Microsoft has made it clear: the deadline for upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 is near.
“We highly encourage you to transition to Windows 11 now as there won’t be any additional Windows 10 feature updates,” wrote Jason Leznek, Principal Product Manager, Windows Servicing and Delivery.
“If you and/or your organization must remain on Windows 10 for now, please update to Windows 10, version 22H2 to continue receiving monthly security update releases through October 14, 2025.”
For those who are still considering upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 as optional, remember the WannaCry attack of 2017. WindowsXP systems crashed and burned under the attack.
On April 14, 2009, Windows XP’s mainstream support concluded. Its extended support came to an end on April 8, 2014, and Microsoft ceased to provide public security patches for it. Those who failed to upgrade suffered.
The upgraded operating system promises to take your computer experience to a whole new level with its snazzy new design and enhanced performance.
However, before you start upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11, there are a few things you need to know.
Upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11: Get the hardware right
Your computer must meet certain minimum requirements to run Windows 11 smoothly. These include a 64-bit processor with a clock speed of at least 1 GHz, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage.
Moreover, you will need a DirectX 12 compatible graphics card and a display with a resolution of at least 720p. You can easily check if your PC meets the minimum system requirements by using the PC Health Check app provided by Microsoft.
In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step process of upgrading to Windows 11. The article also tackles common errors that may pop up during the upgrade, so you will be well-prepared for any obstacles that come your way.
Upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11: Step-by-step guide
Upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 can bring many new features and improvements. With a refreshed design, new productivity tools, and enhanced security features, Windows 11 offers a more streamlined and modern operating system.
However, it is essential to check the minimum requirements for Windows 11 and whether any of your existing software or hardware might not be compatible. In this response, we will explore some key considerations and steps to take to ensure a successful upgrade to Windows 11.
Step 1: Check for Windows updates
Before upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11, it’s important to ensure your Windows 10 is fully updated. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any available updates, and restart your PC if prompted.
Step 2: Download the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant
Once your Windows 10 is fully updated, download the Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant from the Microsoft website. Run the file and follow the on-screen instructions to start the upgrade process.
Step 3: Wait for the upgrade process to complete
The Windows 11 Upgrade Assistant will check if your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
If your PC meets the requirements, it will download and install Windows 11. The upgrade process may take several hours, depending on the speed of your internet connection and the performance of your PC.
During the upgrade process, your PC will restart several times.
Step 4: Troubleshooting common errors
During the upgrade process, you may encounter some common errors, such as error code 0x8007000d, which indicates a problem with the installation files, or error code 0x800f081f, which indicates a problem with the installation of the .NET Framework.
To troubleshoot these errors, try running the Windows Update troubleshooter, disabling third-party antivirus software, or performing a clean boot of Windows.
Upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11: Windows 10 will go obsolete
Microsoft issued a client roadmap update on Thursday to remind us again that Windows 10 support is slowly ending.
As per the latest update, Microsoft has declared that Windows 10 version 22H2 will be the final operating system edition, implying that there will be no more major new features for Windows 10.
However, exciting modifications and upgrades will be implemented in the upcoming Windows 11. According to PCMag, Microsoft has already begun the process of shifting towards Windows 11.
Until October 14, 2025, Microsoft will continue to release monthly security updates for Windows 10.
After this deadline, the company will discontinue consumer support, but businesses registered with the Long Term Servicing Channel will receive support for up to 10 years beyond the deadline.
As per Microsoft’s definition, “The Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) is designed for Windows 10 devices and environments that require feature stability and long-term support, with a reduced cadence of general servicing updates.”
If you’re still using Windows 10, it’s crucial to start upgrading Windows 10 to Windows 11 to keep your PC up to date.
