Windows 11 made its debut in October 2021, and for many users, the transition from Windows 10 has been a significant consideration. One such user, who has been utilizing a six-year-old HP Omen as their primary production machine, recently decided it was time for an upgrade. Having previously opted for a clean install, this time they chose to take a calculated risk with an in-place upgrade from Windows 10 22H2 to Windows 11 24H2.
Backup Data
The first step in this upgrade journey was to ensure that all important files were backed up. Regular backups are essential, especially before a major upgrade. This user has a robust backup system in place, utilizing both OneDrive and Proton Drive for cloud redundancy, along with regular system backups to SpiderOak. Additionally, essential files are manually copied to a large 4 TB external drive, ensuring that both cloud and local backups are available.
Check System Stats
Before proceeding with the upgrade, it was crucial to confirm that the hardware was adequate for running Windows 11. The HP Omen, while not equipped with the latest gaming GPU, still had sufficient RAM and storage to handle the demands of virtual machines and other resource-intensive software. Microsoft’s support page and the PC Health Check app were utilized to verify that the system met the necessary requirements, with additional checks conducted through the Settings menu and Speccy for detailed hardware information.
Get Rid of Junk
With the hardware confirmed, the next step involved decluttering the system. Unused files and applications were removed, starting with a thorough cleanup of leftover files. The user opted for Disk Cleanup, a legacy tool known for its effectiveness in reclaiming drive space, over the less efficient Storage Sense. Following this, Revo Uninstaller was employed to ensure that all remnants of uninstalled applications were completely eliminated, including any stray files and Registry entries.
Create a Restore Point
To safeguard against potential issues during the upgrade, a system restore point was created. This feature, which is not enabled by default, can be activated through the system protection settings. By creating a restore point after the cleanup, the user ensured that they could revert to a stable version of Windows 10 if necessary, providing peace of mind before embarking on the upgrade process.
Install Windows 11
With backups secured and the system prepared, the in-place upgrade could commence. The user found that the simplest method was to navigate to Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update to check for the Windows 11 update. If not available, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant was an alternative, guiding the user through the download and installation process. Choosing to keep files and apps, the upgrade proceeded smoothly, with several restarts required as the installation completed. Once finished, the user adjusted settings, transferred backed-up files, and reinstalled necessary applications.
Having a Successful In-Place Upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 on an Older PC
Reflecting on the upgrade experience, the user acknowledged that while a clean install could have been an option, the process of reviewing and organizing their system was both enjoyable and beneficial. The pre-upgrade precautions taken ensured a smooth transition, and the presence of a restore point provided an additional layer of security. Ultimately, the successful upgrade was a testament to careful planning and execution, allowing for a fresh start with Windows 11 while preserving essential data and applications.
