Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11

This article explains how to check if your computer meets Windows 11 requirements, back up your data, and complete the upgrade using Windows Update or Microsoft’s Installation Assistant.

On This Page:

Before you begin, take a moment to review the information below.
This guide will help you upgrade your Windows 10 device to Windows 11 before support from Microsoft ends on October 14, 2025. Each section below corresponds to a key part of the upgrade process.

• Why You Need to Upgrade
  Understand why upgrading to Windows 11 is important and what happens when Windows 10 support ends.

• Who Should Follow This Guide
  See which members of the campus community should complete this upgrade.

• Step 1: Check if Your Computer Supports Windows 11
  Learn how to confirm your device meets Microsoft’s system requirements using the PC Health Check Tool.

• Step 2: Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot (If Needed)
  Follow these instructions if your computer needs additional security settings enabled before upgrading.

• Step 3: Back Up Your Files
  Make sure your important files are safely stored before starting the installation.

• Step 4: Start the Upgrade
  Step-by-step guidance for downloading and installing Windows 11 through Windows Update or Microsoft’s Installation Assistant.

• Step 5: After the Upgrade
  Post-upgrade tasks to verify your apps, drivers, and connections are working correctly.

• Need Help?
  Find contact information for the ITS Help Desk and additional support options.

 

Why You Need to Upgrade

Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, devices running Windows 10 will no longer receive:

• Security updates

• Bug fixes

• Technical support from Microsoft

To keep your computer secure and compatible with campus systems, all college-owned and personally owned devices used for campus work should be upgraded to Windows 11 before this deadline.

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Who Should Follow This Guide

This guide applies to:

• Faculty, staff, and students using Windows 10 devices to access college systems or services

• College-issued and personally owned Windows 10 computers that meet Windows 11 hardware requirements

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Step 1: Check if Your Computer Supports Windows 11

1. Press Start → Settings → System → About.

2. Note your Processor and RAM information.

3. Download Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool.

4. Run the tool and click Check now.

5. You’ll see one of the following messages:

   • This PC can run Windows 11 → You’re ready to upgrade.

   • This PC doesn’t meet Windows 11 requirements → You may need to enable TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot (see Step 2).

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Step 2: Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot (If Needed)

If the Health Check tool says your device doesn’t meet the requirements:

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI menu (usually by pressing F2, F10, or Delete at startup).

2. Look for and enable:

   • TPM or Security Chip → set to Enabled

   • Secure Boot → set to Enabled

3. Save changes and restart your computer.

4. Run the PC Health Check again to confirm compliance.

If you’re unsure about these settings or cannot access BIOS, contact the ITS Help Desk for assistance.

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Step 3: Back Up Your Files

Before upgrading, back up your important files:

• Save to OneDrive, Google Drive, or an external USB drive

• Confirm backups by checking file accessibility on another device

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Step 4: Start the Upgrade

If your device is eligible:

1. Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.

2. Click Check for updates.

3. If Windows 11 appears, select Download and install.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts and allow your PC to restart.

   • The upgrade can take 30 – 90 minutes.

   • Keep your device plugged in during the process.

If Windows 11 does not appear automatically, you can use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s website.

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Step 5: After the Upgrade

Once installation is complete:

1. Log in and ensure your college apps (e.g., Office 365, VPN, printers, etc.) work correctly.

2. Update your drivers: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.

3. Reconnect to the Campus Wi-Fi network if needed.

4. Verify your files are intact (restore from backup if necessary).

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Need Help?

If you experience issues or need assistance:

• Visit the ITS Help Desk in person during our support hours

• Call (518) 388-6400

• Email helpdesk@union.edu

• Support Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 6 PM