[Product Information] Preparation Before Upgrade Windows 11
Answer
This article outlines the key steps to prepare an MSI notebook before upgrading to Windows 11: backing up personal data, confirming system compatibility, starting the upgrade through Windows Update, and understanding the options available to return to Windows 10 if needed. Refer to this article before performing a Windows 11 upgrade to avoid data loss or compatibility issues.
This article applies to all MSI notebooks. Steps that reference creating a system recovery drive with MSI Center apply only to notebooks that shipped with a pre-installed operating system.
Before starting the Windows 11 system upgrade, a few things that should be aware of.
1. Perform the System Backup: Back up the personal data and create the factory system restore media
MSI strongly recommends users back up all personal data, and create the system recovery flash drive with the pre-installed software.*1
For notebook that pre-installed with the system, run the pre-installed software: a. MSI Center/MSI Dragon Center/MSI Creator Center and use Backup/MSI Recovery/MSI Burn Recovery (FAQ), b. MSI Center Pro to run MSI Recovery/MSI Customize Recovery (FAQ/Tutorial) to create the system backup file just in case that a system restore is needed later.
2. System Compatibility: Make sure that the system is compatible to run Windows 11
Refer to MSI Windows 11 Compatible List to confirm if the system supports Windows 11 upgrade.
*If the notebook model doesn't show on the upgrade compatible list, run the Microsoft PC Health Check App to check if the system meets the minimum upgrade requirements.
3. Starting the Upgrade: Perform the Windows 11 system upgrade
Follow the instructions to get the Windows 11 upgrade from Windows Update.
*Windows 11 Upgrade rollout plan is scheduled to begin in late 2021 and continue into 2022. Specific timing will vary by device, MSI recommends users to wait until the Windows 11 upgrade option is available at Windows Update as the early builds are usually not as stable and might lead to some unknown issues.
4. System Restore: Return to Windows 10
Windows 11 provides a 10-day period allowing users to move back to Windows 10 while keeping files and data, a clean Windows 10 installation (Tutorial), or restore the factory system settings (FAQ1 & FAQ2 / Tutorial).
*Note 1: Only for the notebook that pre-installed with the system is able to create the system backup file with MSI Center.
Common Questions
Q1: What happens if I upgrade without creating a backup first?
A1: If the upgrade fails or personal data is lost during the process, files that were not backed up in advance cannot be recovered. MSI strongly recommends completing the backup steps in this article before upgrading.
Q2: Can I still upgrade if my notebook model is not on the compatibility list?
A2: Run the Microsoft PC Health Check app to check whether the system meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11. A model not appearing on the MSI compatibility list does not automatically mean the upgrade is unsupported, but compatibility should be verified before proceeding.
Q3: Can I return to Windows 10 after more than 10 days have passed?
A3: Yes, but the built-in rollback option that preserves files and data is only available within 10 days of upgrading. After that period, returning to Windows 10 requires a clean installation or a factory system restore, both of which do not preserve existing files and data.
Related Topics:
[How To] Check Windows 11 Compatibility