How to upgrade to windows 11 from Windows 10 by keeping files and apps?

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 while preserving your files, apps, and settings is generally possible, but there are some important considerations given your hardware:

Will it work with your current hardware?

• Processor: The Intel Core i7-6700 is not officially supported for Windows 11, as Microsoft’s minimum CPU requirement is 8th Gen Intel or newer.
• Other requirements: You’ll also need TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled in BIOS.

Can you still upgrade to Windows 11 on a system with an unsupported CPU?
- Yes, technically you can upgrade, but it’s important to understand the implications:

1. Microsoft’s Official Stance

• Microsoft does not support installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
• If you attempt to upgrade to Windows 11 via the standard Windows Update method, you’ll likely see a message saying that your device does not meet the requirements.

2. Workaround Options

• Bypass Compatibility Checks:
• You can install Windows 11 using workarounds, such as modifying the registry or using the Media Creation Tool with a bypass.
• Microsoft provides a registry hack to bypass the CPU check: Set AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU to 1 in the registry at:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost\UI\Selection

Or during installation, use command-line options or modified ISO files.

Warning:  
These methods are unofficial, and Microsoft may not guarantee updates, security patches, or stability. You may encounter compatibility issues, driver problems, or system instability.

The Intel Core i7-6700 processor is officially unsupported by Windows 11, but the other hardware specs (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Intel HD 530) are more than enough to run Windows 11. From my experience, it is quite safe for you to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10. Here's what you need to know.

✅ What Works

RAM: 32GB (far exceeds the 4GB requirement)

Storage: 1TB SSD (well beyond the 64GB minimum)

Graphics: Intel HD 530 supports DirectX 12 & WDDM 2.0 (meets requirements)

❌ What’s Missing

CPU: Intel 7th-gen (i7-6700 is 6th-gen) – not on Microsoft’s supported list

TPM: Your PC likely has TPM 1.2 (Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0)

Workarounds to Upgrade to Windows 11 on unsupported PC

Since your hardware is powerful but unsupported, you can bypass checks using:

1. Registry Hack (Easiest for Upgrades)
2. Clean Install via USB (Software Bypass)
3. Manual ISO Install (For Advanced Users)

Your PC is capable of running Windows 11 well despite the unsupported CPU. Use the workarounds above, but back up first!

To upgrade your ThinkCentre M900 from Windows 10 to Windows 11 while keeping your files and apps, without using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, you can perform an in-place upgrade using the Windows 11 installation media. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Prerequisites:

• Ensure your PC meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements. Your Intel Core i7-6700 may not meet the CPU requirement (which specifies 8th Gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer). Windows 11 officially requires at least 8th Gen Intel CPUs.
• Update Windows 10 to the latest version (preferably 21H2 or later).

Steps for how to upgrade to Windows 11:

Step 1: Check Compatibility

• Since your CPU (Intel Core i7-6700) is 6th Gen, it may not meet Windows 11's CPU requirement.
• Microsoft has strict hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.

Step 2: Prepare Windows 11 Installation Media

• Download the Media Creation Tool for Windows 11 from Microsoft.
• Run the tool, select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO).
• Choose ISO file and save it to your PC.

Step 3: Mount the ISO and Start Upgrade

• Locate the saved ISO file, right-click it, and select Mount.
• Open the mounted drive, run setup.exe.

Step 4: Run the In-Place Upgrade to WIndows 11

• The Windows 11 Setup will launch.
• Choose Download and install Windows 11.
• When prompted, select Keep personal files and apps.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.

Though ThinkCentre M900 was one of the most powerful business desktop when it was released in 2015, it is not officially supported by Windows 11 as the CPU is not eligible to run Windows 11. I guess TPM 2.0 is also not available. This means you can't upgrade this PC to Windows 11 from Windows 10 Pro in usual ways, such as from Windows update center or using Windows 11 installation assistant app.

Based on this official document, at least i7-8086K is required:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/supported/windows-11-supported-intel-processors

How to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Use File History or an external drive to back up important files.

Step 2: Modify Registry to Bypass Checks

Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup

Right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value → Name it:

AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU

Double-click it and set Value data to 1. Close Registry Editor and restart.

Step 3: Start Upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10.

Download Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft. Double click the file to mount it. Now, go to the root folder and run the setup program to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 by keeping files, apps and settings.

Windows 11 Installation Assistant. This is the official way to help upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 by keeping files and apps. It checks compatibility, downloads the necessary files, and guides you through the upgrade process while keeping your files, apps, and settings intact.

The task is quite simple. First, download the app from Windows 11 product page and follow the prompt to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 for free.

Troubleshooting Common Issues:

❌ "This PC doesn’t meet Windows 11 system requirements"

Enable TPM 2.0 & Secure Boot in BIOS (varies by manufacturer).

If using an unsupported CPU, consider a clean install via Rufus (bypass checks).

❌ Installation Stuck or Fails

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter (Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot).

Free up disk space (need at least 20GB free).

Disable third-party antivirus temporarily.

Upgrading to Windows 11 generally is safe, especially if your PC meets the system requirements and you follow proper procedures. However, like any major software update, there are some potential risks to be aware of:

Potential Risks of Upgrading to Windows 11

• Some older hardware or software might not be fully compatible, leading to driver problems or software malfunctions. Certain peripherals or specialized applications may not work as expected.
  Although the upgrade process is designed to preserve your files, there's always a small risk of data loss or corruption. It's highly recommended to back up important files before upgrading.
• On some hardware configurations, you might experience slower performance, bugs, or system instability initially. Updates and patches are released regularly to fix bugs, so early adoption might involve some troubleshooting.
• As with any new OS release, Windows 11 may have initial bugs that could affect usability. Microsoft releases updates to improve stability over time.

Practices to Mitigate Risks

• Back up your data before upgrading to Windows 11.
• Ensure your drivers and software are up to date.
• Check compatibility with your hardware and critical applications.
• Create a recovery point or system image so you can revert back if needed.
• Stay updated with Windows updates after the upgrade to fix bugs and security issues.

Upgrading to Windows 11 is free if your PC meets the system requirements. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade to Windows 11:

1. Use the PC Health Check Tool

• Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft's website: Download PC Health Check.
• Run the app to see if your PC is eligible for Windows 11.

2. Prepare Your System

• Ensure Windows 10 is up to date.
• Free up disk space if needed (at least 20 GB free recommended).
• Disable any incompatible software if prompted.

3. Get the Windows 11 Upgrade

• Via Windows Update:
• Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
  If your PC is eligible, you'll see an option to download and install Windows 11.

Using Installation Assistant:

• Go to Microsoft’s Windows 11 Download page.
• Download and run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to upgrade.

4. Complete the Installation

• Follow the instructions during the upgrade process.
• Your PC will restart several times.
• After installation, set up Windows 11 as guided.

The above content explains how to upgrade to Windows 11. If your PC isn't eligible for the free upgrade, you might consider upgrading hardware or purchasing a new PC that meets Windows 11 requirements. Keep your system plugged in and connected to the internet during the upgrade.