Solved Path to upgrade from Win10 to Win11

asuswin11guy · Aug 9, 2025

Which is better ? Path to upgrade to Windows11

I have a 5 year old ASUS gaming laptop with Windows10 and I already have a bootable USB drive loaded with windows10 ISO which I can reinstall Windows10 on the laptop. And my laptop qualifies to upgrade to Windows11. And my current Windows10 is working except there are some minor “broken issues” like I can’t reinstall or uninstall some software, sometimes can’t detect battery, wifi sometimes does not work , etc.

Options:

1. reinstall and reformat with windows10 from the usb, then update all laptop drivers, update all with windows10 updates...leave out firewall install first and hope windows defender does its job in the meantime. Then finally upgrade to windows11 and do all the necessary updates before installing all other needed software. This I think I don’t need to worry about windows activation.

2. wipe out Windows10 in the USB drive and replace with Windows11 ISO as a portable installer and format and install Windows11 into the laptop, then update all laptop drivers (do I need to worry about activation?) then all the necessary Windows updates before installing all other needed software. Only concern here is the Windows activation.

Basically would like to know which path you took and if you can kindly share your experience of your laptop or desktop upgrades. Many thanks in advance.

Marie SWE · Aug 9, 2025

A clean install is always best..

Just remember to backup your personal data and other things you might want to save.
Its always better to back up to much, then to backup to little.

Spunk · Aug 9, 2025

Your Windows 10 Product key is embedded in the laptops Bios. You do not need to type in a Windows key to Upgrade to Windows 11.
If your computer meets the Minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 (ie) TPM 2.0, supported Processor etc
You can Upgrade directly from the Microsoft Windows 11 ISO page. You can Upgrade Keeping Files and it will keep your User Files and 3rd party apps.

Download Windows 11

If you want, you can also download the ISO image from that page and burn the image to a USB Flash drive using the Media Creation Tool from that same page.
As stated, A Clean Install is always best.
Backup any of your personal files to a USB HDD, or secondary Drive.
Boot off of the USB Windows Installer Flash drive.
If you want to do a Clean Install, then in the installer, choose your Language, then Install Now, then Custom Install.
In Where Do You Want to Install Windows? Delete ALL partitions so the drive is all Unallocated Space select it and press Next. Windows will create partitions and format during the install.
After the install completes, restore your backup files and any 3rd party apps.
You should not need to install any drivers or need to Activate Windows.

Ghot · Aug 9, 2025

@asuswin11guy

Welcome to Eleven Forum.

Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media

This tutorial will show you how to create a bootable USB flash drive used to install Windows 11 with UEFI support. You can use a Windows 11 installation USB flash drive to clean install, upgrade, reset, or repair Windows 11. The installation USB can also be used as a recovery drive to boot to...

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Clean Install Windows 11

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to clean install Windows 11 at boot on your PC with or without an Internet connection and setup with a local account or Microsoft account. Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes...

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Hazel123 · Aug 9, 2025

I'd say it's up to you and what you feel most comfortable. I always used to say a clean install is best - but - I have a couple of machines that had issues after a clean install, but no issues if I installed Windows 10 again first, fully updated it, then let it upgrade to 11!

However no harm in trying a clean install of Windows 11 - you can always change your mind and install 10 then upgrade to 11. When doing backups/saving files externally, remember little things like - export your bookmarks to desktop and save those somewhere. I also screenshot all installed programs and save those screenshots somewhere (so I can remember exactly what was installed).

If you do decide to do a clean install of Windows 11, if you burn it in Rufus you can bypass setting it up with a microsoft account and bypass connecting to the internet - and set it up with a local account first maybe - but up to you. I certainly prefer bypassing connecting to the internet at install, or it can I leave you hanging for a long time without completing (while it does updates in the background). I prefer to be at the desktop first and see what updates are being installed.

wabbit · Aug 9, 2025

I used to be someone that swore by doing clean installs every time I upgraded a windows OS. But now, sometimes it makes more sense to do an in-place upgrade. If you are happy with the way your current system is set up, then an in-place upgrade is the way to go. Just make an image of your system before doing so.

Just download the windows 11 iso using the MCT. You can always burn the iso to a flash drive with a program like Rufus.

antspants · Aug 9, 2025

IF your key is embedded into the laptop, then so is the Windows version.

To fIx this if you’re going to do a clean install, you’ll need to modify the Windows 11 ISO so that it can bypass the Laptops embedded info.
The reason being is that the Windows version will also be embedded and the only install option you will get will be for Windows 10 (whatever version, Home/Pro)

So you’ll need to modify the ISO a fraction.

You don’t need to do all of the following, the first process is adequate:

To bypass the BIOS version restrictions, you can edit a multi edition Windows.iso

This should be all you need, unless you want to get particular and take it a step further. (below)
Open notepad and enter the following:

Code:

[Channel]
Retail

Save the file as ei.cfg
Place the file in the ISO sources folder.

I am not sure if AnyBurn free (<— Instructions) allows to edit the ISO, there are other ways

Download Anyburn Free (I have the Pro versions so I am unaware of the Free versions restrictions)

I believe you could also use 7-Zip

During the Windows installation you will be asked what version of Windows you would like to install.

OR

Code:

[EditionID]
{Edition}

[Channel]
Retail

[VL]
0

Replace the line {Edition} with the Windows edition you want to install.
EditionID can be: Home, Professional, Enterprise, Education, and so on, depending on the available editions in your specific Windows ISO

For example:

Code:

[EditionID]
Professional

[Channel]
Retail

[VL]
0

Channel can be changed to Retail or OEM

You can also create a pid file and pre enter your

Open notepad and enter the following:

Code:

[PID]
Value=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

Save the file as pid.txt
Place it into the sources folder

Replace XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX with your legitimate product key. If you don’t have a product key or you want to manually enter it later just skip creating the pid.txt file.

zbook · Aug 9, 2025

Consider:

Upgrade to Windows 11

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to use an ISO or USB to manually upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 11 (older build/version), Windows 10, Windows 8.1, or Windows 7. Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with...

www.elevenforum.com

echo2446 · Aug 9, 2025

asuswin11guy said:
Basically would like to know which path you took and if you can kindly share your experience of your laptop or desktop upgrades.

For a supported Windows 10 desktop that I had, I just upgraded to Windows 11 when prompted. This went smoothly without any problems at all; all data, apps, and drivers came through flawlessly. The license in place was automatically activated without having to do anything.

For a Windows 10 Microsoft Surface with an unsupported CPU that was working well, I downloaded the ISO, mounted it, changed the Microsoft-documented registry key, and upgraded while "keeping my data." The apps disappeared, my data came through, the drivers came through (maybe because it's Microsoft), and the license was also activated seamlessly.

If I had encountered possible hardware/driver problems (like you do), I would have chosen to do a clean install, hoping the problems would go away and ensuring that the old legacy issues wouldn't carry over.

cereberus · Aug 10, 2025

Marie SWE said:
A clean install is always best..
Just remember to backup your personal data and other things you might want to save.
Its always better to back up to much, then to backup to little.

Why do people always spout this unsubstantiated rhetoric.

Clean installs can be more troublesome than an upgrade, particularly if drivers requiired are not in the base W11 installation iso (e.g. nvme drivers).

Also, subscription software can be problematic if installation codes have been lost for example.

In simple terms, a clean install is not Plug and Play and requires carefull planning.

The upgrade path is very reliable for most and will usually save many hours of faffing around.

One can always fall back on a clean install later if the upgrade causes issues.

Also, I strongly recommend an image backup is taken before undertaking any upgrade or clean install. Data should also be backed up if on separate drives/partitions if not included in image backup.

Marie SWE · Aug 10, 2025

cereberus said:
Why do people always spout this unsubstantiated rhetoric.

Clean installs can be more troublesome than an upgrade, particularly if drivers requiired are not in the base W11 installation iso (e.g. nvme drivers).

Also, subscription software can be problematic if installation codes have been lost for example.

In simple terms, a clean install is not Plug and Play and requires carefull planning.

The upgrade path is very reliable for most and will usually save many hours of faffing around.

One can always fall back on a clean install later if the upgrade causes issues.

Also, I strongly recommend an image backup is taken before undertaking any upgrade or clean install. Data should also be backed up if on separate drives/partitions if not included in image backup.

Hi

I can't even guess how many computers i have installed during my 30+years behind a PC screen.. and i have had more problems on upgrades then on clean installs.
Backup is always something you should do.. If you plan on switching to a bigger disk, that is the perfect moment and leave the old as is.
If you upgrade to a total new version.. say 7 to 10 or 10 to 11 and you never plan on going back.. I never make a disk image.. I do extract the driver folder if i dont have all OEM drivers downloaded.
The only time i failed was around 15 years ago when i had really old hardware and the newer OS didn't support all drivers and the manufacturer didn't have drivers for the newer OS version.
So that computer ended up on the retro shelf.

Megahertz · Aug 10, 2025

Marie SWE said:
Hi
I can't even guess how many computers i have installed during my 30+years behind a PC screen.. and i have had more problems on upgrades then on clean installs.

I agree. Old computers have a lot of trash all over. There is nothing like a clean install
Also had more issues upgrading than doing a clean install

- Backup your current win 10 drivers. You may need them to set Win 11 (like keyboard, mouse pad etc)

Backup and Restore Device Drivers in Windows 10

How to Backup and Restore Device Drivers in Windows 10

www.tenforums.com

- Backup your data on an external drive
- Clean install Win 11 deleting ALL partitions on the main drive.

Clean Install Windows 11

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to clean install Windows 11 at boot on your PC with or without an Internet connection and setup with a local account or Microsoft account. Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes...

www.elevenforum.com

Hazel123 · Aug 10, 2025

I also agree but it maybe partly depends on the computer, and also he was talking about clean installing Windows 10 first and then upgrading, as a possible option, rather than just upgrading over the existing install.

Spunk · Aug 10, 2025

If you have 3rd party apps you no longer have serials or product keys for, and have lots of tweaks to your system, then Cloning would be best. But remember, that if your setup has issues, or the drive has bad sectors causing corrupted data, when you clone, you import all the issues you had previously.
If you are having issues with your Windows OS, and the drive is healthy, Upgrading your OS or an In Place Upgrade Keeping Files will solve many Windows Problems.

That being said, backing up your files and doing a Clean Install of Windows is the quickest cleanest way to upgrade. Then restore your file backup and install any 3rd party apps you have.

Marie SWE · Aug 10, 2025

Megahertz said:
I agree. Old computers have a lot of trash all over. There is nothing like a clean install
Also had more issues upgrading than doing a clean install

- Backup your current win 10 drivers. You may need them to set Win 11 (like keyboard, mouse pad etc)

Backup and Restore Device Drivers in Windows 10

How to Backup and Restore Device Drivers in Windows 10

www.tenforums.com

- Backup your data on an external drive
- Clean install Win 11 deleting ALL partitions on the main drive.

Clean Install Windows 11

This tutorial will show you step by step on how to clean install Windows 11 at boot on your PC with or without an Internet connection and setup with a local account or Microsoft account. Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes...

www.elevenforum.com

I think it also can be when you have done it to many times, it becomes second nature, so problems(hiccups) just becomes a click or a command, that others need to take a little time to work around.
Then it also just is bad luck some times when you get a hiccup in the install process.

asuswin11guy · Aug 10, 2025

Thanks everyone. Very helpful advice. I have good info now to plan a clean install on my laptop I've done all the backups even though the data is in a completely separate SSD. I plan to reformat the main SSD where my current Win10 is sitting. Will keep this post open in case if I have further questions.

Ghot · Aug 10, 2025

Good luck.

Marie SWE · Aug 10, 2025

I second the Good luck.

asuswin11guy · Sep 1, 2025

ok. I managed to get around and decided to do a clean install of windows10 first, updated all the drivers and then windows update. The fist 2 rounds were ok. Now it says "you're not up to date" and " your device is missing important security and quality fixes".
I have pressed "check for updates" and nothing new showed up even after reboot. And still the "you're not up to date" persists.
I have also cleared dns cache. ran dsm tool for image repair, cleared windows update cache, but no help.
Any advice ? And yes I also see the message "Windows11 version 24H2 is ready" message.

bobkn · Sep 1, 2025

asuswin11guy said:
ok. I managed to get around and decided to do a clean install of windows10 first, updated all the drivers and then windows update. The fist 2 rounds were ok. Now it says "you're not up to date" and " your device is missing important security and quality fixes".
I have pressed "check for updates" and nothing new showed up even after reboot. And still the "you're not up to date" persists.
I have also cleared dns cache. ran dsm tool for image repair, cleared windows update cache, but no help.
Any advice ? And yes I also see the message "Windows11 version 24H2 is ready" message.

Why didn't you go straight to 11?

Looking at the drivers for the laptop, i don't see any obvious red flags. I suppose that you might want to keep the WiFi drivers handy on a USB stick in case the Windows 11 installer doesn't provide suitable ones.

Some of the drivers are only listed for Windows 10, but they'll probably work normally under 11.

Solved Path to upgrade from Win10 to Win11

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