Step 1: Check System Requirements

Windows 11 has specific system requirements. Your friend should first verify if their PC meets them.

Minimum Requirements for Windows 11 Pro

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, 64-bit processor, or System on a Chip (SoC)
• RAM: 4GB or more (8GB+ recommended)
• Storage: 64GB or more (128GB+ recommended)
• TPM (Trusted Platform Module): Version 2.0
• UEFI, Secure Boot Capable
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver
• Display: 720p, 9-inch or larger screen
• Internet: Required for setup and updates

👉 Check Compatibility:

• Download PC Health Check tool from Microsoft:
  https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp
• Run the tool to confirm compatibility.

⚠️ If your PC does not meet the TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot requirement, you may need to enable them in the BIOS or bypass the check manually.

Step 2: Backup Important Data

Before upgrading, back up all important files to an external drive or cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox).
Use Macrium Reflect or Windows Backup for a full system backup.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB with Windows 11 Pro

1. Get a USB Drive (8GB or larger).
2. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft:
   https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11
3. Run the tool and select “Create Installation Media”.
4. Choose Windows 11 Pro (64-bit).
5. Select USB Flash Drive as the installation medium.
6. Wait for the tool to create a bootable USB.

Step 4: Perform a Clean Installation

Since Windows 7 cannot be directly upgraded to Windows 11, a clean install is required.

1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the PC.
2. Restart the PC and enter BIOS (press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC depending on the manufacturer).
3. Set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
4. Save changes and exit BIOS (usually F10).
5. The PC will boot into the Windows 11 setup.
6. Click Install Now.
7. When asked for a product key:
   • If your friend has a Windows 11 Pro key, enter it.
   • If upgrading from Windows 7 Pro with a digital license, choose “I don’t have a product key” and Windows may activate automatically later.
8. Select Custom: Install Windows Only (Advanced).
9. Delete all partitions and install Windows 11 on Unallocated Space.
10. Follow the on-screen setup instructions.

Step 5: Activate Windows 11 Pro

Once the installation is complete:

1. Go to Settings → System → Activation.
2. If Windows 11 is not activated, click Change Product Key and enter the Windows 11 Pro key.
3. If your friend upgraded from Windows 7 Pro with a valid license, Windows 11 Pro may activate automatically.

Step 6: Install Drivers & Updates

1. Open Windows Update (Settings → Windows Update) and install all available updates.
2. Go to the manufacturer’s website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) to download the latest drivers for Windows 11.

Step 7: Install Essential Software

After the upgrade, your friend may need to reinstall some apps, such as:

• Browser: Google Chrome, Edge, or Firefox
• Office Suite: Microsoft Office or LibreOffice
• Antivirus: Windows Defender is built-in, but third-party options like Bitdefender or Kaspersky can be installed.
• Media Players: VLC Player, Spotify
• Utilities: WinRAR, 7-Zip, CCleaner

Step 8: Restore Backup Files

If your friend backed up files earlier, they can now restore them from their external drive or cloud storage.

Optional: Tweaks & Optimisations

• Enable Dark Mode: Settings → Personalisation → Colours
• Customise Start Menu & Taskbar
• Adjust Privacy Settings: Settings → Privacy & Security
• Disable Unwanted Startup Apps: Task Manager → Startup
• Install a third-party Start Menu like StartAllBack (for a classic Windows 7-style menu)

Final Check

✔ Windows 11 Pro is installed
✔ Drivers are updated
✔ Software is installed
✔ Activation is complete
✔ Files are restored