- By Alex David
- Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:49 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Windows 11 Installation Guide: If your Windows 10 machine is compatible with Microsoft’s system requirements for hardware, then the upgrade to Windows 11 will be one that won’t cost you even a rupee. Better yet, there are several official and unofficial methods to take the leap. Yes, that includes machines Microsoft says shouldn’t be running Windows 11 at all. Let’s break it down clearly.
Step 1: Check If Your PC Is Compatible
Windows 11 has some hefty system requirements, which (by no surprise) Microsoft enforces rigorously. Your PC must meet TPM 2.0 requirements, have Secure Boot enabled and be powered by a supported CPU. Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool is the simplest method to verify this.
Open the app, and then click Check now. If your system is eligible, you will receive instant confirmation. If it doesn’t, you’ll also understand exactly why. This step is important because compatible PCs are granted the most seamless upgrade path and complete support.
Step 2: Check for Windows 11 in Windows Update
If your PC is eligible, Windows 11 may already be waiting for you.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. If Windows 11 shows up, you can install it directly while keeping your files and apps intact. This is the cleanest and safest method.
Step 3: Use Microsoft’s Installation Assistant
You’ll boot your computer and click the upgrade option and use the installation assistant tool.
If Windows 11 doesn’t pop its head automatically, Microsoft is still allowing manual upgrades.
Visit the official Download Windows 11 page and download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. You agree to the terms, and then the tool downloads the update and applies it over Windows 10. The upgrade is performed in the background, so you’re free to use your PC while it’s happening, and a reboot finalizes the process.
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Step 4: Upgrade Using Media Creation Tool or ISO
For additional control, Microsoft provides installation media to help you download a file for offline use. You have the option to create a bootable USB drive or download a Windows 11 ISO file.
Media Creation Tool The Media Creation Tool gives you the freedom to upgrade your existing PC or create installation media for another device. Or, you can download the ISO and run setup. exe directly from File Explorer. Both will let you keep apps and your personal files, unless you opt for not to.
Upgrading an Unsupported PC Using Rufus
Here’s where things get interesting. If your PC doesn’t pass Microsoft’s hardware checks, a third-party application called Rufus can “flout TPM and Secure Boot requirements.”
Here’s what you will need: A Windows 11 ISO and a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage. Rufus, enables you to make a modified installer that disables hardware checks during installation. So while you're creating a bootable USB, just check on the checkboxes which says remove 4G+ RAM requirements, secure boot and TPM 2.0 Once done, running setup. exe on the USB and Windows 11 installs normally as a regular upgrade.
Don’t forget: This is not something Microsoft endorses, and future updates aren’t promised. But lots of people like it just fine.
Final Thoughts
If your PC is supported, it’s simple to upgrade and perfectly legal. If it’s not, there are workarounds with tools like Rufus so you don’t have to actually replace your hardware. Either way, Windows 11 still doesn’t cost anything for Windows 10 users — you’ll just need to select the appropriate path based on your system.