Stuck at Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade? Try Out Those Easy Fixes!

Windows 11 has been the talk of the town since its announcement, with users excitedly looking forward to upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in order to enjoy the numerous features and improvements it brings. While the upgrade process has been relatively smooth for many, some users have found themselves stuck in the middle of the upgrade, unable to move forward. In this blog post, we will discuss the background of Windows 11, the direct upgrade process from Windows 10, and how much time you should wait before taking further action when your upgrade seems stuck.

Windows 11 Overview

Windows 11, released by Microsoft in 2021, is the latest version of the popular operating system. It has introduced various new features and enhancements over its predecessor, Windows 10. Some of the notable improvements include a redesigned Start menu, enhanced virtual desktops, improved performance, and better support for touch, pen, and voice inputs.

Microsoft has made Windows 11 available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 users. This has prompted a large number of users to initiate the upgrade process to enjoy the benefits of the new operating system. However, like any major software upgrade, some users have encountered issues during the process.

What is the Process of Windows Direct Upgrade?

A Windows direct upgrade refers to the process of upgrading an existing Windows operating system to a newer version while retaining the installed applications, personal files, and settings. This is in contrast to a clean installation, where the entire system is wiped clean, and the new operating system is installed from scratch, requiring users to reinstall their applications and restore their files manually.

In the case of Windows 10 to Windows 11, a direct upgrade allows eligible users to move to the latest version of the operating system without losing their data or installed applications. The direct upgrade process is typically initiated through the Windows Update tool, which downloads and installs the new operating system files over the existing Windows 10 installation, preserving user data and settings during the process.

How Much Time Should You Wait for Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade?

The time taken for the Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade can vary significantly depending on factors such as your system specifications, internet connection speed, and server load. On average, you can expect the entire process to take anywhere between 1 to 3 hours. However, it’s not uncommon for the process to take longer, especially on older or slower systems.

If you find that your upgrade seems stuck or not progressing, it’s essential to be patient and give the process some time. Here are some general guidelines on when to take further action:

  1. The upgrade has been stuck at the same percentage for more than 2 hours, consider restarting your computer and trying the upgrade process again.
  2. The computer has been stuck on a black screen or "Please wait" screen for more than1 hour, try performing a hard reboot by holding down the power button for a few seconds until your computer turns off. Then, turn it back on and see if the upgrade process resumes.
  3. The computer has encountered a specific error message or code during the upgrade process, search online for solutions or consult Microsoft’s support resources to address the issue.
  4. The upgrade process has failed multiple times, go with the alternative methods, such as creating a bootable Windows 11 USB drive or using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, to perform the upgrade manually.
  5. Finally, if you ran out all troubleshooting steps and the upgrade still isn’t progressing,  just reach out to Microsoft Support or seeking assistance from a professional technician.

Why My Computer Stuck at Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade?

There could be several reasons why your computer is stuck during the Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade. Some common reasons include:

  1. Insufficient disk space: Windows 11 requires a minimum of 32GB of free space to install. If you don’t have enough disk space, the upgrade may get stuck.
  2. Antivirus software: Sometimes, antivirus software can interfere with the upgrade process. Try temporarily disabling the antivirus software and then attempting the upgrade again.
  3. Incompatible hardware or software: If your computer has hardware or software that is not compatible with Windows 11, the upgrade may get stuck.
  4. Network connectivity issues: If your computer is having trouble connecting to the internet, the upgrade may get stuck.
  5. Windows Update issues: Windows 10 updates can sometimes cause issues with the upgrade process. Try running the Windows Update troubleshooter to see if it resolves the issue.
  6. Corrupted system files: If your computer’s system files are corrupted, the upgrade may get stuck.

It’s important to note that Windows 11 is not a real operating system. There is no information about a new operating system called Windows 11 from Microsoft. It might be a reference to Windows 10 or a fake operating system.

How to Fix The Computer Stuck at Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade

Windows 11 upgrade stuck is a common issue when you are trying to upgrade your computer from Windows 10 Windows 11. Fortunately, there are a few effective and easy tricks you can try out to fix the issue.

#1 Run Windows 11 Compatibility Check

To upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11, the first step is to check if the computer hardware meets the minimal requirements of Windows 11. You should run a Windows 11 compatibility check before upgrade. Only the eligible devices would be fine to upgrade Windows 11 from Windows 10 successfully.

You can complete the test with the help of PC Heath Check app, which is developed and maintained by Microsoft. There are also alternative tools for running Windows 11 compatibility check if the official PC Check app does not display the options correctly.

Note: If your PC does not meet the system requirements of Windows 11, please check out this guide to install Windows 11 on incompatible devices.

#2 Disable Antivirus Software

It is important to disable antivirus software during a Windows upgrade because it can interfere with the upgrade process. Antivirus software can detect and remove malicious files, but it can also interfere with legitimate files that are necessary for the upgrade process. Disabling the antivirus software ensures that the upgrade process is not interrupted by the antivirus software.

1. Open the Windows Security app by pressing the Windows key + I and selecting Update & Security.

2. Click on the Windows Security tab and then click on the "Virus & threat protection" option.

3. Click on the "Manage settings" option under the Virus & threat protection settings.

4. Toggle the switch under the Real-time protection option to the Off position.

5. Click on the "Yes" button to confirm that you want to turn off real-time protection.

6. Your antivirus software will now be disabled on your Windows 10 device.

#3 Update BIOS Firmware

Upgrading the BIOS firmware is important when upgrading Windows because the BIOS firmware is responsible for controlling the basic hardware operations of the computer. It is important to ensure that the BIOS firmware is up to date so that the hardware can properly interact with the new version of Windows. This will help ensure that the computer can properly recognize and use the new features of the upgraded Windows version. Additionally, the BIOS firmware may contain bug fixes and performance enhancements that will help ensure the computer runs more efficiently.

How to update BISO firmware on a pc:

1. Download the latest BIOS update from the manufacturer’s website.

2. Save the file to a USB flash drive.

3. Restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS setup utility.

4. Select the option to update the BIOS.

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

6. Restart your computer when the update is complete.

#4 Free Up More Space for Windows 11 OS

The Windows 11 upgrade process requires a certain amount of free space on the hard drive in order to complete the installation. Without the necessary amount of free space, the upgrade may fail or cause unexpected errors. Additionally, the more free space you have on your hard drive, the faster the upgrade process will be. Having more free space also ensures that the system has enough room to store temporary files and other data during the upgrade process. It will also speed up the PC when it is running.

How to free up space on a PC:

1. Uninstall unnecessary programs: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and uninstall any programs that you don’t need.

2. Delete temporary files: Go to Settings > System > Storage and select “Temporary files” to delete temporary files.

3. Move files to an external drive or cloud storage: You can move files to an external hard drive or cloud storage to free up space on your computer.

4. Compress files and folders: Right-click on a file or folder and select “Compress” to reduce the size of the file or folder.

5. Clean up system files: Go to Settings > System > Storage and select “System files” to delete system files that are no longer needed.

6. Clean up disk space: Go to Settings > System > Storage and select “Disk Cleanup” to delete files that are no longer needed.

Video: Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 | Fix Stuck 96% Problem

Conclusion

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 should be a smooth process for most users. However, if you find yourself stuck during the upgrade, remember to be patient and give the process ample time before taking further action. By following the guidelines provided in this blog post, you can navigate through the upgrade process and enjoy the benefits of Windows 11. Should you encounter persistent issues, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from Microsoft Support or a professional technician to ensure a successful upgrade.