8 Key Steps to Take Before Installing Windows 11

Updated: August 15, 2025 Windows 11 brings several changes compared to its predecessor, Windows 10. Thorough preparation is crucial for a successful installation. This article outlines essential steps to ensure your computer is ready for the upgrade.

Essential Preparations for Upgrading to Windows 11

Verify your PC meets the minimum system requirements.
Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in the BIOS settings.
Conduct a full system backup.
Remove any conflicting applications.
Free up disk space and address system errors.
Disconnect non-essential peripherals.

Following these steps helps ensure a seamless upgrade experience with minimal downtime.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Your PC

Before initiating an upgrade to Windows 11, it is essential to address several critical aspects. This includes ensuring hardware compatibility, enabling security features, and creating backups.

Check PC Compatibility with Windows 11
Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS
Enable Secure Boot
Create a Full System Backup
Uninstall Incompatible Applications
Free Up Disk Space
Repair System File Errors
Disconnect Unnecessary Peripherals

1. Check PC Compatibility with Windows 11

Despite Windows 11 being a free upgrade, not all devices qualify due to increased hardware requirements. Confirming compatibility is a crucial first step.

To check compatibility, execute the following actions:

Access the Start menu.
Search for PC Health Check and open the application.
Click the Check now button.
Determine if your PC can run Windows 11.
Optionally, click “See all results” to review the compatible components.
Optionally, click “Device specifications” for detailed system requirements.

If your hardware is compatible, a confirmation message will appear. If not, the application will detail the incompatibilities. If you lack the app, you can download it from Microsoft directly.

In cases where the hardware doesn’t meet the requirements, options include bypassing compatibility checks or switching to alternative operating systems like Linux Mint or ChromeOS Flex.

2. Enable TPM 2.0 in BIOS Settings

Windows 11 mandates a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 for enhanced security. If your device lacks this component, it cannot proceed with the upgrade.

To enable TPM 2.0:

Open Settings.
Select Update & Security.
Choose Recovery.
Under the “Advanced startup” section, click Restart now.
Select Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Choose the UEFI Firmware settings option.
Click Restart.
Navigate to the advanced security or boot settings page in your BIOS.
Select the TPM 2.0 setting and change it to Enabled.

On AMD machines, the TPM feature may be listed as fTPM, while on Intel systems, it might be labeled as Platform Trust Technology (PTT).If your device doesn’t have a TPM option, you may need to purchase a compatible module, but verify with your motherboard manufacturer first.

3. Enable Secure Boot

While not mandatory, enabling Secure Boot is recommended. This feature ensures your PC boots only with trusted software.

If using legacy BIOS, you must convert the MBR to GPT and switch to UEFI mode before enabling Secure Boot. For clean installations, you may bypass this step.

Access Settings.
Navigate to Update & Security.
Go to Recovery.
Click Restart now under the “Advanced startup” section.
Choose Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Select UEFI Firmware settings.
Click Restart.
Navigate to the relevant options in your firmware settings.
Find the Secure Boot setting and enable it.

If your system lacks Secure Boot, consider a hardware upgrade or replacement to meet Windows 11’s requirements.

4. Create a Full System Backup

Performing a backup is crucial. It serves as a safety net for your data in case of installation issues. You can utilize third-party software or rely on Windows 10’s built-in backup feature.

To create a system image backup:

Open the Control Panel.
Click on System and Security.
Choose Backup and Restore.
Click on Create a system image in the left pane.
Select On a hard disk.
Choose the external drive to store your backup.
Click Next.
Finally, click Start backup.

The backup process will commence. You may receive an option to create a recovery disk, which can be skipped if you possess a Windows 10 installation USB to access recovery options later.

Additionally, consider backing up your important files to external or cloud storage, such as OneDrive.

5. Uninstall Incompatible Applications

Some applications, particularly poorly designed ones or certain third-party security software, can create challenges during the Windows 11 upgrade. It is advisable to remove such applications before proceeding.

To uninstall applications on Windows 10:

Access Settings.
Select Apps.
Click on Apps & features.
Identify the application to remove under the “Apps & features” section.
Click Uninstall.
Confirm by clicking Uninstall again.

Quick note: If uninstalling a classic desktop application, follow any prompted instructions to complete the process.

Repeat this process for any additional applications that may interfere with the installation.

6. Free Up Disk Space

Windows 11 requires at least 64GB of disk space, with approximately 20GB of free space needed for the installation. It’s essential to ensure your device has enough storage before proceeding.

To free up space on Windows 10:

Open Settings.
Select System.
Navigate to Storage.
Click Temporary files under “Local Disk (C:)”.
Check the boxes for temporary files you want to delete, including:

Windows upgrade log files
Windows Error Reporting files
Windows Defender Antivirus
Thumbnail caches
Temporary files
Recycle Bin contents
Previous Windows installations
Temporary internet files
Device driver packages
Delivery Optimization Files
DirectX Shared Cache

Click the Remove files button.

After these steps, Windows 10 will clear excess files and create space for your upgrade.

Additionally, consider uninstalling large applications or games if storage remains a concern.

7. Repair System File Errors

Long-term use of your current installation may have resulted in corrupted files, which can hinder a successful upgrade. Use built-in tools like DISM and SFC to check for system integrity before installation.

Here’s how to check and fix system issues:

Open Start.
Search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
Type the following command to scan and repair the Windows image:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Next, enter the following command to examine system files:

SFC /scannow

Once completed, the SFC tool will correct any issues, drawing on local image files that DISM fixed earlier. Log files will be located at %windir%/Logs/CBS/CBS.log and %windir%\Logs\DISM\dism.log for further insights.

8. Disconnect Unnecessary Peripherals

When upgrading Windows, peripherals can cause conflicts during installation. Devices like external storage drives, printers, and cameras should be disconnected to prevent errors.

If using Bluetooth devices, disable Bluetooth via Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices to avoid connectivity issues during the installation.

During the upgrade, only essential devices—such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and internet connection—should remain connected. Post-installation, you can reattach your peripherals.

In addition to these preparatory steps, ensure you are logged in with an administrator account. If performing an in-place upgrade, document all installed applications and customized settings as a precaution against potential changes.

After completing all preparatory steps, you are ready to initiate either an in-place upgrade or a clean installation of Windows 11.

Reminder:** The information in this guide has been revised as of August 15, 2025, to ensure accuracy and align with any procedural updates.

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