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QuentinNash's avatar
QuentinNash
Iron Contributor
May 23, 2025

How can I upgrade Dell laptop to Windows 11?

I am seeking assistance with upgrading my Dell laptop to Windows 11 and would like to understand the proper process to ensure a smooth transition. I am unsure about the specific requirements my device needs to meet, such as hardware specifications and system compatibility, and I want detailed guidance on how to check if my laptop is eligible for the upgrade. 

If there are any tools, software, or Dell-specific instructions I should be aware of, I would appreciate clear and comprehensive advice to help me successfully upgrade Dell laptop to Windows 11.

Thanks.

7 Replies

  • ColeJackson's avatar
    ColeJackson
    Iron Contributor

    Follow this trick to install Windows 11 on any Dell computer:

    https://www.microonn.com/install-windows-11-on-dell-computer

     

  • JustinKing's avatar
    JustinKing
    Iron Contributor

    About upgrading Dell laptop to Windows 11. There are some things you need to know.

    1. Prepare Your Dell Laptop
    * Backup important data.
    * Ensure your Windows 10 is updated to the latest version (preferably Windows 10 version 21H2 or later).
    * Free up disk space if necessary.
    * Connect your laptop to a reliable power source.

    2. Use Windows Update to Upgrade
    * Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    * Click Check for updates.
    * If your device is compatible, you should see an option to Download and install Windows 11.
    * Follow on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade.

    3. Using Dell SupportAssist (Optional)
    Dell offers SupportAssist software that can help optimize your system and may also assist with system updates:

    * Download SupportAssist from Dell’s official website.
    * Run it to check system health and updates.
    * It may also notify you when your system is ready for you to upgrade Dell laptop to Windows 11.

    4. Dell-Specific Instructions

    * Visit Dell’s official support website and enter your service tag or model number.
    * Look for BIOS updates or firmware updates that enhance compatibility with Windows 11.
    * Update BIOS/UEFI if necessary, following Dell’s instructions carefully.

    5. Troubleshooting and Additional Tips

    * If your system is not compatible, consider hardware upgrades (like enabling TPM and Secure Boot in BIOS).
    * Keep your drivers up-to-date, especially graphics and chipset drivers, which can be downloaded from Dell’s support site.
    * For a clean install, you can create a Windows 11 installation media using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.

  • Howardschu's avatar
    Howardschu
    Iron Contributor

    For unsupported Dell laptop, you can use the WinBootMaate app for bypassing Windows 11 system checks. Microsoft's official Windows 11 installer enforces hardware requirements, preventing installation on systems that don't meet criteria like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or specific CPUs. WinBootMaate addresses this by patching the Windows 11 ISO, removing these restrictions and enabling installation on older or unsupported machines. Upgrade Dell laptop to Windows 11 on unsupported hardware:

    1. Obtain the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's website.
    2. Download and install WinBootMaate on your computer.
    3. Launch WinBootMaate and select the downloaded Windows 11 ISO. Choose the target USB drive.
    4. Enable the option to bypass TPM, Secure Boot, and CPU checks.
    5. Click "Burn" to create the bootable USB drive.
    6. Insert the bootable USB into the target computer. Boot from the USB drive. Proceed with the Windows11 installation as usual.

    By following these steps, users can install Windows 11 on hardware that would otherwise be deemed incompatible by Microsoft's standard installation process.

  • CarsonFrost's avatar
    CarsonFrost
    Iron Contributor

    Upgrading Dell laptop from Windows 10 to Windows 11 isn’t inherently dangerous. First off, if your laptop is relatively new and meets the hardware requirements (like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, etc.), the upgrade generally goes smoothly. Dell usually tests their machines pretty well with Windows 11, so if your model is officially supported, you’re likely good to go.

    However, a few things to watch out for:

    • Compatibility issues: Sometimes, drivers or specific hardware (like Wi-Fi cards, graphics, or touchpads) might not play nicely immediately after upgrading. Usually, Dell releases updated drivers soon after, but for the first week or so, you might run into some hiccups.
    • Pre-installed bloatware or Dell utilities: Some of the pre-installed software might not be optimized for Windows 11 right away. I’ve seen folks mention that certain Dell utility apps behave weirdly or crash initially, but most get sorted out with updates.
    • Backup is your friend: Always back up your stuff before upgrading. It’s a good practice, and if anything goes sideways (rare, but it happens), you can roll back or restore your files.
    • Potential performance quirks: In some cases, especially on older hardware, Windows 11 can be a bit more demanding. I’ve seen a few laptops slow down slightly or have shorter battery life until the proper drivers are installed.

     

    From my own experience: I upgraded Dell laptop from Windows 10 to Windows 11 (not the latest model, but fairly recent) without much fuss. The process was smooth, and most things just worked after a few driver updates. The biggest pain was making sure I had enough disk space (at least 64GB free) and that I had the latest BIOS and drivers from Dell’s support site beforehand.

  • Barbarank's avatar
    Barbarank
    Iron Contributor

    If you're unable to upgrade Dell laptop to Windows 11, the most common reason is that your PC doesn't meet Microsoft’s strict hardware requirements. Windows 11 mandates ​​TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, UEFI mode, and a compatible 64-bit processor. Hence, many older Dell laptops and desktops (pre-2018) lack these features. Even if your Dell laptop runs Windows 10 smoothly, it might not support TPM 2.0 or have an incompatible CPU (e.g., Intel 7th Gen or older). Run ​​PC Health Check​​​​ to confirm.

    Another possible issue is ​​outdated firmware or drivers​​. Dell laptops often need a ​​BIOS update​​ to enable TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot. If these settings are disabled in BIOS, Windows Update won't offer the upgrade. Additionally, if your system has ​​pending Windows 10 updates​​, the Windows 11 option may not appear. Ensure your OS is fully updated (​​Settings > Windows Update​​) and that your BIOS is configured correctly.

    If your hardware is compatible but the upgrade on Dell laptop from Windows 10 to Windows 11 still fails, ​​corrupted system files or registry issues​​ might be blocking it. Run ​​DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth​​ and ​​sfc /scannow​​ in Command Prompt (Admin) to fix errors. Alternatively, bypass Windows Update by using the ​​Windows 11 Installation Assistant​​ or performing a ​​clean install via USB​​. However, if your PC is unsupported, upgrading isn’t recommended due to potential security and stability risks.

  • Nobel_Baynes's avatar
    Nobel_Baynes
    Iron Contributor

    Upgrading Dell laptop to Windows 11 involves checking compatibility, updating your system, and then performing the upgrade.

    Before upgrading, ensure your Dell laptop meets Microsoft’s ​​minimum requirements​​:

    • ​​Processor​​: 1 GHz or faster with ​​2+ cores​​ (64-bit compatible)
    • ​​RAM​​: ​​4GB​​ or more
    • ​​Storage​​: ​​64GB​​ or larger SSD/HDD
    • TPM​​: ​​Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0
    • ​​Secure Boot​​: Must be enabled
    • ​​UEFI Firmware​​: Required (not Legacy BIOS)

    How to upgrade dell laptop from windows 10 to windows 11

    1. Go to ​​Settings​​ (​​Win + I​​) → ​​Windows Update​​.
    2. If eligible, you’ll see: "Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready"​​ and "Download and install"​​ (click this)
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for the download (~3-5 GB).
    4. Once downloaded, click ​​Restart now​​ to begin installation.
    5. After restarting, Windows 11 will install (takes ~20-60 mins).

    If Windows Update doesn’t offer Windows 11, check BIOS settings:

    1. ​​Restart​​ your Dell laptop and press ​​F2​​ (or ​​F12 → BIOS Setup​​).
    2. Turn on TPM 2.0​​ (under ​​Security​​ or ​​PTT​​), Secure Boot​​ (under ​​Boot Options​​) and UEFI Mode​​ (disable ​​Legacy BIOS/CSM​​)
    3. Save changes (​​F10​​) and exit.
  • JaxonRhodes's avatar
    JaxonRhodes
    Iron Contributor

    Certainly! Upgrading Dell laptop to Windows 11 can be a straightforward process if your device meets the necessary requirements. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you check eligibility.

    1. Check Windows 11 System Requirements
    Your Dell laptop must meet the minimum hardware specifications for Windows 11:

    • Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
    • RAM: 4 GB or more
    • Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device
    • System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
    • TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
    • Graphics Card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
    • Display: >9” with HD Resolution (720p)
    • Internet Connection: For Windows 11 Home edition upgrade, internet connectivity and a Microsoft account are required

     

    2. Verify Compatibility Using Microsoft's PC Health Check Tool

    Microsoft provides an official tool to assess compatibility:

    • Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft’s 0fficial website.
    • Install and run the tool.
    • It will analyze your system and indicate whether your device is eligible for Windows 11.

     

    3. Check Specific Hardware Components on Dell
    TPM 2.0:

    • Press Windows + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter.
    • The TPM Management window will show if TPM is present and enabled.

    Secure Boot:

    • Restart your PC and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, or DEL during startup).
    • Find the Secure Boot setting and ensure it is enabled.

    Processor and RAM:

    • Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
    • Check the System tab for processor and memory info.

     

    Next, you can upgrade Dell laptop to Windows 11.

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