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

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.