How to Get Windows 11 on HP Computers

Since dropping on October 05, 2021, Windows 11 has been widely adopted by millions of PC users worldwide. As the latest chapter in Microsoft’s 29-year evolution, the shiny new operating system offers a slew of enticing benefits.

In this post, we’re covering why you should make the free upgrade and the essential system requirements.

We’ll then provide an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide for installing your new operating system through Windows Update or the Windows 11 Update Assistant application.

• Why you should upgrade to Windows 11
• Windows 11 system requirements
• How to see if you’re eligible for Windows 11
• Preparing to install Windows 11 on an HP computer
• Back up your files
• How to download and install Windows 11 on an HP computer
• What to do after installing Windows 11
• Troubleshooting common issues after installing Windows 11
• Making the most of Windows 11

Is the Windows 11 update worth it?

The short answer is yes. From handy new widgets to collaboration innovations and enhanced gaming functionality, there’s a whole host of reasons to make the move. Best of all, the Windows 11 update for Windows 10 users is 100% free.

Avid multi-taskers will adore the new Snap Assist feature, which lets you split numerous applications across the screen. Hit Win + Z to bring up the tool and choose the layout that works best for you.

Desktop Groups is another powerful organisation tool; this one lets you create multiple virtual desktops and flick between them on a whim. Craft unique desktops for work, home, and gaming to limit distractions and streamline your screen time.

Microsoft Teams gets a handy update, too. The well-regarded collaboration app now sits in the taskbar, enabling easy access to instant messages and online calls.  

Tapping Windows + W will bring up a flashy new Widgets menu. The smartphone-like interface showcases your favourite photos, news websites, to-do lists, weather apps, and other nifty customisable features.

Gamers will be pleased to hear Windows 11 is borrowing powerful features from the Xbox Series X. Auto HDR, for example, will automatically add HDR to any game designed on Direct X 11 (or higher).

Microsoft designed Windows 11 to run on a broad range of PCs.

Almost any modern computer running Windows 10 will be eligible for the upgrade. However, some older PCs (typically 10+ years) may not meet the requirements.

Check the following minimum requirements against your specs to ensure your machine makes the grade.

·        Processor: 1GHz or faster with two or more cores.

o   Must have a compatible 64-bit processor or system. If unsure, check the Windows 11-compatible Intel or AMD processors.

·        RAM: 4GB of RAM or higher

·        Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later

o   Requires a WDDM 2.0 driver

·        TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0

·        Hard disk space: 64 GB (or greater)

o   Factor in more for additional updates and features

·        System firmware: Secure Boot capable UEFI

·        Display screen: 720p High-definition display

o   9-inch monitor (or greater).

o   8 bits per colour channel

If your PC fails to meet the requirements, you can continue using Windows 10. Microsoft’s penultimate operating system is far from out-dated. Expect to receive essential security updates for many years to come.

If you don’t understand any of these requirements, use Microsoft’s PC Health Check to confirm your eligibility.

1.      Download the file to your computer and install it.

2.      Once it’s finished, run the application.

3.      PC Health Check will automatically compare your system against the Windows 11 minimum requirements.

Should your computer fail the health check, you can see which specific requirements fall short.

Now you know you’re eligible, it’s time to start preparing your PC for the upgrade.

To ensure a successful installation, download and install the latest HP drivers and obtain the most recent version of BIOS.

Most users don’t need to perform the following steps to install Windows 11. However, failure to do so could result in severe issues. Therefore, we recommend updating your HP drivers and your BIOS before updating to Windows 11.

HP publishes in-depth resources on downloading and installing HP software and drivers. You can also find more information on how to install the newest version of BIOS for your specific computer:

·        HP Business Desktop

·        HP Business Notebook

·        HP Consumer Desktop

·        HP Consumer Notebook

Depending on your location and PC type, upgrading the Trusted Platform Mode might be necessary.

1.      Restart your computer and press F10 to open the BIOS Setup Utility.

2.      Navigate to the security tab and determine whether the TPM Device is set to Hidden.

3.      If it is, change the TPM Device to Available.

4.      Change the TPM State to Enabled.

5.      Press F10 to exit the BIOS Setup Utility.

6.      Click Yes to save your changes. If required, press F1 to confirm the changes.

HP also recommends updating your antivirus software, including its definitions. The easiest option is to configure the application to update automatically. See the vendor’s website if you require more information.

Now you’re up-to-date and backed up, you can safely upgrade to Windows 11. It’s best to do the update online through Windows Update or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant application

Microsoft recommends waiting until you receive a Windows Update notification to inform you the upgrade is ready before installing Windows 11 onto your PC.

The notification typically appears in the bottom right corner of the screen. If you can’t see it, open the search box in your Windows Task Bar, then type “Check for updates.”

Windows will display what updates are available. Click Upgrade to Windows 11 to begin the installation.

Another option is to use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

1.      Visit Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page and click Download Now in the Windows 11 Installation Assistant section.

2.      Once the download is complete, launch the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file.

3.      The assistant may then run Microsoft Health Check to determine whether your computer meets the minimum requirements. If you get stuck in this step (but you do meet the requirements), try using the Windows Update method above.

4.      Click Accept and Install to accept the License Terms & Conditions.

Both methods could take several hours to download and install the new operating system. The precise wait time depends on your internet speed and PC processing power. Remember to plug in your laptop to ensure it doesn’t run out of battery halfway through.

It’s also possible to install Windows 11 via an installation CD or an ISO file. However, both these complex methods involve several extra steps, so we don’t recommend them unless necessary. See the Download Windows 11 webpage for more information.  

Once Windows 11 has been downloaded and installed, you’ll be asked to schedule a time to restart your computer and conclude the process. Feel free to restart immediately if you prefer.

Even if the new operating system appears to be working correctly, HP recommends updating your drivers and applications.

1.      If you’re not already online, connect your computer to the internet.

2.      Install any further updates from Windows Update, if required.

3.      Log onto Microsoft Store and update all your Windows applications.

4.      HP Wolf Security users should update all the relevant applications, including HP Sure Run, HP Sure Sense, HP Sure View, and HP Sure Click.

5.      The HP Print and Scan Doctor for Windows can help you resolve any printer issues that may have arisen due to the upgrade

6.      HP PCs - Understanding and using Windows 11 provides helpful tips on how to use the exciting new features and apps that come with Windows 11.

In rare situations, upgrading to Windows 11 can create problems with the hardware or software on your PC.

If a specific hardware component isn’t working correctly, use the Device Manager to update it.

1.      Open the Windows Search Bar, type “Device Manager,” and click the Device Manager icon.

2.      Find the device type you want to update and click on the arrow icon to expand it.

3.      Right-click on the specific device you would like to update and click Update Driver.

4.      Choose the Search automatically for drivers option and follow the instructions.

5.      Once it’s updated, restart your computer to finish the process.

With a brand new copy of Windows 11 installed on your PC, you can start making the most of its exciting new features.

Microsoft has designed the operating system to look and feel like Windows 10, so it won’t take long to learn the ropes. Moreover, with the latest version of Windows, you can expect to keep receiving support—including critical security updates—for many years.