{"id":134941,"date":"2023-01-17T06:00:16","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T11:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/?p=134941"},"modified":"2026-01-03T10:50:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T15:50:16","slug":"upgrade-to-windows-11-from-windows-8-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/upgrade-to-windows-11-from-windows-8-1\/","title":{"rendered":"How to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 8.1"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul class=\"sum\">\n<li>To upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 8.1, mount the ISO file, double-click <strong>&#8220;Setup.exe&#8221;<\/strong> to launch the upgrade, then skip the update and driver downloads, accept the terms, and click on <strong>&#8220;Install.&#8221;<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>The installation will preserve your apps and files, and you don&#8217;t need to complete the OOBE.<\/li>\n<li>Windows 8.1 does not support upgrading to 11 from Windows Update.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>You could alternatively proceed with a clean installation, but apps and files won&#8217;t be preserved.<\/li>\n<li>You don&#8217;t need to upgrade to Windows 10 first since a direct path to Windows 11 is supported.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>UPDATED 1\/3\/2026:<\/strong> Windows 8.1 computers can upgrade to Windows 11 without losing data or applications using the ISO file since it&#8217;s a supported installation path. However, before upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 8.1, you must\u00a0ensure that your laptop or desktop meets the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/windows-11-22h2-system-requirements\/\">minimum system requirements<\/a><\/strong>. For example, the device must have a <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/check-enable-tpm-secure-boot-install-windows-11\/\">Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled<\/a>, it must also have UEFI firmware, and the processor must be an Intel 8th Gen or newer or an AMD Zen 2 or newer.<\/p>\n<p>Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/tag\/windows-10\">Windows 10<\/a> users, but you may still be able to activate it with a Windows 8.1 product key. Also, you will need to create a full backup in case something happens and you need to roll back or recover files for any reason.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, before installing the operating system, it&#8217;s recommended to uninstall any applications that may conflict with the Windows 11 upgrade, such as antivirus software, security tools, and legacy third-party programs. To reduce the risk of issues, disconnect any computer hardware, including printers, phones, cameras, external hard drives, and other USB peripherals.<\/p>\n<section class=\"custom-related-posts-wrapper\"><span class=\"custom-related-posts-heading\">Related<\/span><div class=\"custom-related-posts-container\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/upgrade-to-windows-10-from-windows-81\/\" class=\"custom-related-post-item\" data-umami-event=\"related_inpost_clicked\" data-umami-event-name=\"How to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 8.1\"><div class=\"custom-related-post-thumbnail\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/windows-10-upgrade-81-hero-mauro-huculak.webp?fit=300%2C188&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"How to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 8.1\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/div><span class=\"custom-related-post-title\">How to upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 8.1<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/section>\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/tag\/how-to\/\">guide<\/a> will show you how to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 11.<\/p>\n<p><div id=\"tip-box\"><span><strong>Important:<\/strong> These instructions have been revised, and they still apply in 2026. The upgrade is non-destructive, but you can always run into problems. As a result, creating a <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/create-full-backup-windows-7\/\">full backup<\/a> is a good idea. You can use it to roll back if anything unexpected happens. In<span style=\"font-size: 1.2rem;\"> addition to the system backup, you should also back up your files to a cloud service (such as OneDrive) or to an external drive if you need to restore them manually.<\/span><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"upgrade_windows81_windows11_iso\">Upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 8.1 from ISO<\/h2>\n<p>To upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 8.1 with an ISO file, use these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/windows-11-iso-direct-download\/\">Download <strong>Windows 11 ISO file<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Right-click the ISO file and select the <strong>Mount\u00a0<\/strong>option.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-134944\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/mount-windows-11-iso-windows81.jpg?resize=827%2C502&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Windows 11 ISO mount on Windows 8.1\" width=\"827\" height=\"502\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/mount-windows-11-iso-windows81.jpg?w=851&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 851w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/mount-windows-11-iso-windows81.jpg?resize=300%2C182&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/mount-windows-11-iso-windows81.jpg?resize=150%2C91&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click on the mounted drive from the left navigation pane in File Explorer.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Double-click the <strong>Setup<\/strong> file to begin the Windows 11 upgrade process.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-134945\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/launch-windows-11-setup-iso.jpg?resize=827%2C552&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Launch Windows 11 setup\" width=\"827\" height=\"552\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/launch-windows-11-setup-iso.jpg?w=851&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 851w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/launch-windows-11-setup-iso.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/launch-windows-11-setup-iso.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 827px) 100vw, 827px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>(Optional) Click the <strong>&#8220;Change how Windows Setup downloads updates&#8221;<\/strong> option.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-134946\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/change-how-setup-download-updates-option.jpg?resize=716%2C562&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Windows 11 setup update option\" width=\"716\" height=\"562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/change-how-setup-download-updates-option.jpg?w=716&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 716w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/change-how-setup-download-updates-option.jpg?resize=300%2C235&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/change-how-setup-download-updates-option.jpg?resize=150%2C118&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Select the <strong>&#8220;Not right now&#8221;<\/strong> option.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-134947\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/disable-updates-during-installation.jpg?resize=716%2C562&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Disable updates during install\" width=\"716\" height=\"562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/disable-updates-during-installation.jpg?w=716&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 716w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/disable-updates-during-installation.jpg?resize=300%2C235&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/disable-updates-during-installation.jpg?resize=150%2C118&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px\" \/><\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Next <\/strong>button.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Accept<\/strong> button to agree to the terms.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Click the <strong>Install<\/strong> button to upgrade while keeping your files and apps.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-134948\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/install-windows-11-81-iso.jpg?resize=716%2C562&#038;quality=78&#038;strip=all&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Windows 8.1 to 11 install\" width=\"716\" height=\"562\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/install-windows-11-81-iso.jpg?w=716&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 716w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/install-windows-11-81-iso.jpg?resize=300%2C235&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/pureinfotech.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/install-windows-11-81-iso.jpg?resize=150%2C118&amp;quality=78&amp;strip=all&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 716px) 100vw, 716px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you want to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 11, click the <strong>&#8220;Change what to keep&#8221;<\/strong> option, select the <strong>&#8220;Nothing&#8221;<\/strong> option, click the <strong>&#8220;Next&#8221;<\/strong> button, and then click the <strong>&#8220;Install&#8221;<\/strong> button.<\/p>\n<p>Once you complete the steps, the upgrade process from Windows 8.1 to 11 will preserve your files and apps. After the installation, you won&#8217;t need to complete the out-of-box experience (OOBE) to choose your privacy settings.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"responsive-youtube-container\">\n        <iframe\n            src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/POMHoGBVH34?rel=0&showinfo=0\"\n            frameborder=\"0\"\n            allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\"\n            allowfullscreen\n            loading=\"lazy\"\n        ><\/iframe>\n    <\/div>\n<p>The Media Creation Tool has been updated for Windows 11, but it only supports creating a bootable USB flash drive or an ISO file. You can no longer use it to perform an in-place upgrade, which is why we are not listing those instructions. Also, the <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/upgrade-windows-11-update-assistant\/\">Installation Assistant<\/a> is only available for Windows 10 devices.<\/p>\n<p>Windows 8.1 support <a href=\"https:\/\/pureinfotech.com\/windows-8-1-end-support-notifications\/\">ended on January 10, 2023<\/a>, meaning the operating system no longer receives maintenance or security updates. As a result, upgrading as soon as possible is recommended to maintain the device supported and secure.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Update January 3, 2026:<\/strong> This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 8.1 while keeping your files and apps during the process, and here&#8217;s how to do it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":151186,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2426,23],"tags":[96,19,2715,2114],"class_list":["post-134941","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","category-windows","tag-difficulty-level-intermediate","tag-how-to","tag-windows-11","tag-windows-8-1"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 8.1 - Pureinfotech<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Upgrading Windows 8.1 to Windows 11 is a supported path preserving your files and apps using the ISO file. 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