should go into it prepared. Windows 11 looks cleaner, has a few quality of life improvements, and improves security on modern hardware. If still on Windows 10, there is urgency here as the date has arrived. Windows 10 is no longer supported by Microsoft without extended support. 

The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith, however, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, or completeness of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk and discretion.

Quick heads up about dates

As of October 14, 2025; Microsoft has stopped providing security updates and support for Windows 10. That means if you stay on Windows 10, your PC will not receive monthly security fixes from Microsoft unless enrolled in Extended Security Updates. Upgrading to Windows 11 is highly recommended.

Step 1: Check compatibility

Not every PC that runs Windows 10 can run Windows 11. The fastest way to check, is to run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app. This tells whether your system meets the minimum hardware requirements and recommends next steps. Download and run it before doing anything else.

PC Health Check download:
https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp

What to look for when checking compatibility

• TPM 2.0 enabled in BIOS. Many modern systems have the chip but it might be turned off.
• A supported processor from the last several years (Intel Gen 8, or AMD 3000 series or newer).
• At least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage (8 GB and 128 GB is recommended).
• UEFI firmware with Secure Boot enabled.

Note: SSD drive with 128 GB or more of storage is highly recommended.

Step 2: Back up your data

Backups are important. We have seen perfectly routine upgrades hit snags. Back up documents, photos, and any custom settings for all PC users. An external drive, a USB stick, or a cloud backup service are all viable options. If assistance is needed, contact Erlentek or another local company to get a reliable backup setup.

Step 2.5: Turn off BitLocker if it’s enabled

If the computer has BitLocker drive encryption turned on, please suspend or turn it off before upgrading. BitLocker can cause upgrade errors, get in the way of the Windows 11 installation, or require the drive be decrypted at boot.

To check if BitLocker is on:

1. Open the Start menu and type “Manage BitLocker.”
2. Click on "Manage BitLocker."
3. If you see that your system drive says “BitLocker On,” click “Turn off BitLocker” or choose “Suspend protection.”
4. Windows will decrypt the drive or pause protection. This may take some time depending on the size of your drive.
5. Wait for the drive to be fully decrypted.

After the upgrade is finished, BitLocker may be turned back on if physical theft is a concern.

Step 3: Choose your upgrade method

There are three practical ways to get Windows 11 on a compatible PC:

1. Windows Update. If the PC is eligible, Windows Update should show the upgrade under Settings: Windows Update. This is the simplest and safest route for most users.
2. Windows 11 Installation Assistant. This Microsoft tool helps you upgrade in-place from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Use it if Windows Update does not show the Windows 11 upgrade, or to speed things up.
   Download it here:
   https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11
   
3. ISO or bootable USB. If a clean install is preferred, or when creating media to install on multiple machines, download the official ISO by scrolling down on the same page and selecting the appropriate ISO from the dropdown.
   Official ISO and media options:
   https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11

Step 4: The installation

How the installation goes will depend on which method you choose. Here’s what to expect:

If you use Windows Update
This is the most straightforward path. Once “Download and install” is clicked, the upgrade will download in the background. Progress inside Windows Update, can be seen, and when it’s ready, it will ask to restart. The rest of the upgrade is automatic and takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your system speed.

If you use the Installation Assistant
This tool walks users through the upgrade step by step. It will first check compatibility again, and then start downloading Windows 11. Once it’s ready, it guides users through the installation. Think of it like a guided setup; you click “Next” a few times and let it run. Make sure to keep the default setting, "keep personal files and apps" when upgrading unless you want to get rid of system settings, and/or personal files. When the system restarts, the upgrade progress can be seen until it completes.

If you use the ISO or a bootable USB drive
This is the method to use if a clean installion is needed or when upgrading multiple computers. Users can download the ISO or use the Media Creation Tool to make a USB drive (all data will be wiped from the USB drive). After that, the setup can either be run directly from inside Windows 10 (to keep all files and perform an in-place upgrade) or the computer can be booted from the USB drive to perform a clean installation. A clean install erases your files and settings, so only choose that option if your files are backed up and you’re ready to start fresh.

General notes for all methods

• If using a laptop, please plug it in.
• The computer will restart several times during the process; never interrupt it.
• Expect anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
• At the end, Windows will go through a short setup where privacy settings, sign in, and basic preferences are selected.

Once to the Windows 11 desktop, the upgrade is done.

After the upgrade: what to expect

• New centered Start menu and a refreshed taskbar. The layout can be changed if the old look is preferred.
• Useful multitasking features like Snap Layouts for arranging windows quickly.
• Security improvements and better update mechanisms on supported hardware.
• Possible compatibility issues with old drivers, printers, or niche business software. Test all critical apps and peripherals right away.

If your PC is not compatible

If PC Health Check says the machine is not compatible, there may be options:

• Leave it on Windows 10, but enroll in Extended Security Updates to keep getting critical patches. More on the ESU program here:
  https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/extended-security-updates
• Upgrade individual hardware parts when possible; for example: Replacing a CPU or motherboard if economical and supported.
• Buy a new Windows 11 ready machine. For many users this is the most practical choice.
• Consider alternative operating systems such as ChromeOS Flex, Linux Mint, or Ubuntu.

Troubleshooting tips

• If the installer fails, note the error code and look it up online or call Erlentek. We troubleshoot these errors all the time.
• If a printer or scanner stops working, check the manufacturer site for updates. Older hardware may need new drivers.
• If performance is worse after the upgrade, check for drivers, run Windows Update, confirm no startup programs are choking the system, and confirm your OS is running on an SSD (not HDD).

Want help? Call Erlentek

If you're not interested in performing these steps alone, or are worried about possible issues, please give Erlentek a call or fill out the form below, and we will assist, or perform the upgrade for you. We can check compatibility, set up backups, perform the upgrade, and test your critical programs afterwards.

Final summary: If you are still on Windows 10, run the PC Health Check app, back up your data, and decide on a path. If you want this done by a professional and would prefer not to fuss with it, contact Erlentek or another local company/technician. ErlenTek serves home users and small-medium businesses in Southern King County Washington. Thank you for reading; we hope that this article has been helpful.