Upgrading to the latest operating system can bring new features, enhanced security, and improved performance to your computer. If you’re looking to move from an older version of Windows to Windows 11, using installation media is a reliable method. This guide will walk you through the process of upgrading to Windows 11 using installation media, ensuring a smooth transition while keeping your important files safe.
Installation media, typically a USB drive or DVD, is especially useful when you’re installing Windows 11 on a device without an existing operating system. However, it’s also a powerful tool for upgrading your current Windows setup. Let’s explore how you can use it to get Windows 11 on your machine.
There are two primary methods to upgrade to Windows 11 using installation media: running the setup from within your current Windows environment, or booting directly from the installation media. Each method serves different purposes and offers varying levels of data retention.
Method 1: Upgrading to Windows 11 from within your current Windows
This method is generally simpler and allows you to keep your personal files and apps during the upgrade process. It’s ideal if you want a seamless transition to Windows 11 without losing your data. Here’s how to do it:
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Sign into your current Windows OS: Start by ensuring you’re logged into your Windows device that you plan to upgrade. This could be Windows 10 or even an older version.
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Insert or Connect your Windows 11 Installation Media: If you have a USB drive with Windows 11 installation files, plug it into your computer. For a DVD, insert it into your DVD drive.
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Run Setup.exe: Once the media is inserted, a notification might pop up asking what you want to do. Select “Run setup.exe” to start the Windows 11 upgrade process.
If the notification doesn’t appear, you can manually launch the setup:
a. Right-click on the Start menu and select File Explorer.
b. In File Explorer, navigate to This PC.
c. Under Devices and drives, right-click on your Windows 11 installation media and choose “Install or run program from your media“.d. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes. You might need to enter administrator credentials if requested.
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Follow the Windows 11 Setup Prompts: The Windows 11 Setup window will open. Follow the on-screen instructions, clicking through the setup pages as directed.
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Choose What to Keep: At the “Ready to install” page, you’ll see options to choose what to keep during the upgrade. By default, “Keep personal files and apps” is selected, which is recommended for a smooth upgrade experience.
Click “Change what to keep” to see other options:
- Keep personal files and apps: This option retains your files, applications, and Windows settings. It’s the default and most convenient option for most users.
- Keep personal files only: This will save your personal files but remove apps and settings. Use this if you want a cleaner installation but still want to keep your documents, photos, etc.
- Nothing: This option performs a clean installation, deleting everything including personal files, apps, and settings. Use this with caution and only if you have backed up all important data.
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Start the Upgrade: Select your desired option and continue through the remaining Windows 11 Setup pages to begin the upgrade process.
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Complete the Upgrade: Your device will now upgrade to Windows 11. This process may take some time, and your computer will restart several times. Once completed, you will be running Windows 11 while ideally retaining your chosen files and settings.
Method 2: Performing a Clean Install of Windows 11 by Booting from Installation Media
This method involves booting your computer directly from the Windows 11 installation media. It’s often referred to as a “clean install” because it completely erases your hard drive and installs a fresh copy of Windows 11.
Warning: This method will erase all data on your hard drive, including files, installed applications, and your previous Windows installation. Ensure you back up all important files to an external drive or cloud service like OneDrive before proceeding.
While this method checks for some basic system requirements, it’s less comprehensive than using the PC Health Check app or Windows Update. Microsoft recommends using the PC Health Check app to verify full compatibility before attempting a clean install.
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Insert or Connect Windows 11 Installation Media: Ensure your USB drive or DVD is inserted into the computer that you intend to upgrade.
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Access Boot Menu: Turn on or restart your computer. As it starts, you’ll need to enter the Boot Menu. The key to access the Boot Menu varies depending on your computer manufacturer. Common keys include F1, F2, F12, Esc, or Del. Check your device’s documentation or manufacturer’s website to find the correct key.
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Select Installation Media from Boot Menu: In the Boot Menu, use your keyboard’s arrow keys to navigate and select your Windows 11 installation media (USB drive or DVD drive). Press Enter to boot from it.
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Follow Windows 11 Setup: Your computer will now boot from the installation media, and the Windows 11 Setup window will appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation. This process will guide you through partitioning your drive, choosing installation options, and setting up Windows 11.
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Complete the Clean Installation: Windows 11 will be installed as a fresh copy on your device. Once the installation is complete, you’ll need to go through the initial Windows 11 setup process, including setting up your user account and preferences.
By choosing the appropriate method, you can effectively upgrade to Windows 11 using installation media. If you want to keep your files and apps, upgrading from within Windows is the way to go. For a fresh start and to remove any potential issues from your previous installation, a clean install by booting from media is an option, just remember to back up your data beforehand.
