Installing Windows 11 – the complete guide

Windows 11 is Microsoft’s current operating system, with a modern design, better security and new features. Since Windows 10 reached the end of support on 14 October 2025, it no longer gets free security updates – so for most people moving to Windows 11 is no longer optional. Whether you are planning an upgrade or a clean install, this guide explains the whole process, the system requirements and when it makes sense to call a professional.

Windows 11 system requirements

Before installing Windows 11, check that your computer meets the minimum requirements. They are stricter than for previous versions:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 64-bit, at least 2 cores (compatible CPUs: Intel 8th generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 series and newer)
• RAM: At least 4 GB (8 GB or more recommended)
• Storage: 64 GB or more of free space
• TPM: TPM version 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
• Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: At least 9 inches with HD resolution (720p)
• Firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot support

Before you install

Take a few steps first to make sure the installation goes smoothly and safely:

1. Back up your important data

The most important step! Always make a backup of your files, documents, photos and anything else you cannot replace. Use an external hard drive, a USB stick or cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive).

2. Check your software

Some older programs may not work on Windows 11. Check the websites of the software you rely on to confirm compatibility.

3. Write down licences and passwords

Save the licence keys for your software, your Wi-Fi password and any logins you may need after the installation.

4. Free up disk space

Delete unnecessary files, temporary files and programs you no longer use, so there is enough room for the installation.

How to install Windows 11

There are two main ways to get Windows 11: an upgrade from Windows 10 or a clean install.

Upgrading from Windows 10

If you use Windows 10 and your computer meets the requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Update & Security
3. Click Windows Update
4. If your computer is eligible, you will see the option to upgrade to Windows 11
5. Click Download and install
6. Follow the on-screen instructions

The upgrade usually takes 1–2 hours, depending on the speed of your computer and internet connection. Your files and programs stay in place.

Clean install

A clean install wipes the drive and installs Windows 11 from scratch. It is the best choice if you want a “fresh” computer without leftovers from old programs:

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website
2. Create a bootable USB stick (at least 8 GB)
3. Back up all your data
4. Restart the computer and boot from the USB stick
5. Follow the installation steps
6. Enter your Windows product key – or choose “I don’t have a product key” if the computer already had an activated Windows (it reactivates automatically)
7. Choose the partition to install on
8. Wait for the installation to finish (30–60 minutes)
9. Set up your user account, password and basic settings

After the installation – what next?

Once Windows 11 is installed, there are a few more steps:

• Install drivers: Windows Update installs most drivers automatically, but check the manufacturer’s website for the latest versions (graphics, chipset, audio)
• Activate Windows: Enter your licence key or sign in with your Microsoft account
• Windows Update: Run Windows Update and install all available updates
• Install your programs: Browser, Office, antivirus and the other programs you use
• Set up backups: Configure an automatic backup

Common problems and solutions

Problem: “This PC can’t run Windows 11”

Solution: Your computer does not meet the minimum requirements. Most often TPM 2.0 is simply turned off in the BIOS. Enter the BIOS (usually F2 or DEL during startup) and enable TPM (sometimes called PTT or fTPM) and Secure Boot.

Problem: the installation freezes or keeps restarting

Solution: Disconnect all unnecessary USB devices, check the installation media (the USB stick may be faulty) and make sure the power supply is stable.

Problem: drivers do not work after the installation

Solution: Download the latest drivers directly from the computer manufacturer (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, etc.) or the component maker (NVIDIA, AMD, Realtek).

Conclusion

Windows 11 brings many improvements, but the installation needs careful preparation. Whether you do it yourself or call a professional, the most important things are to back up your data and make sure your computer meets the system requirements.

If you are in Zagreb and want a fast, safe Windows 11 installation, Perfect Light installs it on site or remotely via AnyDesk – including a data backup, drivers and the essential programs, in English or Croatian.