How to Upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 11

Upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 11 is not a direct process since Microsoft does not provide an in-place upgrade path. However, you can achieve this by performing a clean installation of Windows 11. Follow these steps to successfully upgrade your system.

Step 1: Check System Requirements

Upgrade  Windows 7 to Windows 11

Before proceeding, ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11:

  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores (64-bit)
  • RAM: 4 GB or more
  • Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
  • TPM Version: TPM 2.0 enabled
  • Secure Boot: Enabled in BIOS
  • Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later
  • Display: 720p resolution or higher

To check these requirements, download and run the PC Health Check tool from Microsoft.

Step 2: Backup Your Data

Since a clean installation will erase all data, back up important files to an external drive or a cloud storage service.

Step 3: Create a Windows 11 Installation USB

  1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website.
  2. Insert a USB flash drive (at least 8 GB) into your PC.
  3. Run the tool and select Create installation media.
  4. Choose your language, edition, and architecture (64-bit).
  5. Select the USB drive as the destination and allow the tool to create the bootable media.

Step 4: Boot from USB and Install Windows 11

  1. Restart your PC and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during startup).
  2. Set the USB drive as the first boot device.
  3. Save and exit the BIOS. Your PC will boot from the USB.
  4. Select Install Now and follow the prompts.
  5. Choose Custom Installation and format your current Windows 7 drive.
  6. Complete the installation process and set up Windows 11.

Read more: How to install Windows 11

Step 5: Install Drivers and Updates

After installation, update your drivers and install the latest Windows updates by going to Settings > Windows Update.

Upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 11 requires a clean installation, but by following these steps carefully, you can enjoy the latest features of Windows 11 seamlessly.