Preparing for Windows 11: 10 Things to Do First

Unlike previous releases, Windows 11 enforces a strict baseline for compatibility. Systems must support TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and UEFI firmware. Many devices from before 2018 may not meet those specifications.

In addition to hardware constraints, the upgrade process affects installed software, user configurations, and peripheral drivers. Skipping key pre-upgrade steps can lead to system instability, licensing disruptions, or data loss. Critical functions like Bluetooth, graphics acceleration, or even Ethernet may fail if drivers are not updated beforehand.

If you're planning to move to Windows 11 soon, this guide outlines what to do first, methodically, with no guesswork. We’ll show you what matters and why before you start the installation.

1. Check System Compatibility with PC Health Check Tool

Microsoft’s PC Health Check Tool evaluates whether your hardware meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Download and install it like any standard Windows utility.

The tool checks for Secure Boot, TPM 2.0 readiness, CPU generation, RAM size, disk capacity, and boot mode (UEFI vs Legacy BIOS). It also reports incompatibilities in plain language. If your system fails, the tool links to exact documentation explaining the limitation. This saves time during pre-upgrade decisions.

If you’re unsure whether your machine supports TPM or UEFI, this tool provides a definitive answer before making any system changes.

2. Back Up Important Files and System Images

A backup protects your critical information before the system transitions to Windows 11. Data integrity depends on preparation, and the upgrade process can modify system files, user profiles, and registry entries. A prepared copy of your documents, application settings, and project folders gives you a controlled starting point if issues arise.

You can secure your files through OneDrive, a network-attached storage unit, or an external drive formatted in NTFS. In addition, many users create an incremental backup for frequently edited folders. This combination preserves current work and long-term archives. If you prefer a cloud workflow, ensure your account syncs fully before installation begins.

A complete system image adds a deeper layer of protection. Create it through the Windows Backup utility in the Control Panel. The photo captures the entire system disk, including boot partitions, drivers, and installed applications. It allows restoration of the whole environment if required. This is especially helpful when you rely on specialised software or device-specific configurations.

3. Verify Activation and Microsoft Account Status

Before upgrading, confirm that your system is activated. Go to Settings, then System, and select Activation. The status should read “Windows is activated with a digital license.” This status ensures the upgrade process retains your existing Windows 10 license and transitions it into a Windows 11 entitlement. Without confirmation, license conflicts may occur during or after installation.

In addition, check that your device is linked to a Microsoft account. Go to Settings, Accounts, then Your Info. A connected Microsoft account links activation, personal files, and app licenses across devices. It also enables OneDrive backup, sync services, and BitLocker key recovery if applicable. If your system uses a local account, consider switching to a Microsoft account before the upgrade window opens.

4. Update Device Drivers and BIOS/UEFI

Windows 11 expects up-to-date device drivers that support secure boot, virtualization, and newer hardware protocols. Update your chipset, graphics, network, and input device drivers before installing.

Use OEM utilities from Lenovo, Dell, HP, or MSI, or download drivers manually from the manufacturer’s support page. Avoid relying solely on Device Manager for critical driver packages.

On top of that, check your system’s firmware version. Whether it uses BIOS or UEFI, go to System Information or your UEFI interface during boot.

Most vendors offer update utilities that run within Windows, while others require a USB-based flash tool. Always apply firmware updates from the official OEM portal, never third-party aggregators.

Firmware updates often include security patches that affect TPM settings, Secure Boot compliance, and compatibility with the Windows boot environment.

If your current firmware lacks support for these functions, the installer may block your upgrade or turn off key features. Update early, and verify all BIOS settings match Microsoft’s published requirements.

5. Uninstall or Disable Conflicting Software

Before starting the upgrade, identify any software that modifies system functions. This includes antivirus programs, driver managers, custom shell interfaces, virtualisation tools, and legacy control panel utilities.

These often install background services or kernel-level components that conflict with the Windows 11 installer. Outdated display calibration tools and startup managers also tend to inject shell extensions that cause post-upgrade boot issues.

Remove or temporarily turn off any program that deeply integrates with Windows. Use Apps & Features in Settings or the vendor’s dedicated uninstaller.

In addition, reboot in Safe Mode if uninstallers fail to load. After upgrading, reinstall only the software confirmed to be compatible with Windows 11. If unsure, check the vendor’s support page or hold off until your device stabilises under the new OS.

6. Free Up Disk Space (Minimum 64 GB Required)

Windows 11 requires at least 64 gigabytes of available storage to proceed with installation. This space supports temporary setup files, system caching, and rollback creation. Systems with smaller partitions, especially older laptops or SSDs under 128 GB, can fail immediately without cleanup.

Start with Disk Cleanup from the Start Menu. Enable system file cleanup, then select temporary files, previous installations, logs, and the delivery optimization cache.

On top of that, go to Storage Settings and enable Storage Sense to clear user and recycle bin content automatically. This frees multiple gigabytes with minimal effort.

For deeper space recovery, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup.

You can also delete hibernation files by turning off hibernation in PowerShell using powercfg /h off. These steps reclaim system-reserved blocks, especially on NTFS partitions.

7. Record App Licenses and Product Keys

If you use licensed software such as Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, or antivirus software, back up your product keys now.

After the upgrade, some programs may request reactivation. This is common with applications that bind licensing to hardware fingerprints or registry entries.

You risk losing functionality if these keys are unrecoverable after the upgrade.

Use tools like Belarc Advisor, ProduKey, or NirSoft’s LicenseCrawler to extract license data from your current system.

In addition, record serial numbers from boxed software or email receipts and save them in a secure document or cloud note.

Some vendors offer cloud license portals, but not all do, so don’t assume you can retrieve keys later. Better to have them in your hand than depend on a support ticket after the fact.

8. Make a Full System Restore Point

A system restore point saves your current configuration, registry structure, and system files. If the Windows 11 installer disrupts critical functions or fails mid-process, a restore point lets you revert your machine to a known working state.

Unlike full backups, this process is fast and lightweight, designed for quick rollback, not long-term recovery.

Open System Protection from the Start Menu and select Create. Choose a descriptive name—something like “Pre-Windows 11 Upgrade.”

Confirm the creation and wait until the snapshot completes. Moreover, confirm that system protection is turned on for your main drive. This safety net often solves problems that backups can't catch in real time.

9. Pause Windows Updates Temporarily

Pausing Windows Updates gives you time to finish pre-upgrade tasks without interference. Windows may attempt to install the Feature Update automatically if the system meets the requirements and there is available bandwidth.

In addition, minor Quality Updates could adjust your device drivers or update Windows components during preparation, sometimes without prompting.

Go to Settings, Update & Security, then Windows Update. Select Pause updates for 7 days. Repeat the action until you’ve paused updates for a whole month.

If you need longer, go into Advanced Options and set the date manually under Pause until. Once your upgrade is complete and system checks are finished, you can re-enable automatic updates.

10. Final Advisory Note

After completing all preparatory steps, keep a neutral posture during installation. Monitor driver behavior, system responsiveness, and activation status in the first 72 hours.

Note that rollback remains available for ten days through Settings, unless the system disk is cleared. If you're tracking performance metrics or software compatibility, document changes within the first week.

Sometimes issues don’t surface immediately, but when they do, details help.