How do I migrate from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

Tick, tock... the countdown is on! Here we are: in just a few days, on October 14, 2025, support for Windows 10 will come to an end. For millions of users, the question is no longer "should we take the plunge?", but "how do we take the plunge... and fast?". With its refreshed interface and promises of enhanced performance and security, Windows 11 is the logical next step. But a last-minute migration can be a little scary. You can imagine hours of installation, lost files and applications that no longer work.

No need to panic! This guide explains the whole process. But if you don't have the time or inclination to delve into the technicalities, we've got even better news: the _rzilient team can take care of the whole migration for you, behind the scenes and without disrupting your work.

Read on to understand the steps, but don't forget that we're here to take over at any time.

Why upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

Let's be clear: at this point, the question is no longer really one of choice, but of necessity. The number-one reason to migrate is simple, straightforward and non-negotiable: the security of your IT assets.

The main argument is the end of Windows 10 support at the end of 2025. In concrete terms, after October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop providing security updates, bug fixes or technical support for this operating system. A computer still running Windows 10 will become a wide-open gateway for cyberattacks, viruses and ransomware. To continue using it is to knowingly expose your corporate data and those of your customers to major risks. Migration is therefore first and foremost a security imperative.

Beyond this urgency, moving to Windows 11 is also an opportunity to make a quantum leap in technology and productivity. By migrating, you benefit from :

• Natively enhanced security: Windows 11 isn't just an update, it's a system built on modern security foundations. It requires components like the TPM 2.0 chip and Secure Boot to offer hardware-based protection against attacks, a far stronger barrier than Windows 10 can offer.
• An interface redesigned for productivity: With its centered Start menu, streamlined taskbar and, above all, features like Snap Layouts that let you organize your windows with a single click, the interface is designed to optimize multitasking and concentration.
• Optimized performance: The new system manages your computer's resources (RAM memory, processor) more intelligently. It's also designed to make the most of SSD disks, resulting in faster start-ups and more responsive applications.
• Better integration of modern tools: the native integration of Microsoft Teams in the taskbar and the constant evolution of the application ecosystem make Windows 11 a platform more geared to new collaborative uses.

In short, if the ticking clock is the main driver behind this migration, the benefits in terms of security, performance and ergonomics are the real reward.

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Check your PC's compatibility with Windows 11

This is THE first step, the one that conditions everything else. Microsoft has tightened the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, mainly for security reasons.

The easiest way? Use Microsoft's official PC Health Check tool to find out instantly if your machine is ready.

Do you manage a fleet of dozens or hundreds of computers? Checking each station one by one is a mammoth task.

Preparing your computer for migration to Windows 11

Is your PC compatible? Perfect! But before you make the big move, a little preparation goes a long way.

1. Update Windows 10: Make sure your current system is up to date. Go to Settings > Update and security > Windows Update and install all available updates.
2. Make room: Upgrading requires space. To be on the safe side, aim for at least 20 GB of free space on your main disk. This is the ideal time to clean house: uninstall applications you no longer use and delete unnecessary files.
3. Update your drivers: Outdated drivers can cause conflicts. Make sure your graphics, network and motherboard drivers are up to date.
4. Temporarily disable your antivirus software: Some third-party antivirus software may interfere with the installation process. Remember to deactivate it just before you start, and reactivate it immediately afterwards.

Does this list already seem long and complex? It's perfectly normal. rzilient has designed its migration service precisely to help you avoid these time-consuming and technical tasks. While you concentrate on your core business, our experts will prepare and deploy the upgrade across your entire fleet, with complete transparency.

Backing up data before migration

We can't stress this enough: back up your data! Even if the upgrade is designed to preserve everything, there's no such thing as zero risk. Technical glitches can happen.

Between Cloud solutions and external hard drives, there's no shortage of options, but they require rigor and time. With our services, backing up and restoring your data is an integral part of the process, ensuring a stress-free, loss-free transition.

How to migrate from Windows 10 to Windows 11

For the more courageous, Microsoft offers three official paths: via Windows Update, with the Installation Wizard, or by creating a bootable USB key. Each has its own specificities and requires a certain level of technical comfort.

1. Via Windows Update (the gentle method): This is the simplest and most recommended solution. It's offered directly on your PC, if it's compatible. It's a guided, secure installation.
2. With the Windows 11 Installation Wizard (the proactive method): Don't want to wait for the update to come to you? Download the Installation Wizard from the Microsoft website. It will download and install Windows 11 on your machine.
3. With the media creation tool (the expert method): This option lets you create a bootable USB key or installation DVD. It's ideal for a "clean install" (starting from scratch) or for upgrading several computers. It does, however, require some effort and some hands-on experience.

But the fourth and simplest method is the _rzilient method: you give us the green light, and we take care of everything.

Step-by-step guide to installing Windows 11

Want to manually migrate to Windows 11? Windows Update makes it possible:

1. Go to Settings > Update and security > Windows Update.
2. Click on "Check for updates".
3. If you are offered an upgrade to Windows 11, click on "Download and install".
4. Please wait while downloading and preparing.
5. Restart your PC when prompted and allow the installation to complete.

What to do after migrating to Windows 11

Once you're up and running on Windows 11, there are still a few things to check: here's a simple checklist to make sure everything's in order:

• Check for updates: Return to Settings > Windows Update and launch a new search to download the latest drivers and patches specific to Windows 11.
• Check your files and applications: Make sure all your documents are there and that your main applications are running correctly.
• Explore and personalize: familiarize yourself with the new Start menu, taskbar, widget panel and file explorer. Feel free to customize the settings to suit you.
• Reactivate your antivirus: If you've deactivated it, now's the time to turn it back on.

Good to know: you have 10 days to go back. If you don't like something, you can go back to Windows 10 without losing any data via Settings > System > Recovery.

Common migration problems and solutions

• The installation is blocked: Patience is the key. If it really takes too long, check your Internet connection and make sure you have enough disk space.
• A device no longer works: This is often a driver problem. Go to the "Device Manager" to identify the hardware concerned, and look for an up-to-date driver on the manufacturer's website.
• My PC is not compatible because of TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot: These options are often present but disabled in the computer's BIOS/UEFI. A reboot and a quick trip to the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2 or Delete at startup) will often enable them.

What to do if your PC isn't compatible with Windows 11?

If the control tool confirms that your computer is incompatible, the urgency is twofold. It's no longer just a question of a software update, but of a hardware renewal to be planned before the deadline. This is a complex and costly task, if poorly managed.

This is _rzilient's core business. We don't just migrate your software, we manage the entire lifecycle of your hardware. We carry out an audit of your fleet, propose a renewal plan optimized for your budget and your needs, and take care of everything from the acquisition of new hardware to its configuration and deployment.

👉 Is your IT equipment obsolete? Schedule an audit with our experts today!

FAQ on migrating from Windows 10 to Windows 11

How long does it take to upgrade to Windows 11?

Download times vary greatly. Downloading can take from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on your connection. Theinstallation itself usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes, during which time your PC will restart several times. Allow plenty of time when you don't need your machine urgently. With _rzilient, the intervention is carried out remotely, for a downtime equal to 0 for your employees.

Is it free to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

Yes, the upgrade is free for all users with an authentic, activated license of Windows 10 ( Home or Professional versions).

Is it serious to stay on Windows 10?

Yes. After October 14, 2025, it's no longer a question of preference, but of security. Staying on Windows 10 is like leaving your company's door wide open to threats.

As you can see, migration to Windows 11 is essential. And it can be easy if you have the right partner.

Contact _rzilient today for a personalized quote. Let our experts turn this technical obligation into an invisible, seamless transition for your business.