In Place Upgrade vs Clean Install from Windows 10


Flogger23m

Well-known member
Member
Local time
8:43 AM
Posts
32
OS
Windows 10
Going to be upgrading to Windows 11 soon. On Windows 10 Pro, 22H2 (OS Build 19045.5965). Will not be changing hardware. Wondering if there are any disadvantages to using the In Place Upgrade from Win 10 to 11? I know In Place will keep data/files in place (ideally) but will the Win 11 install otherwise be the same?

How does it handle things like drivers for chipset or graphic cards? Usually I update those manually from manufacture websites, though will an In Place Upgrade essentially require a reinstall of all hardware drivers? This I don't mind, just wondering if drivers for hardware/chipset/motherboard are handled differently from a Clean Install.

For creating a system image backup, what is the best free program to use in 2025? I've read that built in utility has been depreciated on Windows 10, which is why I am looking for alternatives. I would store the image back up on an external hard drive. I can also do an entire clone of my Windows drive onto a spare SSD I have.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10Ryzen 7800X3D32GB CorsairRTX 5070ti ASUS Prime
OS
Windows 10
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
Ryzen 7800X3D
Motherboard
ASRock X670E PG Lightning
Memory
32GB Corsair
Graphics Card(s)
RTX 5070ti ASUS Prime
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
WD SN850X 4TB (Windows/boot drive/programs), WD SN 850X 4TB (game drive), WD 6TB Black HDD (data), SK Hynix P31 2TB (other programs/games)
PSU
Seasonic 750
Cooling
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120
You shouldn't need to worry about drivers with an upgrade. For one thing, Windows 10 and Windows 11 drivers are typically the same.

WD offers a free version of Acronis True Image. I don't know its limitations, other than requiring a WD drive. It may fulfill your needs.
As an alternative, Macrium Reflect Free. The company no longer supports it, but the software probably still works,
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 26300.9278Amd Threadripper 7970X128GB (4 X 32) G.Skill DDR5 6400 (RDIMM)Gigabyte RTX 4090 OC
    OS
    Windows 11 26300.9278
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Amd Threadripper 7970X
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte TRX50 Aero D Rev. 1.0
    Memory
    128GB (4 X 32) G.Skill DDR5 6400 (RDIMM)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 4090 OC
    Sound Card
    none (USB to speakers), Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Innocn 32" OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @ 60Hz
    Hard Drives
    Crucial T700 2TB M.2 NVME SSD
    WD 4TB Blue SATA SSD
    Seagate 18TB IronWolf Pro
    PSU
    BeQuiet! Straight Power 12 1500W
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo XL
    Cooling
    SilverStone Technology XE360-TR5, with 3 Phanteks T30 fans
    Keyboard
    Cherry KC 500 MX LP (mechanical)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
    Internet Speed
    2000/250 Mbps (down/up)
    Other Info
    xFinity gateway
  • At a glance

    windows 11 26300.9278Intel I9-13900K64GB G.Skill DDR5-6000Gigabyte RTX 3090 ti
    Operating System
    windows 11 26300.9278
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel I9-13900K
    Motherboard
    Asus RoG Strix Z690-E
    Memory
    64GB G.Skill DDR5-6000
    Graphics card(s)
    Gigabyte RTX 3090 ti
    Sound Card
    built in Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Philips 27E1N8900 27" OLED
    Screen Resolution
    3840 X 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    WDC SN850 1TB
    8TB Seagate Ironwolf
    4TB Seagate Ironwolf
    PSU
    eVGA SuperNOVA 1300 GT
    Case
    Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo
    Cooling
    Corsair iCUE H150i ELITE CAPELLIX Liquid CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Cherry Streaming (wired)
    Mouse
    Logitech M500s (wired)
Win 10 and Win 11 is basically the same with some differences on the GUI.
If you're upgrading the Ryzen 7800X3D it should be Win 11 compatible if TPM is enable and if the main drive is UEFI - GPT
I suggest you download and run WhyNotWin11 to make sure it's 100% compatible.
If everything is OK, In Place Upgrade is a good way to upgrade. Don't worried about drivers. Most Win 10 is also Win 11 and the ones that aren't will be updated.

As things can always go wrong, I suggest you do a drive backup image.
The most used application is Macrium, (now on version 9) but it now is a subscription. Macrium 8 is the best option
EaseUS todo and AOMEI backuper are also good options.
 
Last edited:

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntui5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000IG - Intel 530
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom build
    CPU
    i5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-Z170-HD3P
    Memory
    4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000
    Graphics Card(s)
    IG - Intel 530
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 226BW
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    (1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
    (2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
    (3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
    (4) -1 BX500 SSD - 256G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
    Keyboard
    Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Proi7-4500U 800- 3000MHz(4+4)G DDR3 1600IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Q550LF
    CPU
    i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Q550LF
    Memory
    (4+4)G DDR3 1600
    Graphics card(s)
    IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
    & 1T HDD for data
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
@Flogger32m






If Windows 10 is running well, you can do an In-Place upgrade from Win 10 to Win 11.
That's how I did it.

Like so...



It's the same as doing an In-Place upgrade on Windows 10, except you will use a Win 11 ISO instead.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26300.9445 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦26H2AMD Ryzen 7 3700XG.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    OS
    Win 11 Home ♦♦♦26300.9445 ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦26H2
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® [May 2020]
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
    Motherboard
    Asus Pro WS X570-ACE (BIOS 5302)
    Memory
    G.Skill (F4-3200C14D-16GTZKW)
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA RTX 2070 (08G-P4-2171-KR)
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC1220P / ALC S1220A
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U3011 30"
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1600
    Hard Drives
    2x Samsung 860 EVO 500GB,
    WD 4TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    WD 8TB Black FZBX - SATA III,
    DRW-24B1ST CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling 750W Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Cooler Master ATCS 840 Tower
    Cooling
    CM Hyper 212 EVO (push/pull)
    Keyboard
    Ducky DK9008 Shine II Blue LED
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-100
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox (latest)
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender Total Security
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch Pro Media 2.1
  • At a glance

    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Operating System
    Windows XP Pro 32bit w/SP3
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Built by Ghot® (not in use)
    CPU
    AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (OC'd @ 3.2Ghz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe Wireless Edition
    Memory
    TWIN2X2048-6400C4DHX (2 x 1GB, DDR2 800)
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 256-P2-N758-TR GeForce 8600GT SSC
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic G90FB Black 19" Professional (CRT)
    Screen Resolution
    up to 2048 x 1536
    Hard Drives
    WD 36GB 10,000rpm Raptor SATA
    Seagate 80GB 7200rpm SATA
    Lite-On LTR-52246S CD/RW
    Lite-On LH-18A1P CD/DVD Burner
    PSU
    PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad EPS12V
    Case
    Generic Beige case, 80mm fans
    Cooling
    ZALMAN 9500A 92mm CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Classic Keybooard 200
    Mouse
    Logitech Optical M-BT96a
    Internet Speed
    300/300
    Browser
    Firefox 3.x ??
    Antivirus
    Symantec (Norton)
    Other Info
    Still assembled, still runs. Haven't turned it on for 15 years?
You shouldn't need to worry about drivers with an upgrade. For one thing, Windows 10 and Windows 11 drivers are typically the same.
The drivers are generally the same, but W11 24H2 is more restrictive about blocking old drivers with known security vulnerabilities. Some of these include ASUS Armoury Crate add-on's and Western Digital Essentials (wdcsam).

You should check to see if you have the latest drivers for the best upgrade experience.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7
OS
Windows 7
For creating a system image backup, what is the best free program to use in 2025?

Windows System image works ok in spite of what some people here claim. Third party tools have more flexibility in some ways but they are almost always proprietary formats so less flexible there. There are plenty to choose from.

Hasleo looks good , another popular one is aomei. I quite like the imaging diskgenius can do, but there is no scheduling if that matters to you.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Win7,Win11i7-97002x16gb 3600mhz
    OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i
  • At a glance

    win7,win11i5-84002x8gb 3200
    Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
Win 10 and Win 11 is basically the same with some differences on the GUI.
If you're upgrading the Ryzen 7800X3D it should be Win 11 compatible if TPM is enable and if the main drive is UEFI - GPT
I suggest you download and run WhyNotWin11 to make sure it's 100% compatible.
If everything is OK, In Place Upgrade is a good way to upgrade. Don't worried about drivers. Most Win 10 is also Win 11 and the ones that aren't will be updated.

Everything looks good with the exception of TPM. I do have this disabled in the BIOS if I recall (fTPM on my motherboard). I remember I needed to disable it when upgrading motherboard BIOS. Currently using a local account with password for Win 10. Bitlocker is set to off within Win 10.

TPM.webp

I assume I will need to enable this in the BIOS to upgrade to Win 11. Though does the TPM require anything else when I try to boot up after installing Win 11? EX) I enable fTPM in the BIOS, it will smoothly install and boot into Win 11 without issues?


For the boot drive, this is what I am seeing within Windows. I assume this would be okay?

disk part.webp
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10Ryzen 7800X3D32GB CorsairRTX 5070ti ASUS Prime
OS
Windows 10
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
Ryzen 7800X3D
Motherboard
ASRock X670E PG Lightning
Memory
32GB Corsair
Graphics Card(s)
RTX 5070ti ASUS Prime
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
WD SN850X 4TB (Windows/boot drive/programs), WD SN 850X 4TB (game drive), WD 6TB Black HDD (data), SK Hynix P31 2TB (other programs/games)
PSU
Seasonic 750
Cooling
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120
Wondering if there are any disadvantages to using the In Place Upgrade from Win 10 to 11?
No matter how "clean" and smooth running the existing system may be, always the possibility that an inplace upgrade will tip the system over the edge. And if this happens, hard to identify what caused it ... a dormant glitch that the upgrade activated, or a borked upgrade install.

User's choice

Whatever, make sure you do an image of the existing system, warts (if any) and all, before the attempted upgrade. Macrium Reflect (freeware version is still available from majorgeeks) and if you're inclined to go into tin-foil hat mode, an extra image using another option like AOMEI Backupper. Don't forget the boot usb drives for both/either options

Alternatively, swap out the existing W10 installation for a blank drive and do a clean install on that. If things go pear-shaped, the ole system can be swapped back.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 2xH2 (latest update ... forever anal)Intel i5-124008GBNVIDIA GeForce GT730
    OS
    Windows 11 2xH2 (latest update ... forever anal)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Slim S01
    CPU
    Intel i5-12400
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GT730
    Sound Card
    OOBE
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 32"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    512GB KIOXIA NVMe
    1TB SATA SSD
    PSU
    OOBE
    Case
    OOBE
    Cooling
    OOBE
    Keyboard
    BT
    Mouse
    BT
    Browser
    Brave FFox Chrome Opera
    Antivirus
    KIS
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro 2xH2 (latest update ... 4ever ...i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHzIntel Iris Xe Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 2xH2 (latest update ... 4ever anal)
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion 15
    CPU
    i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel Iris Xe Graphics
    Hard Drives
    Samsung NVMe 512GB
    + numerous/multiple SSD Type C USB enclosures
    Internet Speed
    NBN FTTN 50
    Browser
    Brave
    Antivirus
    KIS
No matter how "clean" and smooth running the existing system may be, always the possibility that an inplace upgrade will tip the system over the edge. And if this happens, hard to identify what caused it ... a dormant glitch that the upgrade activated, or a borked upgrade install.

User's choice

Whatever, make sure you do an image of the existing system, warts (if any) and all, before the attempted upgrade. Macrium Reflect (freeware version is still available from majorgeeks) and if you're inclined to go into tin-foil hat mode, an extra image using another option like AOMEI Backupper. Don't forget the boot usb drives for both/either options

Alternatively, swap out the existing W10 installation for a blank drive and do a clean install on that. If things go pear-shaped, the ole system can be swapped back.

I'm going to do a full drive clone (have a spare SSD) and make an image which I will place on an external HDD. So I have two alternative back up methods. Data files and whatnot I am backing up manually to different drives as well.

Usually I use Reflect free for clones, I'm assuming it has a good Image functionality as well? The version on majorgeeks seems to be from 2023 so I downloaded that and will keep the .exe file backed up for future installs if necessary, glad to see there is a place that still has it up for download.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10Ryzen 7800X3D32GB CorsairRTX 5070ti ASUS Prime
OS
Windows 10
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
Ryzen 7800X3D
Motherboard
ASRock X670E PG Lightning
Memory
32GB Corsair
Graphics Card(s)
RTX 5070ti ASUS Prime
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
WD SN850X 4TB (Windows/boot drive/programs), WD SN 850X 4TB (game drive), WD 6TB Black HDD (data), SK Hynix P31 2TB (other programs/games)
PSU
Seasonic 750
Cooling
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120
Assuming you have used your clones before, and they worked. But absolutely make an image of the drive.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Clean Install 26200.9168 Secure boot is on.AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSDDR5-5600 / PC5-44800 DDR5 SDRAM SO-DIMM32GAMD Radeon 780M
    OS
    Clean Install 26200.9168 Secure boot is on.
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink SER8 Mini
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS
    Motherboard
    AZW SER8 AMD Promontory/Bixby FCH
    Memory
    DDR5-5600 / PC5-44800 DDR5 SDRAM SO-DIMM32G
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon 780M
    Sound Card
    AMD Zen - Audio Processor - HD Audio Controller
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 LG HDR 32"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial NVME Internal
    2TB Crucial NVME Internal
    2TB Crucial NVME External
    WD 1TB SSD SATA to USB3
    Samsung SSD 1TB SATA to USB3
    Samsung 500G SATA to USB3
    500G Crucial SSD to USB3
    PSU
    Beelink
    Case
    Beelink
    Cooling
    Beelink
    Keyboard
    Logitech Backlit USB
    Mouse
    Logitech M510
    Internet Speed
    250-500
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox, Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Security 1.451.235.0 version created 6-2-2026
    Other Info
    Macrium X Build 10.0.8843
    Minitool Pro Ultimate 13.9
    Aomie Partition Assistant Pro 10.12.0
    REVO Pro 5.5.2.0 Portable
    JAM Treesize 9.7.2.2203 Perpetual Outdated.
    JAM Ultrasearch Pro 4.9.1.1204 Perpetual Outdated.
    Malwarebytes Pro 5.6.5 Update 1.0.113698 Component 163.0.5714
    Screenpresso Pro 2.2.12.3 beta (.Net 4.8) 2026-5-026
    Hamrick Vue Scan Pro 9.7.99 for Epson Perfection V39II Flatbed Scanner
    Epson ES-500W Doc Scanner.
    Epson Eco Tank Printer 3850
    Thunderbird 154
    em Client 10.4.5674
    Affinity Suite Publisher, Designer, Photo 2.6.5
    Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2608 Build 16.0.20326.20072) 64-bit
    Creative cloud Version 6911 Apps 6.9.0.618 CCLibrary 4.16.2 (Photo subscription)
    HXD Hex Editor Version 2.5.0.0
    DAW Software Reaper with Izotope Plugins
    WYSIWYG Web Builder 20.4.2
    Filezilla 3.70.5
    System Informer
    O&O Regedit
    Advanced IP Scanner 2.5.1
    PEAK DCA Transistor Graphical USB Interface for Viewing Transistor Operational Curves. Win
    Games - Win-7 Card Games
    Microsoft FSX "Pro Gold Flight Sim with add ons. Still works perfectly.
    Many Other free and paid applications
    Visual Studio 2026 Community 18,9.2
    Sordum Tools
    Oblique audio latency tool for Motu6.
    Original Microsoft FSX with accelerator pack. Still installs and works well.
  • At a glance

    Win11 Pro OEM 25H2 OS Build 26200.7019AMD Ryzen 7 8845HSDDR5 32GBeelink SER7
    Operating System
    Win11 Pro OEM 25H2 OS Build 26200.7019
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Beelink
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS
    Motherboard
    AMD
    Memory
    DDR5 32G
    Graphics card(s)
    Beelink SER7
    Sound Card
    Beelink SER7
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell
    Screen Resolution
    Native
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial NVMe SSD 2G SATA
    PSU
    Beelink Proprietary
    Case
    Beelink Proprietary
    Cooling
    Beelink Proprietary
    Keyboard
    gaming keyboard
    Mouse
    MS
    Internet Speed
    T-Mobile 5G
    Antivirus
    Defender Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    Microsoft 365 Family Office
    Macrium X Subscription1 Version 10
    Mini-Tool Ultimate 13.0 Lifetime
    Malwarebytes Premium w/VPN 5
    Revo Pro Portable Pro 5
    Roboform 9.7.7.
    Others. (All legit)
Everything looks good with the exception of TPM. I do have this disabled in the BIOS if I recall (fTPM on my motherboard). I remember I needed to disable it when upgrading motherboard BIOS. Currently using a local account with password for Win 10. Bitlocker is set to off within Win 10.

View attachment 138178

I assume I will need to enable this in the BIOS to upgrade to Win 11. Though does the TPM require anything else when I try to boot up after installing Win 11? EX) I enable fTPM in the BIOS, it will smoothly install and boot into Win 11 without issues?
If you enable TPM, Win Update will offer you an upgrade to Win 11. You can do an in place upgrade or wait Win Update to offer you.
For the boot drive, this is what I am seeing within Windows. I assume this would be okay?

View attachment 138179
The first Recovery partition is not in use and it is useless and the last Recovery partition is small. There are ways to fix (remove first recovery and enlarge the second to, at least, 800M. But that is another chapter.
 
Last edited:

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntui5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000IG - Intel 530
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom build
    CPU
    i5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-Z170-HD3P
    Memory
    4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000
    Graphics Card(s)
    IG - Intel 530
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 226BW
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    (1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
    (2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
    (3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
    (4) -1 BX500 SSD - 256G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
    Keyboard
    Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Proi7-4500U 800- 3000MHz(4+4)G DDR3 1600IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Q550LF
    CPU
    i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Q550LF
    Memory
    (4+4)G DDR3 1600
    Graphics card(s)
    IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
    & 1T HDD for data
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
Win 10 and Win 11 is basically the same with some differences on the GUI.
If you're upgrading the Ryzen 7800X3D it should be Win 11 compatible if TPM is enable and if the main drive is UEFI - GPT
I suggest you download and run WhyNotWin11 to make sure it's 100% compatible.
If everything is OK, In Place Upgrade is a good way to upgrade. Don't worried about drivers. Most Win 10 is also Win 11 and the ones that aren't will be updated.

As things can always go wrong, I suggest you do a drive backup image.
The most used application is Macrium, (now on version 9) but it now is a subscription. Macrium 8 is the best option
EaseUS todo and AOMEI backuper are also good options.
There is no Macrium 9 (similar to Windows lol). It is version X (10?).
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ16 GB solderedIntegrated Intel Iris XE
OS
Windows 11 Pro + Win11 Canary VM.
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
ASUS Zenbook 14
CPU
I9 13th gen i9-13900H 2.60 GHZ
Motherboard
Yep, Laptop has one.
Memory
16 GB soldered
Graphics Card(s)
Integrated Intel Iris XE
Sound Card
Realtek built in
Monitor(s) Displays
laptop OLED screen
Screen Resolution
2880x1800 touchscreen
Hard Drives
1 TB NVME SSD (only weakness is only one slot)
PSU
Internal + 65W thunderbolt USB4 charger
Case
Yep, got one
Cooling
Stella Artois (UK pint cans - 568 ml) - extra cost.
Keyboard
Built in UK keybd
Mouse
Bluetooth , wireless dongled, wired
Internet Speed
900 mbs (ethernet), wifi 6 typical 350-450 mb/s both up and down
Browser
Edge
Antivirus
Defender
Other Info
TPM 2.0, 2xUSB4 thunderbolt, 1xUsb3 (usb a), 1xUsb-c, hdmi out, 3.5 mm audio out/in combo, ASUS backlit trackpad (inc. switchable number pad)

Macrium Reflect Home V8
Office 365 Family (6 users each 1TB onedrive space)
Hyper-V (a vm runs almost as fast as my older laptop)
I'm going to do a full drive clone (have a spare SSD) and make an image which I will place on an external HDD. So I have two alternative back up methods. Data files and whatnot I am backing up manually to different drives as well.

Usually I use Reflect free for clones, I'm assuming it has a good Image functionality as well? The version on majorgeeks seems to be from 2023 so I downloaded that and will keep the .exe file backed up for future installs if necessary, glad to see there is a place that still has it up for download.
Depending on the app you use to clone, its easy to fix the layout. I have used Macrium to clone a drive and I used the drag and drop to put the partitions on the right order and to enlarge the recovery partition.uefi-partitions.webp
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntui5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000IG - Intel 530
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom build
    CPU
    i5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-Z170-HD3P
    Memory
    4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000
    Graphics Card(s)
    IG - Intel 530
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 226BW
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    (1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
    (2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
    (3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
    (4) -1 BX500 SSD - 256G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
    Keyboard
    Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Proi7-4500U 800- 3000MHz(4+4)G DDR3 1600IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Q550LF
    CPU
    i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Q550LF
    Memory
    (4+4)G DDR3 1600
    Graphics card(s)
    IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
    & 1T HDD for data
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
Only clean installation of Windows. IMO.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Microsoft Windows 11 HomeIntel Core i5-13490F2 x 16 Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) PSD516G56...GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G (G...
OS
Microsoft Windows 11 Home
Computer type
PC/Desktop
Manufacturer/Model
MSI MS-7D98
CPU
Intel Core i5-13490F
Motherboard
MSI B760 GAMING PLUS WIFI
Memory
2 x 16 Patriot Memory (PDP Systems) PSD516G560081 6400MT (32-37-37-74); 1.35V)
Graphics Card(s)
GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 4070 WINDFORCE OC 12G (GV-N4070WF3OC-12GD)
Sound Card
Bluetooth Аудио
Monitor(s) Displays
INNOCN 15K1F
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
WD_BLACK SN770 250GB
KINGSTON SNV2S1000G (ELFK0S.6)
PSU
Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 1000W
Case
CG560 - DeepCool
Cooling
ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS / 2 x 140Mm Fan - rear and top; 3 x 120Mm - front
Keyboard
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
Mouse
Corsair KATAR PRO XT
Internet Speed
100 Mbps
Browser
Firefox
Antivirus
Microsoft Defender Antivirus
Other Info
https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/66553205
If you enable TPM, Win Update will offer you an upgrade to Win 11. You can do an in place upgrade or wait Win Update to offer you.

Thanks, downloaded the Win 11 .iso. So when I'm ready, just enable it in the BIOS, I'll run the checking utility one more time and ensure it passes then install Win 11. I assume that doing that, I won't have any TPM issues upon booting into Win 11?

The first Recovery partition is not in use and it is useless a,d the last Recovery partition is small. There are ways to fix (remove first recovery and enlarge the second to, at least, 800M. But that is another chapter.
Depending on the app you use to clone, its easy to fix the layout. I have used Macrium to clone a drive and I used the drag and drop to put the partitions on the right order and to enlarge the recovery partition.View attachment 138183

Okay will look into that. I assume EFI partition goes first, then drive C/boot, then recovery. Not seeing the MSR partition though (referring to my screen shot from above)?
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 10Ryzen 7800X3D32GB CorsairRTX 5070ti ASUS Prime
OS
Windows 10
Computer type
PC/Desktop
CPU
Ryzen 7800X3D
Motherboard
ASRock X670E PG Lightning
Memory
32GB Corsair
Graphics Card(s)
RTX 5070ti ASUS Prime
Screen Resolution
2560x1440
Hard Drives
WD SN850X 4TB (Windows/boot drive/programs), WD SN 850X 4TB (game drive), WD 6TB Black HDD (data), SK Hynix P31 2TB (other programs/games)
PSU
Seasonic 750
Cooling
Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120
Only clean installation of Windows. IMO.

My thoughts too. Fresh install on a different drive. Bring your data files over as needed.
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 11 Pro 24H2Intel Ultra 7 155H16gbIntel Arc integrated
OS
Windows 11 Pro 24H2
Computer type
Laptop
Manufacturer/Model
HP
CPU
Intel Ultra 7 155H
Memory
16gb
Graphics Card(s)
Intel Arc integrated
Hard Drives
SSD
Thanks, downloaded the Win 11 .iso. So when I'm ready, just enable it in the BIOS, I'll run the checking utility one more time and ensure it passes then install Win 11. I assume that doing that, I won't have any TPM issues upon booting into Win 11?
Right click on the iso and select Mount. It will create a CD/DVD virtual drive. Run Setup on it and it will begin the upgrade.
Okay will look into that. I assume EFI partition goes first, then drive C/boot, then recovery. Not seeing the MSR partition though (referring to my screen shot from above)?
Windows Disk Manager is very basic. For unknown reason it doesn't show the MSR partition and inform wrong about EFI used and free space.
I use a Mini Tool , that is free and I think is very good.
1751379464094.webp
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntui5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000IG - Intel 530
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom build
    CPU
    i5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-Z170-HD3P
    Memory
    4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000
    Graphics Card(s)
    IG - Intel 530
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 226BW
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    (1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
    (2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
    (3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
    (4) -1 BX500 SSD - 256G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
    Keyboard
    Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Proi7-4500U 800- 3000MHz(4+4)G DDR3 1600IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Q550LF
    CPU
    i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Q550LF
    Memory
    (4+4)G DDR3 1600
    Graphics card(s)
    IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
    & 1T HDD for data
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
Usually I use Reflect free for clones, I'm assuming it has a good Image functionality as well?
I think I've only ever used Reflect for a clone the once. I always use Reflect to make images, variously I have licences for Reflect X Home, Reflect v8.1 Home, and I use Reflect Free v8.0 on the rest of my machines.

In fact I have just set up one of my PC's to act as a fileserver running 24/7, and I've set it up with Reflect Free to do scheduled monthly Full images with daily Differentials.

The version on majorgeeks seems to be from 2023 so I downloaded that and will keep the .exe file backed up for future installs if necessary, glad to see there is a place that still has it up for download.
The latest (and last) version of Reflect Free was v8.0.7783 - 1st December 2023. You can in fact still download Reflect Free v8.0 direct from Macrium. They still have Reflect v7 available on their download servers too. I know from personal experience that Reflect Free still works in the latest Insider builds.

See the bottom of post #1 here for the link: Latest Macrium Reflect 8 updates
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 HomeAMD Athlon Silver 3050U8GBRadeon Graphics
    OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to lid hinges starting to break up this laptop has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven in 'Other systems' to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.

    I've now clean installed 25H2 and used Garlin's scripts to update Secure Boot to CA 2023 and revoke the PCA 2011 certificates. It's new role is to test secure boot issues.

    Info for 2021-2026:
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 ProIntel® Core™ i5-520M8GB(integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround.

    In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround.
    Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.
    In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media.
    Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package.

    Also running Insider Experimental 263xx and 29xxx builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.
  • My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR was a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e (1st gen) type 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device. This has now been sold. It has been replaced by my System Eight.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Experimental 263xx and 29xxx builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, 1920x1080 touchscreen, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine. As its new home has an existing digital licence for Pro I've been able to upgrade the migrated OS from Home to Pro.

    My SYSTEM EIGHT is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e (5th gen) type 20LN, Celeron N4120, 8GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, a supported device for Windows 11. Currently running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Experimental 263xx and 29xxx builds as native boot vhdx.
Only clean installation of Windows. IMO.
I normally do a clean install instead of an upgrade as it is technically the best option.
In your case, I see that Win 10 was installed a long time ago as you have an old Recovery partition as the first one.
You probably have a lot of trash all over the OS and most of them will be kept on an upgrade to Win 11.
If you clean install win 11 with same version (Home or Pro) that you have under Win 10 it will activate
Think about.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntui5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000IG - Intel 530
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP 64 - Lubuntu
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    custom build
    CPU
    i5 6600K - 800MHz to 4400MHz
    Motherboard
    GA-Z170-HD3P
    Memory
    4+4G GSkill DDR4 3000
    Graphics Card(s)
    IG - Intel 530
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 226BW
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    (1) -1 SM951 – 128GB M.2 AHCI PCIe SSD drive for Win 11
    (2) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for Data
    (3) -1 WD SATA 3 - 1T for backup
    (4) -1 BX500 SSD - 256G for Windows 7 and Lubuntu
    PSU
    Thermaltake 450W TR2 gold
    Keyboard
    Old and good Chicony mechanical keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech mX performance - 9 buttons (had to disable some)
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
  • At a glance

    Windows 11 Proi7-4500U 800- 3000MHz(4+4)G DDR3 1600IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Q550LF
    CPU
    i7-4500U 800- 3000MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Q550LF
    Memory
    (4+4)G DDR3 1600
    Graphics card(s)
    IG intel 4400 + NVIDIA GeForce GT 745M
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG Display LP156WF4-SPH1
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    BX500 120G SSD for Windows and programs
    & 1T HDD for data
    Internet Speed
    500 Mb/s
    Browser
    Firefox 64
I'm a big fan of a clean install. I know, folks say it's more work, and they're quite possibly right. However, in many cases, a clean install will also allow you to leave behind a ton of baggage you no longer use. I shrunk my boot partition from well over 200GB to around 150GB by just installing the stuff I'm currently using. It's amazing how much junk you accumulate over time, there were tons of applications that I never use now. I'll admit, I have a few bumps along the road with every clean install, but those are a lot easier to smooth out than dealing with all the extra baggage.
 

My Computers My Computers

  • At a glance

    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.9278Intel Core i5 14500, 14th Generation64GB DDR4GeForce RTX 4060
    OS
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.9278
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14500, 14th Generation
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M G P WIFI
    Memory
    64GB DDR4
    Graphics Card(s)
    GeForce RTX 4060
    Sound Card
    Chipset Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG 45" Ultragear & Acer 24" 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    5120x1440 & 1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB 2280 PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD (O/S)
    Silicon Power 2TB US75 NVMe PCIe Gen4 M.2 2280 SSD (backup)
    Crucial BX500 2TB 3D NAND (2nd backup)
    Seagate 4TB Ironwolf, rotating HDD secondary backup
    External off-line backup Drives: 2 NVMe 4TB drives in external enclosures
    PSU
    Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 750W
    Case
    LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 E-ATX PC Case
    Cooling
    Lots of fans!
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
  • At a glance

    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.9168Intel Core i5 1440032GB DDR5Intel 700 Embedded GPU
    Operating System
    Win 11 Pro 25H2, Build 26200.9168
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Home Brew
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 14400
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel 700 Embedded GPU
    Sound Card
    Realtek Embedded
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" HP 1080p
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Crucial P310 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD
    Samsung EVO 990 2TB NVMe Gen4 SSD
    Samsung 2TB SATA SSD
    Seagate 4TB Ironwolf, rotating HDD secondary backup
    PSU
    Thermaltake Smart BM3 650W
    Case
    Okinos Micro ATX Case
    Cooling
    Fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000
    Mouse
    Logitech G305
    Internet Speed
    Verizon FiOS 1GB
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Malware Bytes & Windows Defender Security
  • Nimo N171 17" Laptop, (Intel i3-1215U, 16GB RAM, 2TB NVMe, Win11 Pro)
    Acemagic Vista Mini PC V1 (Intel N150, 16GB RAM, 1TB NVMe, Win11 Pro)
    HP ENVY h8-1540t, (24GB RAM, 2TB SSD, 2TB HDD, Win11 Pro)
Back
Top Bottom