Windows 10 reached the end of its support period in October 2025. Since then, this version no longer receives regular security updates, so if you are still using Windows 10 today, upgrading is no longer something you can postpone. The most common questions are also clear: is my computer eligible, will my data be deleted, and will my current license remain valid? In this article we address these one by one.
First, find out whether your computer is eligible
Windows 11 brings stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. The main stumbling blocks are processor generation, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support.
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster, at least two cores, 64-bit, and a model on Microsoft's list of supported processors.
- Memory and storage: at least 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.
- Firmware: UEFI and Secure Boot support.
- TPM: version 2.0. It is turned off on many motherboards; it can be enabled in the BIOS.
- Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
The easiest check is the Windows Update page in Settings: if your computer is eligible, you will see an upgrade offer. If it is not, Microsoft's PC Health Check app will tell you which requirement is not met. Most often the problem is just a disabled TPM or Secure Boot setting, and no hardware replacement is needed.
Does the license carry over?
Short answer: yes. If your Windows 10 license is activated, the upgraded Windows 11 will be activated with the same digital license. For eligible Windows 10 devices, Microsoft offers the move to Windows 11 for free. Matching editions matters: Windows 10 Home becomes Windows 11 Home, and Windows 10 Pro becomes Windows 11 Pro.
The license key is stored as a digital entitlement matched to the computer's hardware ID. So you do not need to look up the key before upgrading; still, linking it to a registered Microsoft account helps you avoid trouble if you replace the motherboard later. In the Activation page under Settings, you should see a message such as "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account."
Upgrade methods
| Method | Data | Best for | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrade via Windows Update | Kept | Most users with an eligible device | 30–90 minutes |
| Installation Assistant | Kept | Users who have not yet received the update offer | 30–90 minutes |
| In-place upgrade with ISO | Kept (with option) | Advanced users | 30–90 minutes |
| Clean install via USB | Erased | Problematic or slow systems | 45–90 minutes |
With an in-place upgrade, your files and most of your applications stay where they are. A clean install is preferred when you want to start from scratch; you can find the details in our guide on clean installing via USB.
Preparing before the upgrade
Upgrades usually finish without a problem, but entering one unprepared is an unnecessary risk.
- Take a backup. Copy your personal files to an external disk or the cloud. Upgrades do not normally delete files, but a power cut or similar mishap can change everything.
- Free up disk space. Leave at least 20–30 GB of free space for the installation.
- Complete your updates. Bring Windows 10 up to its latest version.
- Update your drivers. Especially graphics card, network and chipset drivers.
- Disconnect external devices. Temporarily unplug printers, external disks and USB drives.
- Check your antivirus and third-party security tools. Make sure you have the version that is compatible with Windows 11.
- Verify your license status. In Settings, System, Activation, confirm that Windows is activated.
During and after the upgrade
When you see the "Windows 11 upgrade is ready" message in Windows Update, click Download and install. The computer will restart several times; do not cut the power during this, and if it is a laptop, keep it plugged in. When the process is complete, you will be greeted by the new Start menu, the centered taskbar and the new Settings interface.
The first-day tasks are short: run Windows Update once more, verify your drivers, and open the programs you use often to make sure they work. You can change habit settings, such as aligning the taskbar to the left, from Settings, Personalization.
If you need to go back
Within the first 10 days after the upgrade, you can return to Windows 10 with the "Go back" option under Settings, System, Recovery. If this period has passed, or if you have done disk cleanup, the old version's files will have been deleted; in that case, returning requires a clean install. That is why it is wise to test the new system carefully in the first few days.
If you have no license or it is not activated
If Windows 10 is not activated on your computer, the upgrade will not activate Windows 11 either. In that case you need to obtain a legitimate license. The same key usually works for both Windows 10 and 11; the related products carry "10-11" in their names. Those looking for a portable license can check the Windows 10/11 Pro Retail or Home Retail editions. For a more affordable option tied to a single computer, the Windows 10-11 Pro OEM and Windows 10/11 Home OEM editions are available. Those using Home who want to get Pro features may consider the Windows 10-11 Home to Pro upgrade.
We also have an article that explains the difference between Retail and OEM in detail; if you are undecided, read it first. At LisansX, delivery is digital and the key lands in your account after payment. All options are in the software licenses category.
Options for incompatible computers
If your computer does not meet the Windows 11 requirements, you have three paths. The first is enabling the missing feature in the BIOS (TPM and Secure Boot usually solve it). The second is upgrading components; for a very old processor, this often does not make sense. The third is switching to a new device. Although installing by bypassing the requirements is technically possible, Microsoft does not support that configuration and there is no guarantee you will continue to receive updates. For this reason, we do not recommend it for your main computer or for a device you use at work.
What is changing with Windows 11?
When deciding whether to upgrade, do not look only at the obligation; it is also good to know the differences you will notice in everyday use. The interface has been noticeably refreshed: the Start menu has moved to the center, windows have rounded corners, and the Settings app has a more orderly structure. For multitasking, Snap Layouts makes it much easier to arrange windows into ready-made layouts; on wide monitors, this feature really boosts productivity.
On the security side, because Windows 11 requires hardware-based protections such as TPM and Secure Boot, it offers a stronger foundation against malware. On the gaming side, features such as DirectStorage and Auto HDR benefit compatible hardware. AI-powered features depend on the device hardware and version; you will not find all of them on every computer.
There are also points some users complain about: limited customization options for the taskbar, a rearranged right-click menu, and an adjustment period for people used to the old interface. Most of these can be resolved from settings or with third-party tweaks, but they are matters of habit rather than security or compatibility problems.
Problems encountered during the upgrade
- The upgrade offer does not appear: your computer may not actually appear eligible in Windows Update. Run PC Health Check to see the missing requirement. Sometimes you may also need to wait a little, since Microsoft rolls out offers gradually.
- Installation gets stuck at a certain percentage: wait a few hours; it takes a long time if the disk is slow. If it has really frozen, disconnect external devices and try again.
- Incompatible application warning: usually caused by old drivers or security software. Uninstall the application and install the current version after the upgrade.
- Insufficient space error: use Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files and move large files you do not use to an external disk.
- Slowness after the upgrade: in the first few days, Windows performs indexing and updates in the background. The situation normalizes after a few days. For lasting issues, check your driver updates.
What about Office and other programs?
One of the most worrying questions when moving to Windows 11 is whether installed programs will keep working. Current Office versions (Office 2019, 2021, 2024 and Microsoft 365) run without problems on Windows 11. For older versions, official support is limited; Office 2016 generally works, but unexpected issues may occur. If you want to move from an older version to a current one, options such as Office 2021 Pro Plus or Office 2024 are available.
It is also important to use the Windows 11-compatible version of third-party security software. Check the version on the manufacturer's site; if needed, uninstall it before upgrading and reinstall afterwards. Printers and scanners with very old drivers may not have Windows 11 support; look for the current driver from the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the upgrade to Windows 11 paid?
For eligible computers with an activated Windows 10 license, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free. A cost only applies to users who do not have a license or who want to switch to a different edition (for example, from Home to Pro).
Will my files and programs be deleted?
If you upgrade in place using Windows Update or the Installation Assistant, your files and most programs are kept. Even so, taking a backup is essential. With a clean install, everything is erased.
Do I need to enter a license key after upgrading?
If your Windows 10 was activated with a digital license, you do not. Check the status on the Activation page. If there is a problem, try the Troubleshoot option under Activation.
Can I go back from Windows 11 to Windows 10?
You can return within the first 10 days using the Recovery settings. After that, a clean install is required. Keep in mind that Windows 10 support has ended.
