Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 with Disk Formatting: A Step-by-Step Guide
Upgrading your operating system can enhance performance, security, and access to new features. If you’re planning to update from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and also wish to format your drives during the process, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps.
Understanding Your Current Setup
Currently, your system has:
– A 1TB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) with Windows 10 installed
– A 500GB Solid State Drive (SSD) that is unused or unpartitioned
Your goal is to:
– Backup any important data
– Format both drives
– Install Windows 11 exclusively on the SSD
Important Preparations
-
Backup Your Data
Before proceeding, ensure all important files are backed up to an external drive or cloud storage, as formatting will erase all data on the drives. -
Check System Compatibility
Verify that your PC meets Windows 11 hardware requirements, including TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support. You can use the PC Health Check tool provided by Microsoft. -
Create a Windows 11 Bootable USB Drive
Download the Windows 11 installation media from the official Microsoft website and create a bootable USB using tools like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool.
Step-by-Step Upgrade and Formatting Process
Step 1: Prepare for Installation
- Insert the bootable Windows 11 USB drive into your PC.
- Restart your computer and access the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, Delete, or Esc during startup).
- Set your PC to boot from the USB drive.
Step 2: Boot from the USB Drive
- Save BIOS changes and restart.
- Your PC should boot from the Windows 11 installation media.
Step 3: Begin Windows 11 Installation
- Follow the on-screen prompts.
- When prompted with installation options, click “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
Step 4: Disk Management during Installation
- You will see a list of available drives and partitions.
- Identify the current Windows installation on the 1TB HDD.
- To perform a clean installation:
- Select each partition on your HDD and click “Delete” to remove existing data.
- Select the unallocated space or your 500GB SSD if it’s empty.
Step 5: Format
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