Here’s the easiest way to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 on your laptop PC in 2025, while keeping your existing programs and files.
- In the Windows Search box, type Update and select the Check for updates item on the search results list.
- On the Windows Update window, there should be a message to inform you that Windows 11 update is ready. Click on the Download and install button located within the message box to start upgrading Windows 10 to 11.
- Accept the Software License Terms by clicking on the Accept and install button.
- The Windows 11 download will start, followed by installation, with the progress being displayed on the Windows Update window under Status. The download and install process may take a while, depending on your Internet speed and laptop’s performance.
- After the download and installation are complete, click on the Restart now button to restart the laptop to finalize the upgrade to Windows 11. Optionally, you can postpone the restart and finalization of the upgrade by scheduling the restart or doing the restart manually later.
- After the restart, the update / upgrade process will start finalizing. The finalization may take a while and your PC may restart during the process.
- Finally, the Windows 11 log-in screen will appear. Log in with the same credentials you have been using on the previous Windows 10 version.
The upgrade to Windows 11 is now complete and you can use it right away, together with your programs and files that have been present on your laptop prior to the upgrade.
Please note that if you don’t have the message that Windows 11 update is ready on the Windows 10’s Update window, this most likely means that your current Windows 10 version is not up to date. Or, your computer is not compatible with Windows 11 due to its low specs or absence of a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip.
Note: This guide can be applied to all Windows 11 compatible computers, including laptop PCs by Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, Microsoft, and others.