Windows 11 Pro upgrade from Windows 10 without losing data?

According to multiple sources, Microsoft continues to offer free Windows 11 Pro upgrade for licensed Windows 10 devices in 2026 . The key requirement is that your edition stays the same—Windows 10 Pro upgrades to Windows 11 Pro automatically.

Flyby11is a newer, open-source tool designed specifically to simplify the process of installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware . It works by using a server version of the installer which bypasses the strict hardware checks.

Step-by-Step Guide of Windows 11 Pro Upgrade:

1. Download Flyby11: Get the latest version from its official project page on GitHub or GitCode .

2. Download the Windows 11 ISO: You'll need the official Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft.

3. Run the Tool: Open Flyby11 and provide the path to your downloaded Windows 11 ISO. The tool will check your CPU for a required instruction called POPCNT (your i7-6500U has it) .

4. Follow the Prompts: Flyby11 will automatically mount the ISO and launch the Windows Setup using a special server configuration that bypasses TPM, Secure Boot, and CPU generation checks .

5. Like the first option, this will result in an upgraded Windows 11 Home installation that preserves your files and apps .