Initial Windows 11 setup after migrating from Windows 10

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The countdown to the end of support for Windows 10 is already underway, and if you're coming from that system, you're probably thinking about how to get Windows 11 running smoothly from the first boot after migrating and how to optimize your Windows 11 settings . The change isn't just cosmetic: there are new hardware requirements, stricter security settings, and a lot of initial decisions that you should make carefully if you don't want any surprises later on.

In this guide, you'll find everything you need in one place: from checking compatibility and choosing your upgrade method to the initial setup of Windows 11 after migrating from Windows 10 , including backups, Microsoft accounts, privacy, startup apps, safe mode, digital license activation, and what to do if your PC doesn't meet the official requirements. It's a long article, but the idea is that you can go through it section by section, at your own pace and without fear of breaking anything.

Why migrate from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and why now

The first reason to consider upgrading is very simple: Windows 10 will reach its end of life on October 14, 2025. After that date, your computer will still turn on and function, but you'll lose access to security patches, bug fixes, and new features, making your computer a much more attractive target for viruses, ransomware, and other attacks.

In addition to this security feature, Windows 11 offers a number of improvements that, if you're coming from Windows 10, are noticeable in your daily use: more efficient resource management , better use of SSD drives, a redesigned taskbar and Start menu for working with multiple windows at once (Snap Layouts), and more natural integration with modern tools like Microsoft Teams.

Another key point is that Windows 11 strengthens security at the hardware level . Official installation requires a TPM 2.0 chip, Secure Boot, and certain relatively recent CPU models. All of this is designed to prevent malicious drivers from loading at startup and to protect the system from the moment you press the power button.

In a professional environment, delaying change means living with a fleet of equipment that will soon become obsolete. Planning the transition now allows you to decide which machines to upgrade, which to replace, when to do each thing, and how to protect user information without last-minute rushes.

Check if your PC is compatible with Windows 11

Before thinking about initial setup and customizations, the first thing to do is determine if your computer meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11. Microsoft has tightened these requirements compared to Windows 10, primarily for security reasons.

On a technical level, the basic requirements are: a 64-bit processor at 1 GHz with 2 or more cores, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage , UEFI firmware with secure boot, TPM 2.0, a graphics card compatible with DirectX 12, and an HD (720p) screen of at least 9 inches with 8 bits per color channel.

The easiest way to find out is to use Microsoft's official tool, PC Health Check . Run it on your Windows 10 computer, and it will tell you instantly if your machine is ready to upgrade, what requirements it meets, and what issues it might have if it's incompatible. If you prefer to check without physically touching your computer, you can also learn how to try Windows 11 without installing it before making the upgrade.

If you manage a large number of computers, checking them one by one becomes a nightmare. In that case, it's usually better to rely on centralized fleet management solutions or a specialized provider that can audit the entire PC fleet, identify which machines meet requirements, which need BIOS/UEFI adjustments (enabling TPM or Secure Boot), and which computers need replacing.

Prepare Windows 10 before upgrading to Windows 11

If your computer passes the compatibility check, the next step is to prepare Windows 10 for migration . This minimizes errors during installation and saves you headaches later.

First, make sure your current system is fully up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install all pending updates. Many of these prepare your computer to receive Windows 11, and it's also advisable to verify that an update is genuine and that your license is authentic.

It's also important to free up space. Although the update usually fits in less space, it's a good idea to have at least 20 GB free on your main drive . Take this opportunity to uninstall programs you no longer use and clean up temporary files and old downloads.

Another common source of conflict is drivers. Make sure your graphics card, network, and motherboard drivers are up to date, either through Windows Update or directly from the manufacturer's website. An outdated driver can cause an installation to fail.

Finally, if you use a particularly "zealous" third-party antivirus, consider temporarily disabling it just before launching the update and reactivating it once Windows 11 is up and running, to avoid interfering with the installation process.

Back up and protect your data before migrating

Before we delve into anything serious, it's essential to talk about something that might seem boring, but could be a digital lifesaver: backups . While Microsoft's update assistant is designed to preserve files and programs, zero risk is impossible.

You can choose a traditional backup to an external drive (using Windows backup tools or any trusted backup software) or save your critical folders to the cloud (OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.). The important thing is that you have, at a minimum, a recent copy of your important documents, photos, and projects stored off your main drive.

If you want to go a step further, there are solutions like Acronis True Image that allow you to create a complete image of your hard drive exactly as it is in Windows 10, including the operating system, programs, and data. This gives you the ability to restore your computer to its previous state if the migration goes wrong. If you also need to move browser data, for example, see how to migrate a complete Firefox profile.

These types of tools typically offer user-friendly interfaces, automatic backup scheduling, encryption of saved data, and the option to store the backup on a local drive, the network, or the cloud. The idea is that in the event of a serious problem, you don't have to start from scratch , but can simply recover the image or the specific files you need.

Official methods for migrating from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Once your computer is ready and backed up, it's time to choose how to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft offers three main upgrade paths , in addition to the option of a clean installation from a USB drive.

The easiest way is to update via Windows Update . If your PC is compatible, you'll eventually see an offer to download and install Windows 11 in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. It's a guided process with few steps, designed for non-expert users.

If you don't want to wait for the notification, you can use the Windows 11 Setup Assistant , available on the Microsoft website. This program forces the download of Windows 11 on your compatible machine and initiates the update while preserving your data and applications.

The more technical option is to use the Media Creation Tool , which allows you to create a bootable USB drive or DVD. This is the ideal alternative if you want to perform a clean installation, start from scratch, or upgrade multiple computers using the same media, although it does require a bit more experience. If you choose a clean installation, take the opportunity to optimize Windows 11 and remove bloatware from the first boot.

Whichever method you choose, you'll be able to keep files and, in many cases, applications during the process. Even so, don't take anything for granted and always have a backup ready , just in case you need to revert to the previous state.

Basic Windows 11 Installation Guide from Windows Update

If you choose the most common method (Windows Update), the process is quite straightforward. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update , click "Check for updates," and wait for the Windows 11 upgrade offer to appear.

When you see it, you can click on “Download and install”. From there, Windows will download the necessary files in the background and will let you know when everything is ready to restart and begin the actual installation.

During the setup process, your computer will restart several times; don't turn it off even if it seems stuck. Depending on your PC's speed and your internet connection, the entire process can take between 30 and 90 minutes , so it's best to do it when you don't urgently need your computer.

Once finished, the system will guide you through the initial Windows 11 setup: language, region, keyboard, Microsoft account, PIN, privacy options, and some recommended settings. After completing this process, you'll be on your new desktop.

Link your digital license to your Microsoft account

A step that's often overlooked, but vital if you change hardware or restore your system, is to link your Windows digital license to your Microsoft account . This allows you to easily reactivate Windows if you change your motherboard, perform a clean reinstall, or need to use the activation troubleshooter.

In Windows 10 (version 1607 or later), you can check the status by going to Settings > Update & Security > Activation . There you will see messages such as "Windows is activated with a digital license" or "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account."

If only the first sentence appears, it means your license isn't yet associated with your account . In that case, you'll need to sign in as an administrator, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info, and make sure the account you're using is a Microsoft account (you'll see your email address under your name).

Once you've confirmed you're using your Microsoft account as an administrator, return to the Activation page and click "Add an account ." Enter your credentials, and if everything goes well, the message will change to "Windows is activated with a digital license linked to your Microsoft account."

When migrating to Windows 11, this link is maintained, making it much easier to automatically reactivate the system if you make major hardware changes or reset your PC after the upgrade.

Initial Windows 11 setup: account, privacy, and data you share

After installation, one of the most important aspects of the initial setup is deciding what information you share with Microsoft and how you want to use your account . During the setup wizard, you'll be asked to sign in with a Microsoft account (Outlook, Hotmail, etc.) or create a new one.

Using an existing account has the advantage of recovering purchases, Office licenses, OneDrive files, Edge favorites, and other settings you already have associated with it. Creating a new account means starting from scratch, which can be a good idea if your old email address is a mess or you simply want a more professional email, as long as you don't lose anything important in the process.

During the process, you'll also see a series of privacy questions: location, diagnostic data, ad personalization, OneDrive backups, handwriting recognition, and more. The more information you share, the more personalized services and suggestions you'll receive , but at the cost of giving away more data. If you're concerned about eye strain from long work hours, you should review how to configure Windows to reduce eye fatigue.

If you don't want to get too complicated right now, you can allow only the basics and adjust the rest later in Settings > Privacy and security . From there, you can fine-tune which apps have access to your location, camera, microphone, activity history, advertising ID, or system diagnostics.

Keep in mind that nothing you select in the initial setup wizard is final . You can always come back and review each section more carefully later, once you're using the Windows 11 desktop.

Initial adjustments after migration: bloatware removal and updates

Once you're on the Windows 11 desktop, you'll see that the system comes with a good number of pre-installed applications , both from Microsoft and, sometimes, from the computer manufacturer. Some are useful, others not so much, and it's a good idea to do a little cleanup at the beginning, before installing your own tools.

To uninstall unwanted apps, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (or "Apps & features" depending on your version) and review the list. The three dots next to each app will give you the option to uninstall it, if your system allows it.

You can also use the classic Control Panel: open Start, type “Control Panel” and go to Programs > Uninstall a program to view and remove traditional desktop (Win32) software that you don't need.

Once the cleanup is complete, the next critical step is to check for updates. Go to Settings > Windows Update , click "Check for updates," and wait for it to download and install all pending updates. It's very common for a large number of patches to accumulate after a major migration.

These updates not only improve stability but also include updated drivers for your hardware . For most users, this is sufficient, but if a device continues to malfunction, you can always use Device Manager or visit the manufacturer's website to install specific drivers.

Choose your browser and start installing your apps

It's very likely that your first impulse after landing on Windows 11 will be to open a browser and start downloading programs. The system comes with Microsoft Edge as the default browser , which isn't a bad option if you frequently use Microsoft services and are interested in its integration with the system.

If you're coming from Chrome, you might prefer to reinstall it to keep your bookmarks, passwords, and extensions synced . Firefox can be a good idea if privacy is a priority, and there are powerful alternatives like Vivaldi, Opera, or browsers focused on blocking trackers.

As for software, you can install your applications one by one from their official websites or from the Microsoft Store , or use tools like Ninite or Winstall, which allow you to select several popular programs and download them with a single installer.

Depending on your usage, you'll likely need to add email clients, photo and video editors, note-taking apps, password managers, P2P programs , and everything else you use daily. This is a good opportunity to explore whether there are better or lighter alternatives to the usual suspects.

Connect your mobile (especially Android) to Windows 11

One of the areas Microsoft has emphasized most in recent years is bringing PCs and mobile devices closer together , especially if you use Android. Thanks to the Link to Windows app on your phone and Mobile Link (or "Your Phone") on your PC, you can connect both devices quite seamlessly.

Once you have both apps installed and sign in with the same Microsoft account, you'll be able to receive notifications, SMS messages, and calls on your PC , quickly view recent photos from your mobile device, or even use certain phone apps from your desktop on some models.

In addition to this basic integration, it may be worthwhile to install the official Microsoft apps you use most (OneDrive, Outlook, To Do, etc.) on your Android device. The more aligned the tools are between mobile and PC, the smoother the transition will be between devices.

If you use an iPhone, the integration is somewhat more limited, but you can still take advantage of features like iCloud for photos and documents , official email and storage clients, and some specific integrations with Windows.

Customize the appearance and organization of Windows 11

With the system more or less up and running, it's time to customize it to your liking. In Windows 11, most visual options are managed from Settings > Personalization , where you'll find wallpaper, colors, lock screen, themes, and other aesthetic settings.

You can choose a different background for each virtual desktop, switch between light and dark mode , change the accent color of windows and taskbar, adjust the appearance of icons, and almost completely modify the visual experience.

The Start menu has been redesigned since Windows 10, but it remains highly customizable. You can pin or unpin apps, rearrange icons, group them, and choose what appears in the Recommended section . You can also move the Start button to the left of the taskbar if you don't like its centered position; if you want to fine-tune this aspect, see how to resize and customize the Start menu.

Don't forget to explore the widgets panel (Windows + W) , where you can add modules for weather, calendar, traffic, tasks, sports, and more. Each widget has its own options for resizing, changing content, or deleting it if it's not useful to you.

If you want to fine-tune things to the max, Windows 11 lets you change the mouse pointer, system sounds, main folder icons, and customize the lock screen to show the information that interests you most when the PC is locked.

Manage which applications start with Windows 11

As you install programs, many of them happily sign up to start automatically . This slows down your system's startup and leaves you with background processes you may not even need.

To keep this under control, go to Settings > Apps > Startup . There you'll see a list of apps that can launch with Windows and a switch to turn them on or off. The system also indicates the estimated impact of each app on startup time.

Another very straightforward way to manage this is through Task Manager . Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete, select Task Manager, click "More details," and go to the "Startup" tab. From there, you can enable or disable specific programs and see their impact. If you prefer advanced tools to speed up startup, try using Autoruns.

The idea is to only open what you really need from the very beginning: antivirus software, synchronization software you use constantly, essential peripheral tools, etc. You can open everything else when you need it.

Organize your folders, File Explorer, and quick access

Windows 11 maintains the classic structure of special folders (Downloads, Pictures, Videos, Music, Documents, etc.), but you may be interested in changing their location or adjusting what appears in Quick Access to suit your workflow.

If you have a secondary drive with more space, it might be a good idea to move folders like your Pictures or Videos to that drive. Right-click on the corresponding folder, select "Properties," and go to the "Location" tab to change the path to a new folder on the desired drive.

To customize the left-hand panel of Explorer, you can use Quick Access . Simply right-click on any frequently accessed folder and choose "Pin to Quick Access." Similarly, if you no longer want a folder pinned there, right-click on it and select "Unpin from Quick Access."

A well-organized Explorer from day one will make finding files and moving through your projects much more agile , something that is especially noticeable if you work with many documents and scattered resources.

Configure power, sleep, and shutdown habits

Another important aspect of the initial setup, especially for laptops, is power management and sleep mode . Using the computer plugged in at an office is not the same as relying on battery power while you're on the go.

Go to Settings > System > Power & battery and adjust the "Display & sleep" options. Here you can decide how long the screen stays off and when the device goes into sleep mode, differentiating between battery power and power outlet.

If you often leave long tasks running overnight (backups, downloads, rendering), you'll want to prevent your computer from automatically going to sleep while you need it active . If that's not the case, you might prefer it to go to sleep quickly to save battery power and reduce wear.

In any case, it's good practice to get into the habit of turning off your PC when you're not going to use it for many hours , instead of leaving it on unnecessarily. You'll reduce power consumption, noise, and dust buildup in the tower.

Backing up and restoring your settings in Windows 11

Once you've invested time customizing your system, it makes sense to protect all that work with a backup strategy . That way, if something goes wrong (disk failure, malware, configuration error), you can restore your computer to a healthy state without having to start from scratch.

In Windows 11, you can go to Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup to configure folder synchronization with OneDrive, as well as cloud backup of your preferences, recommended apps, and other settings.

If you want something more robust, you can return to the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Backup and Restore . From there, you can configure regular backups to an external drive or network resource, choosing what you want to include (libraries, system image, etc.).

The idea is that, after major changes (like migrating to Windows 11 or installing a lot of new software), you create a reference backup . If something goes wrong in the future, you can revert to that point where everything was working correctly in just a few steps.

Advanced boot options: Safe Mode and Startup Settings

At some point, especially after driver changes or problematic installations, you might need to use the advanced startup options in Windows 11. Knowing them beforehand will save you a lot of frustration if your system stops starting normally.

To access the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), you can force several unexpected shutdowns or, more cleanly, go from the system itself to Settings > System > Recovery and choose Restart now under Advanced startup. Once in WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings and click Restart.

When your computer restarts, you'll see the Startup Settings screen with several numbered options (keys 1-9 or F1-F9). These include enabling debugging for advanced support scenarios, enabling boot logging to generate the ntbtlog.txt file with the loaded drivers, booting with low-resolution video to restore problematic display settings, and various Safe Mode options. If you need step-by-step instructions, this guide explains how to start and use Safe Mode in Windows 11.

Standard Safe Mode starts Windows with a very limited set of drivers and services, ideal for checking if the problem is caused by third-party software. There's also Safe Mode with Networking (which includes network drivers for accessing the internet or shared resources) and Safe Mode with Command Prompt, which replaces the graphical interface with a command window.

Other useful options include disabling mandatory driver signature enforcement (to install drivers with invalid signatures in very specific cases), temporarily disabling Early Startup Anti-Malware Protection (ELAM), and the option to prevent automatic restart after a critical error , which is very useful when the computer enters a blue screen loop.

If you ever get stuck in Safe Mode and the system doesn't return to normal startup after restarting, open Run (Windows key + R), type msconfig , and press Enter. On the "Boot" tab, uncheck "Safe Boot" under Boot Options, apply the changes, and restart your computer.

What if your PC isn't compatible with Windows 11 and what are the alternatives?

Not all computers that work correctly with Windows 10 meet the official Windows 11 requirements. If the diagnostic tool tells you that your machine is failing due to TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or an incompatible CPU , you should carefully consider your options.

In some cases, TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot are present but disabled in the BIOS/UEFI . By accessing the firmware (usually by pressing F2, Delete, or similar at startup) and enabling these options, your computer can become compatible without needing to change any hardware.

If the problem persists (for example, due to an outdated CPU) and you don't want to resort to unofficial installation methods, you have two clear options: plan a hardware upgrade or continue using Windows 10 with certain precautions.

Microsoft has announced an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers . By paying an annual subscription, you can continue receiving critical security patches for Windows 10 for at least a year after the end of support. It's a temporary, not permanent, solution, but it allows you to extend the life of your computer while you decide on your next step.

In the business and education sectors, there are also specific ESU programs and cloud-based management solutions. If you manage a lot of outdated equipment, it's usually advisable to coordinate with a partner or the Microsoft sales team to design a phased IT infrastructure renewal plan.

Installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware by modifying the ISO or the registry is technically possible, but it involves risks to stability, support, and security . Microsoft does not guarantee that such a system will receive all updates or that it will function as well as on a certified machine.

Common problems after migration and how to deal with them

After a major update like this, it's not uncommon to encounter some unusual behavior. The key is not to panic and to tackle each problem systematically.

If the installation gets stuck at a certain percentage for a long time, the first thing to do is be patient. If you really think it's stuck, check your internet connection, the available free space, and, if possible, disconnect non-essential peripherals (USB drives, printers, etc.) before trying again.

If something stops working after the jump (for example, sound, Wi-Fi, or a printer), it's usually a driver issue. Open Device Manager , identify the problematic hardware, and look for updated drivers on the manufacturer's website. If the system freezes completely, this guide on what to do when Windows 11 freezes might be helpful.

When the incompatibility is more serious (old software critical to your activity, professional hardware not supported in Windows 11, etc.), you can consider maintaining a secondary computer with Windows 10 for that specific software or even virtualizing Windows 10 within Windows 11 to use it only with that application.

This entire migration and setup process may seem lengthy, but once completed, you'll have a more secure, modern environment tailored to your needs . From then on, simply keep your system updated and regularly review your backups to enjoy a stable Windows 11 for many years to come.