Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 with a Product Key

Windows 10 reached its end of support on 14 October 2025. The PC keeps working, but without security updates (unless you pay for Extended Security Updates) it becomes a bigger risk every month. Upgrading to Windows 11 is free on eligible hardware and keeps your files and apps. Here is how to do it, and how product keys fit in.

Step 1: Check whether your PC can run Windows 11

Windows 11 has stricter requirements than Windows 10:

• A supported 64-bit processor (roughly Intel 8th generation or newer, AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer).
• 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage.
• UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
• TPM 2.0 (a security chip, often called PTT on Intel or fTPM on AMD).

Download Microsoft's PC Health Check app and click Check now. If TPM or Secure Boot is the only problem, they are often just switched off in the BIOS/UEFI settings. Restart, enter the firmware setup (usually Delete, F2 or F10), enable TPM/PTT/fTPM and Secure Boot, and check again.

If the processor itself is unsupported, no key will change that. Keep reading for your options.

Step 2: Back up

An in-place upgrade keeps your files, but backing up first costs ten minutes and removes all worry. Copy your Documents, Desktop and Pictures folders to an external drive or cloud storage. Write down any licence keys for paid apps.

Step 3: Check your current activation

Open Settings > Update & Security > Activation on Windows 10. If it says "Windows is activated with a digital license", your licence will carry over to Windows 11 automatically. Windows 10 Home becomes Windows 11 Home; Windows 10 Pro becomes Windows 11 Pro.

If Windows 10 is not activated, buy a key first. Windows 10 and Windows 11 keys of the same edition are interchangeable for activation. On ShopQiQ:

• Windows 11 Home: $16.99
• Windows 11 Pro: $19.99
• Windows 10 Home: $13.99
• Windows 10 Pro: $15.49

Since you are moving to Windows 11 anyway, buying the Windows 11 key directly is the cleanest choice. A Windows 10 key is a fine budget option and activates the matching Windows 11 edition just the same.

Step 4: Run the upgrade

There are three official routes. All keep your files and apps when you choose to.

Option A: Windows Update

Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If your PC is eligible, you will see "Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready". Click Download and install.

Option B: Installation Assistant

If Windows Update does not offer it yet, download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft's Windows 11 download page. Run it, accept the terms and let it work. The PC restarts several times. Expect 30 to 90 minutes.

Option C: ISO or USB

Download the Windows 11 ISO, double-click it to mount it, and run `setup.exe`. When asked, choose Keep personal files and apps. This method is also useful for upgrading several PCs from one download.

Step 5: Activate Windows 11

After the upgrade, open Settings > System > Activation. If you had a digital licence, it already says "Active". If not, click Change product key, paste your key and activate. Our activation guide covers every method and the common error codes.

Upgrading the edition at the same time

You can go from Windows 10 Home to Windows 11 Pro. Upgrade to Windows 11 Home first, then enter a Windows 11 Pro key in Settings > System > Activation. Windows unlocks Pro features with one restart. Not sure you need Pro? Read Windows 11 Home vs Pro.

What if my PC does not meet the requirements?

You have a few honest options:

1. Extended Security Updates (ESU) from Microsoft keep Windows 10 patched for a limited time. Good for a PC you plan to replace soon.
2. Replace or upgrade hardware. Sometimes a newer motherboard and CPU is cheaper than a new PC, and you keep your drives and case.
3. Use the PC offline for tasks that do not need the internet.

There are registry tweaks and tools that bypass the hardware check. Microsoft does not support such installations and warns that updates may not be delivered to them. We do not recommend it for a computer you rely on.

After the upgrade

• Run Windows Update until no more updates appear.
• Check Device Manager for missing drivers and get them from your PC maker.
• Open Settings > Privacy & security to review the new defaults.
• Sign in with a Microsoft account so your licence is linked to it.
• If something breaks, you can roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days from Settings > System > Recovery.

Office too?

An upgrade is a good moment to sort out Office as well. Office 2024 Pro Plus costs $24.99, or $36.99 together with Windows 11 Pro in our bundle.

If you have questions about your specific PC, email support@shopqiq.com with its model number and we will tell you what to expect.

Frequently asked questions

Will I lose my files and programs?

No, not if you choose "Keep personal files and apps". Most programs that ran on Windows 10 run on Windows 11. Very old drivers, for example for old printers or scanners, are the most common exception.

Is the upgrade still free?

The Windows 11 upgrade is free for PCs that already have an activated Windows 10 licence of the same edition. You only need to buy a key if Windows 10 was never activated, or if you want to move from Home to Pro.

How long does it take?

Usually 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the speed of your drive and internet connection. Plug in laptops and do not switch the PC off during the restarts.