Why keep personal files and apps option greyed out during windows 11 upgrade?

If the "Keep personal files and apps" option is greyed out during a Windows 11 upgrade, it usually means the installer detected a compatibility issue.

How to solve keep personal files and apps option greyed out

1. Check if you're using the right installer

If you're upgrading using a Windows 11 ISO, make sure you run setup.exe from within Windows, not by booting from the USB or ISO.

Correct: Right-click ISO → Mount → Open → Run setup.exe inside Windows.

Wrong: Booting from USB or DVD will force a clean install and disable the option.

2. Match the Windows versions (edition and architecture)

You must upgrade to the same edition (e.g., Windows 10 Home → Windows 11 Home).

Also, the architecture must match (e.g., x64 → x64).

To check:

Press Win + R, type winver and check your current edition and build.

Then make sure your ISO or setup matches.

3. Language mismatch

If your current Windows installation is in a different language than the Windows 11 ISO, the option will be greyed out.

Fix: Download a Windows 11 ISO that matches your current system language.