How can I upgrade Windows 10 to 11 without losing data and apps?

Question

Level 1

12 points

How can I upgrade Windows 10 to 11 without losing data and apps?

Windows 10 is actively running on my computer and currently, the upgrade option is not available. I need to upgrade Windows 10 to 11 as some of the apps & games need a system upgrade for the best experience. I don't want to lose and reinstall the apps.

I heard Windows 11 has a few mandatory hardware requirements and this is why a lot of old Windows 10 devices can't upgrade to Windows 11.

P.S I tried to download the latest Windows 11 ISO and run the setup.exe but the upgrade process failed.

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on May 12, 2026 2:55 AM

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Answer 1

May 12, 2026 4:02 AM in response to AdiV202

You can use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to upgrade Windows 10 to 11 without data loss.

1. Launch the tool.

2. It will check your system’s compatibility.

3. If compatible, it will guide you through upgrading Windows 10 to 11 without data loss or files.

If your PC doesn't meet the hardware requirements, this method might not work. In that case, you might have to consider hardware upgrades or a clean install (which would require reinstalling apps) .

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Answer 2

May 13, 2026 5:27 PM in response to AdiV202

Assuming you want to do this on your Mac, you'll need a hacking tool to get around Win11's hardware checks. A tool called Rufus has worked for me, as it puts the required bypasses in. However, once you're in Win11, you might not be able to do inline upgrades (e.g. 25H2 to 26H2) without installing another hacked copy by hand. Most of your files, settings, and drivers should survive, though you may need to rerun Boot Camp from a dedicated flash stick. Not all hardware will work, as Apple wasn't "aware" of Win11 during the Apple Silicon turnover.

If doing this on a proper PC, make sure TPM 2 and all other security features are ON and that the CPU chip is on the certification list. If the installer stops, read the cause carefully and correct the listed issues/

Nate

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Answer 3

shenwab

Level 1

8 points

May 12, 2026 5:45 AM in response to AdiV202

To upgrade Windows 10 to 11 without data loss. Flyby11 tricks Windows into thinking it's installing on a server, which doesn't enforce TPM, Secure Boot, or CPU checks. You simply download the tool, drag and drop your Windows 11 ISO file into it, it handles the bypass automatically and upgrade Windows 10 to 11 without data loss. The result is a normal Windows 11 installation on your unsupported hardware, and your files and apps remain untouched.

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Answer 4

zaijia

Level 1

8 points

May 12, 2026 11:15 PM in response to AdiV202

To upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 without data loss, you can perform an in-place upgrade using the ISO.

Download the Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft's official website and use a tool to create a bootable USB drive. This will allow you to boot from the USB drive and start the installation process > boot from the USB drive > start the upgrade process > choose the upgrade option.

In this way, you can successfully upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 without data loss or applications.

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