As you might expect, Windows 11\u2019s system requirements are a slight step up from Windows 10\u2019s. While most modern computer systems will be able to install it with no issues, older machines may struggle with some of the new requirements.<\/p>\r\n
Here are the minimum <\/b>system requirements needed to install and run Windows 11:<\/p>\r\n As you\u2019ll notice, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 are required. These are two features that weren\u2019t necessarily required in previous operating systems, but Windows has decided to enforce them with the new Windows 11 to help better protect users and their data.<\/p>\r\n Windows 11 requires that Secure boot<\/a> be enabled before it can be installed. Secure boot is a security feature that only allows your PC to boot if it can verify the signature of your operating system, as well as the UEFI firmware drivers and EFI applications. This is to prevent malicious software from taking over the boot sequence of your computer.<\/p>\r\n TPM (Trusted Platform Module) is another security requirement to install Windows 11. A TPM is a small chip on your motherboard that serves many functions, but for Windows 11 specifically, it\u2019s used for Windows Hello identity protection and BitLocker encryption.<\/p>\r\n Data loss isn\u2019t uncommon when upgrading to a new operating system. During the upgrade, your computer is in a very vulnerable state. Any disruption to the upgrade process can be detrimental to your data. Here are some common causes for data loss to be aware of.<\/p>\r\n Keep these reasons in mind going forward to ensure you install Windows 11 without a hitch. After all, you wouldn\u2019t want to be in a position where you accidentally format your main drive<\/a> or get stuck on an infinite loading screen<\/a> because you installed an unstable version.<\/p>\r\n You may be excited to try out the new Windows 11 operating system. Why wouldn\u2019t you be? There\u2019s a whole new user interface, as well as cool new features like the ability to run Android applications<\/a> natively within Windows.<\/p>\r\n Before we begin, it\u2019s imperative that you make a backup of all your important data. Even though these methods work, something could happen to interrupt the process like sudden power or hardware failure. Creating a backup of your files now ensures you can easily restore them in case the worst-case scenario becomes a reality.<\/p>\r\n Let\u2019s get you set up. Use the below methods to install Windows 11 without losing your data. Bear in mind that upgrading to a new operating system can take time, so ensure you do not shut down your computer during the process.<\/p>\r\n If you have a valid version of Windows 10 installed already, you can upgrade to Windows 11 through the Windows Update section. This is probably the easiest and most popular way of installing Windows 11.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Not all Windows 10 computers will have the ability to upgrade to Windows 11 straight away. Microsoft is gradually rolling out this update<\/a> to all compatible computers and plans to be finished by mid-2022, prioritizing new eligible devices first.<\/p>\r\n If you notice that your computer is eligible for the upgrade but there\u2019s no option yet, proceed to one of the following methods to upgrade.<\/p>\r\n Microsoft allows you to upgrade using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant if the update isn\u2019t available just yet through Windows Update. The tool will download the updated operating system and install it for you. In terms of effort, this method is one of the easiest as it doesn\u2019t require the creation of any bootable media.<\/p>\r\n ISO files are disk images that are used to install operating systems. You can download the Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft website and use it to perform an in-place upgrade. To do so, you\u2019re going to need a USB to create a bootable USB installation drive. Alternatively, if you don\u2019t have a usable USB, you can virtually mount the ISO using a tool like DAEMON Tools Lite<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n Before starting this process, you will need to download the following:<\/p>\r\n Once ready, follow the below instructions to create a bootable USB and install Windows 11.<\/p>\r\n After a few restarts, your computer will boot into Windows 11. You can sign-in using your regular Microsoft or local account and begin using your PC.<\/p>\r\n If you\u2019ve already installed Windows 11 but need to reset it again, Windows gives you several options to do so without losing your data or apps. Again, before actioning any of the below methods, ensure you\u2019ve backed up your data.<\/p>\r\n This method of resetting your Windows 11 computer without losing your data is the easiest. It allows you to choose whether you want to reset from local files or by downloading the necessary files online.<\/p>\r\n Using the bootable USB we created earlier<\/a>, you can perform a repair install of Windows 11 using an in-place upgrade. This uses the Windows 11 ISO to repair any corrupted or missing system files.<\/p>\r\n Upgrading to a new operating system can be intimidating, especially if you haven\u2019t done it before. While Microsoft have done a great job at making it as easy as possible for the user, hiccups are always a possibility along the way.<\/p>\r\n The above tips can help keep your data safe. Of course, data loss is always a possibility due to circumstances outside of our control. For that reason, keeping a backup on hand is the most effective data protection method.<\/p>\r\n By using the methods outlined in this article, you can install Windows 11 without losing any of your precious data. But, even though these methods work, there\u2019s always a chance that something can go wrong.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Recovering your data from a backup is much easier than recovering it from a failed Windows installation. For that reason, we recommend making a backup of your data before attempting anything.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\t
You can download and run the PC Health Check App<\/a> by Microsoft to see if your machine is compatible.<\/div>\r\n<\/span>Common Reasons for Data Loss<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
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<\/span>How to Install Windows 11 Without Data Loss<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
<\/span>Method #1: Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\t
![\"Opening](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/access-settings.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Accessing](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/update-security.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Checking](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/check-for-updates.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t<\/span>Method #2: Windows 11 Installation Assistant<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\t
![\"Downloading](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/download-installation-assistant.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Accepting](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/accept-terms.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Restarting](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/download-install.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t<\/span>Method #3: Download the Windows 11 ISO<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
This process will wipe the USB of all its contents. Before proceeding, make sure there is nothing on the USB that you need. If there is, back it up now.<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t
\r\n\t
![\"The](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/open-rufus.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Selecting](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/select-iso.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Starting](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/start-format.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Confirming](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/confirm-format.jpg\")
When finished, click Close<\/b>. Open Windows Explorer<\/b> and open your USB. Open Setup<\/b>. Click Yes <\/b>if prompted by UAC.![\"Running](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/run-setup.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Windows](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/windows-11-setup-screen.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Accepting](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/license-terms.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Installing](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/install-keep-files.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/span>How to Reset Windows 11 Without Data Loss<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
<\/span>Method #1: Reset Windows 11 PC<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\t
![\"Opening](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/open-settings.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Accessing](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/recovery-settings.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Starting](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/reset-pc.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Choosing](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/keep-files.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Choosing](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/local-reinstall.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Reviewing](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/reset-overview.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Completing](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/final-reset.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/span>Method #2: Perform a Repair Install<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
\r\n\t
![\"Running](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/run-setup-1.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Install](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/install-windows-overview.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n\t![\"Accepting](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/accept-terms-1.jpg\")
Ensure Keep personal files and apps <\/b>is the selected option and click Install<\/b>.![\"Reinstalling](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/reinstall-windows.jpg\")
<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/span>How to Prevent Losing Data in Windows 11<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
\r\n\t
<\/span>Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
Read also<\/div>![\"deleted](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Frame-49.png\")
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![\"windows\"](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/windows.png\")
<\/div>![\"windows\"](\"\/howto\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Frame-63.png\")
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