Migrating from Windows 10 to Windows 11: What You Need to Know Before Buying

Migrating from Windows 10 to Windows 11: what you need to know before buying

The end of support for Windows 10 in October 2025 marks a turning point for millions of users. If you’re still on Windows 10, this guide explains everything you need to know before migrating to Windows 11: compatibility, migration methods, license choices, and practical steps.

Why migrate from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

Since October 2025, Microsoft no longer releases security updates for Windows 10. Continuing to use it without migrating exposes your PC to increasing risks:

• 🔓 Unpatched security vulnerabilities — your PC gradually becomes vulnerable
• 🚫 Growing incompatibility — some software and services will stop supporting Windows 10
• ⚡ Better performance — Windows 11 is optimized for recent processors
• 🖥️ Modernized interface — centered Start menu, widgets, improved multitasking
• 🔒 Enhanced security — TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot built in natively

Step 1 — Check your PC’s compatibility

First of all, make sure your computer can run Windows 11. The main requirements are:

💡 Use Microsoft’s free PC Health Check tool to verify your PC’s compatibility in seconds.

If TPM 2.0 is present but disabled in your BIOS, just enable it — your PC will then be compatible without any hardware replacement.

👉 Check out our complete Windows 11 compatibility guide

Step 2 — Choose the right Windows 11 edition

Windows 11 comes in several editions. Here are the main ones available on Licence24.ch:

⚠️ Important: if you are migrating from Windows 10 Professional, you must purchase Windows 11 Professional — not Home. The edition must match.

👉 See all our Windows 11 licenses

Step 3 — Choose your migration method

Method A — Direct upgrade (recommended if your PC is compatible)

This is the simplest method. It keeps all your files, apps, and settings.

1. Buy your digital Windows 11 license on Licence24.ch
2. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website
3. Start the upgrade from Windows 10
4. Enter your 25-character product key
5. Follow the instructions — your data will be preserved

⏱️ Estimated duration: 30 to 60 minutes depending on your setup.

Method B — Clean installation (recommended for a slow or unstable PC)

This method reinstalls Windows 11 from scratch, without legacy Windows 10 files. Longer, but more effective on older PCs.

1. Back up your data to an external drive or the cloud
2. Create a bootable Windows 11 USB drive
3. Boot from the USB drive
4. Choose "Custom" during installation
5. Enter your product key

👉 Guide to create a bootable Windows 11 USB drive

Step 4 — Activate Windows 11 after migration

Once Windows 11 is installed, activation takes just a few clicks:

1. Go to Settings → System → Activation
2. Click on "Change product key"
3. Enter your 25-character key
4. Check the status "Windows is activated"

Activation is done directly through Microsoft servers — the same way as a license purchased directly.

Can I upgrade for free from Windows 10?

Microsoft has offered a free upgrade to Windows 11 for eligible Windows 10 users since 2021. This offer is still technically available via Windows Update for compatible PCs with an activated Windows 10 license.

However, if your PC does not have an activated Windows 10 license, or if you want a clean installation on a new PC, you will need a digital Windows 11 license.

What to do if my PC is not compatible?

If your PC does not meet Windows 11 requirements, you have two options:

Option 1 — Enable TPM in the BIOS Often, TPM 2.0 is present but disabled. Enabling it in the BIOS (F2/DEL at startup) is sufficient in most cases.

Option 2 — Upgrade your hardware If your processor is too old, a new PC or hardware upgrade may be necessary. In this case, a digital Windows 11 license is included with most new PCs or available separately.

Why choose Licence24.ch for your migration?

• 📦 Instant delivery by email after payment confirmation
• 🔑 Perpetual digital licenses — one-time purchase, valid for life
• 🇨🇭 Company based in Switzerland — customer support 7 days a week in French, German, Italian, and English
• 💳 Secure payment — Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Twint, Apple Pay, and more
• 🔄 Lifetime replacement guarantee in case of activation issues

In summary

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is an important but manageable step. Check your PC’s compatibility, choose the right edition based on your needs, and select the migration method that suits your situation. A perpetual digital license guarantees lifetime activation with no recurring fees.

For more information, see our additional guides:

👉 How to reinstall Windows without losing your data

👉 Windows 10 end of support: what will happen?

⚠️ Disclaimer — Licence24.ch is an independent reseller of perpetual digital software licenses. We are not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation, nor are we official partners or authorized agents. The product names, trademarks, and logos mentioned (Windows 10, Windows 11, Microsoft, PC Health Check, TPM, Secure Boot) are the exclusive property of Microsoft Corporation. All licenses offered can be activated directly through Microsoft servers, in accordance with the applicable European and Swiss legal framework for software license resale.