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Briarouu's avatar
Briarouu
Copper Contributor
May 29, 2026

Create a bootable Windows 11 USB installer for both old and new PCs?

There are 7 old Windows 10 PCs and three brand new PCs in my company to be upgraded to Windows 11 as Windows 10 was officially end of life. What is the best way to make a bootable Windows 11 installe...
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Debiora's avatar
Debiora
Iron Contributor
May 29, 2026

This method uses the windows 11 installer tool to perform an in-place upgrade on an existing Windows 10 device. It preserves all local data and software, ideal for a quick system upgrade.

How to Use the Windows 11 Installation Tool

Step 1: While Windows 10 is running, insert the USB drive containing the installation files

Step 2: Open File Explorer and navigate to the USB drive

Step 3: Double-click setup.exe to launch the installer

Step 4: Select “Keep my personal files and apps”

Step 5: Follow the on-screen prompts and wait 30 to 60 minutes for the process to complete

Once setup is complete, you will have Windows 11 with all your data preserved

For standard devices, the in-place upgrade via USB works smoothly. You can switch directly to Windows 11 without having to reinstall applications or restore files.

Pros

  • All personal files, applications, and system settings remain intact
  • Easy to use, with no need for complex BIOS settings
  • Saves a significant amount of time compared to a clean install

Cons

  • Junk files from the old system remain on the hard drive
  • May have compatibility issues with some older programs
  • Takes longer to complete than a clean install
  • Cannot fully repair deep-seated system errors