Why I can't install Windows 11 on my Surface Go 1st Gen?

Unfortunately, install Windows 11 on Surface Go with the specs you've provided is likely to be problematic, and upgrading might not work either.  The Pentium Gold 4415Y processor and 8GB of RAM are near the lower end of what Windows 11 recommends.  The Upgrade Assistant's message is a strong indicator that the system doesn't meet the minimum hardware requirements.

What you can try:

• Check Microsoft's official system requirements:  Double-check the exact specifications Microsoft lists for Windows 11.  There might be hidden or overlooked requirements.
• Using a bootable USB drive: Create a bootable Windows 11 USB drive from the ISO image.  This will allow you to perform a clean install without using the upgrade assistant.  This will likely also be the only way to ensure your files are preserved (see next point).
• Backup your data: This is CRUCIAL.  Back up everything you want to keep to an external drive or cloud storage. A clean install will erase everything on the internal drive.
• Perform a clean install:  If you decide to proceed with a clean install using the bootable USB, you'll need to follow the steps for a standard installation.

Alternatives to Install Windows 11 on Surface Go:

• Consider a different operating system: If the performance of Windows 11 is too much to ask for, consider a lightweight operating system like Linux.
• Look for a refurbished device: If upgrading is not an option, you might find a newer used Surface device at a lower price than buying a brand new one.
• Investigate alternative software solutions: If you're using specific applications that don't run well on older hardware, consider cloud-based solutions or alternative software.