Purpose of knowledge article

Inform LBNL users about Windows 10 end of support, and recommend necessary preparation to upgrade Windows 10 computers to Windows 11.

Upgrading to Windows 11

Users with moderate Windows expertise should be able to perform the upgrade with no IT assistance by starting with the in-place upgrade method. If the in-place upgrade method does not work, the clean install method will be the next step to try.

Regardless of which method is used, always make a backup of your data so you have a backup in case the process fails.

Windows 11 In-place upgrade

While this method is intended to leave everything intact so you can continue using your computer after the upgrade, this is not always the case:

• Some software may require to be reinstalled or re-activated
• Customization of software or Windows settings may need to be reconfigured

Regardless of which method is used, always make a backup of your data so you have a backup in case the process fails.

Procedure Summary

1. Pre-upgrade:
   1. Perform a computer assessment to list all hardware, software, and data on the system
   2. Procure third-party application upgrades or peripheral hardware if necessary due to incompatibility with Windows 11
   3. Ensure that all data and files are backed up
   4. Purchase a Windows 11 License if needed (it usually is not required)
   5. Install Windows 10 Updates
   6. Perform diagnostics on your computer to ensure it is sound
2. Upgrade to Windows 11
3. Post-Upgrade
   1. Verify that the upgrade was successful
   2. Ensure that all Berkeley Lab IT-recommended applications are installed
   3. Ensure that the system is configured according to Berkeley Lab IT recommendations

To proceed with Windows 11 in-place upgrade, see Windows 11 In-place Upgrade.

Windows 11 Clean install

This method requires you to wipe your hard drive completely, so everything is erased. After installing Windows 11, all software and drivers will need to be reinstalled and data needs to be copied over from the backup.

This is a much more involved process with higher risk and requires more time and effort than the in-place upgrade.

Regardless of which method is used, always make a backup of your data so you have a backup in case the process fails.

Procedure Summary

1. Pre-upgrade:
   1. Perform a computer assessment to list all hardware, software, and data on the system.
   2. Procure third-party application upgrades or peripheral hardware if necessary due to incompatibility with Windows 11
   3. Ensure that all data and files are backed up
   4. Purchase a Windows 11 License if needed (it usually is not required)
   5. Prepare Windows 11 Install Media
   6. Perform diagnostics on your computer to ensure it is sound
2. Install to Windows 11 (Nothing option)
3. Post-Upgrade
   1. Verify that the clean install was successful
   2. Ensure that all Berkeley Lab IT-recommended applications are installed
   3. Ensure that the system is configured according to Berkeley Lab IT recommendations

To proceed with Windows 11 clean install, see Windows 11 Clean Install.

Additional resources

• Windows 10 End of Support and Upgrade to Windows 11 FAQ
• Windows 10 Home and Pro Lifecycle
• Lifecycle FAQ - Windows
• Find Windows 11 specs, features, and computer requirements
• Enable TPM 2.0 on your PC