How can I upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 for free?

Yeah, it is totally fine to do that. All files, apps and license key are well kept. Here is one good example I found out several days ago:

https://www.wintechhow.com/safely-update-from-windows-10-to-windows-11

P.S. It took me 20 mins to complete the upgrade for a legacy PC bought 12 years ago.

You can directly update your windows 10 to 11 through the settings. 

Go to Update & Security then Windows update and check if Windows 11 is offered. If it's not, it could be because of TPM/Secure Boot settings or a known compatibility hold. 

How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free?

1. Use Windows Insider Program (if eligible):
Joining the Windows Insider Program allows you to get Windows 11 builds early. You can do this without using the Installation Assistant or creating media:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program.
• Sign in with a Microsoft account.
• Choose the Insider channel (e.g., Dev or Beta).
• Follow prompts to restart and join the program.
• Once enrolled, check for updates, and Windows 11 should be offered if your device is compatible.

Note: This method still uses Windows Update, but it bypasses the need for the Installation Assistant or ISO files. It may not be considered a "clean" upgrade and might involve insider builds.

2. Using a "Repair Upgrade" via In-Place Upgrade (without ISO or Media):
While traditionally this involves media or ISO files, you can sometimes trigger an in-place upgrade by running setup from within Windows:

• Download the official Windows 11 ISO directly from Microsoft's website.
• Mount the ISO (this can be done without creating boot media; just double-click the ISO file).
• Run setup.exe from the mounted ISO.
• Follow the prompts to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Important: You specified no ISO files, but if you can download and mount an ISO directly, this method fits your criteria.

3. Use a Script or Specific Deployment Tool (Advanced):
In enterprise or managed setups, IT administrators can deploy upgrades via tools like Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (SCCM) or Windows Deployment Services (WDS). These are complex and typically used in business environments.

How to upgrade from Windows 10 to 11? You can perform an in-place upgrade by manually modifying the system.

1. Check Compatibility
Ensure your PC meets Windows 11 requirements, especially TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. You can verify these manually or with tools like the PC Health Check.

2. Create a Windows 11 Upgrade Files Environment
Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft (if you haven't already), and extract its contents manually.
Alternatively, you can copy the Windows 11 files from a mounted ISO.

3. Replace System Files or Use Setup Files
You might attempt to run the setup.exe from the extracted ISO files directly from Windows 10, which can initiate an in-place upgrade.
This approach effectively upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 without using the official assistant or media creation tools.

4. Modify Registry
Some users modify registry keys to bypass compatibility checks. This is risky and can cause system instability.
Example: Disable the TPM and Secure Boot checks by editing registry keys under:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost\UI\Eligibility

or related keys that check hardware compatibility.

Upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 for free generally offers many benefits, but there are some potential disadvantages to consider if the Windows 11 Installation Assistant didn't work and you're exploring alternative methods.

1. If the upgrade is done manually or through other methods, there’s a risk that some hardware or drivers may not be fully compatible, leading to system instability or performance issues.
   Manually upgrading can sometimes cause incomplete installations, leading to system errors, bugs, or a need for clean reinstallations.
2. Alternative methods like creating bootable media or upgrading via ISO files are more complex and time-consuming, especially for users unfamiliar with BIOS configurations or advanced troubleshooting.
   Using unofficial or unsupported upgrade methods could inadvertently introduce vulnerabilities if sources or tools are not legitimate.
3. Upgrading from Windows 10 to 11 through Windows Update is optimized for stability and security; bypassing it might mean missing out on certain updates or patches that improve the upgrade process.

Windows 10 will reach the end of support in October 2025, meaning it will no longer receive security updates or bug fixes from Microsoft. Without these updates, your PC will be more vulnerable to security threats and compatibility issues with newer software. Upgrading to Windows 11 ensures you continue to get regular updates, improved performance, and access to the latest features.

With your current hardware, you can still upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 for free, keeping all your files and apps. Using the in-place upgrade with an ISO is one of the most reliable methods, especially if Windows Update or the Installation Assistant fails. This way, you can move to Windows 11 smoothly without losing your data.

In short, now is a great time to make the transition. By upgrading before support ends, you avoid last-minute hassles, keep your system secure, and take advantage of Windows 11's modern interface and performance improvements.

If the Windows 11 Installation Assistant doesn't work, an in-place upgrade using an ISO file is often the most reliable method. This process lets you install Windows 11 directly from the official image while keeping your personal files, apps, and settings intact. It’s also handy if you want to bypass certain glitches in Windows Update.

How to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 

Step 1. Download the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's website. 

Step 2: Once the download is complete, right-click the ISO file and choose Mount.

Step 3: Open the mounted drive, run setup.exe, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 4: When prompted, select Keep personal files and apps so nothing is erased during the upgrade.

In summary, the ISO upgrade method is a straightforward way to move from Windows 10 to 11 for free without losing your data. It uses the same official installation files as Microsoft’s other tools but gives you more control and fewer update errors.

Given your specs, your PC is absolutely capable of running Windows 11 — the Ryzen 7 5800X and X570 motherboard both meet Microsoft’s requirements. If the Windows 11 Installation Assistant didn’t work, it’s usually because of:

1. TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot not enabled in BIOS
2. The PC not passing the official Windows 11 upgrade check due to firmware settings
3. A Windows Update cache or installer glitch

You can upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 for free as Microsoft still allows free upgrade to Windows 11 from to 10.  Your current Windows 10 digital license will automatically activate Windows 11 after the upgrade. No need to pay $99.

1. Make sure TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are enabled

Reboot into BIOS (press Del or F2 during boot).

Under Security or Advanced, find TPM (sometimes called fTPM) and enable it.

Under Boot, set Secure Boot to Enabled (may require UEFI boot mode).

Save changes and reboot.

2. Try upgrading via Windows Update

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.

Click Check for updates.

If Windows 11 is offered, click Download and install.