If you have slow or inconsistent Internet, you should go to some place that has a strong connection and follow the instructions for creating a USB install disk you can use at home. Many laptop and PC makers have also confirmed that many of their new products will come with Windows 11 preinstalled. Though you can walk away for large portions of the process, you can expect all the downloading and file copying to take at least 60 minutes and, in our case, closer to two hours on a fast Internet connection.

Show the full folder path in File Explorer on Windows 10įinally, make sure you have 1 to 2 hours free to run the install. In October 2019, Microsoft revealed a new expression of Windows 10 called Windows 10X.For information about servicing timelines, see the Windows lifecycle FAQ. These monthly releases will continue to contain all previous updates to keep devices protected and productive. If you don't have a system restore disk already, it's a good idea to make a full system backup using disk imaging software such as Macrium Reflect, which makes a bit-by-bit copy of your hard drive. For monthly security updates, Windows 11 uses the familiar Windows cumulative update process, also referred to as a 'B' release, Patch Tuesday, or Update Tuesday.

Before you begin the process, make sure you have all of your data files backed up, preferably to a cloud service such as Microsoft's own One Drive (opens in new tab), where you can download them again if your computer crashes.

Windows 10 should install without a hitch, but driver problems are a possibility and, during any system update, there's always a chance something will go wrong.

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