With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, it’s time to upgrade to Windows 11 to keep your PC secure. While extended security updates are available for an extra year, transitioning now is the best move. If you’ve been hesitant due to technical concerns or update issues, here’s a simple guide to get started.
Step 1: Back Up Your Files
Before upgrading, protect your files in case something goes wrong. Use an external hard drive or solid-state drive for local storage. You have two of the following options.
1. Manual Backup – Open File Explorer and copy important files and folders to your external drive.
2. System-Wide Backup – Go to the Start menu, search “backup,” select “Windows Backup,” and follow the prompts to save files and settings to your external drive.
For extra safety, back up to Microsoft’s OneDrive (5GB free with a Microsoft account) by running Windows Backup again and selecting OneDrive as the destination. Once done, disconnect your external drive and store it safely.
Step 2: Download Windows 11
You can upgrade in two ways by opting for standard upgrade or clean install.
1. Standard Upgrade: Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security, and click the Windows 11 upgrade button. This keeps most files, apps, and settings intact.
2. Clean Install: For older PCs, a clean install reduces compatibility issues by wiping the drive. Get an 8GB+ USB flash drive (ensure it’s empty), plug it in, and download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website (select “Create Windows 11 Installation Media”). Run the tool from your administrator account and follow the instructions to create a bootable USB.
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Step 3: Install Windows 11
For a standard upgrade, follow the on-screen prompts after selecting the upgrade option. For a clean install, follow these steps –
1. Restart your PC while holding the Shift key to enter Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
2. Choose to boot from the USB drive.
3. On the Windows Setup page, select “Custom: Install Windows” for a clean install, which erases all data.
4. If you did a system-wide backup, restore it during installation when prompted. For manual backups, copy files back via File Explorer after installation.
Potential Issues
Windows updates can sometimes cause errors, like the “Blue Screen of Death,” due to incompatible drivers or botched updates. A clean install minimises these risks but wipes your drive, so backups are critical. The standard upgrade is quicker and usually stable enough for most users.
ALSO SEE: Windows 11’s latest update may be bricking some SSDs, users report
Try Linux as an alternative
If you dislike Windows 11’s interface or menu complexity, continuing with Windows 10 past October 2025 is risky due to missing security updates, making your PC vulnerable to malware. Instead, consider Linux, a free, secure, open-source operating system. Linux Mint or Ubuntu are beginner-friendly options, though some Windows-only apps (like Microsoft Office desktop versions) won’t work. Alternatives like LibreOffice or GIMP can replace them. There are guides available online for installing Linux if you’re interested.