Windows 11 Migration Assistant [Download & Upgrade]

What Is a Windows 11 Migration Assistant?

Windows 11 migration assistant is a specialized tool designed to streamline the process of installing Windows 11 on an old PC (e.g., Windows 10) and transferring data, applications, settings, and user profiles to Windows 11, saving time and reducing errors. Its core features include:

Download Windows 11 Migration Assistant for Upgrade

From the Download Windows 11 page, you can see 3 available options for installing or creating Windows 11 media, and all of them work only for x64 processors. Which one should you use?

• 1️⃣ Windows 11 Installation Assistant: Best option to install Windows 11 on the device you are currently using. Be sure your computer meets Windows 11 system requirements.
• 2️⃣ Create Windows 11 Installation Media: It allows you to create installation media (e.g., USB or CD/DVD) for another PC and install Windows 11 in the Windows recovery environment.
• 3️⃣ Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices: This is a multi-edition ISO and can only unlock the correct edition using your product key.

#1: Install Windows 11 on the Old PC

Step 1. On the Download Windows 11 page, click Download Now under Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Then, be sure to run as an administrator.

Step 2. Run Installation Assistant as administrator. Once it confirms the device hardware is compatible, you’ll be asked to accept the license terms and install Windows 11.

Step 3. Once done, click Restart Now. Your PC will restart a few times during installation. Please don’t turn it off.

#2: Install Windows 11 on Another PC

If you want to install Windows 11 on a different PC, you need to download Windows 11 installation media or a Disk Image (ISO) to create a Windows 11 bootable USB or CD/DVD first. Then, boot from it to install Windows 11 on the Windows recovery environment.

Step 1. On the Windows Setup window, click Next and then Install Now.

Step 2. Click I don’t have a product key, and accept the terms.

Step 3. Click Custom.

Step 4. Select your system partition (with Windows 10 installed) to install Windows 11. It will start the installation process and ask you to set it up.

An Easier Way to Upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11

Instead of using the Windows 11 Migration Assistant, there is an easier way to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 - clone a pre-configured Windows 11 to a new SSD and use it as a replacement. It will include the OS, settings, programs, files, etc., ensuring you get exactly the same experience as your familiar system.

Clone Windows 11 to a New Drive with Secure Boot

⚠️Note: The cloning process will overwrite the target drive. So please back up any existing data on the drive.

Step 1. Connect the new drive to your computer and be sure it’s recognized. Open the best cloning software for Windows 11- AOMEI Cloner and click Clone > Disk Clone.

Step 2. Select your Windows 11 system disk as the source drive and the prepared drive as the target drive. Click Next after each selection.

Step 3. It will automatically resize the new drive to full capacity (if it’s large). You can click Edit Partitions to confirm this and check SSD Alignment to boost SSD disk performance. Then, click Start Clone to clone Windows 11 to new drive.

Swap Drive and Perform a Boot Test in Windows 10

Step 1. Be sure your Windows 10 system is shut down completely. Turn the laptop over and remove the screws securing the bottom panel using a Phillips #1 screwdriver.

Step 2. Lift the cover gently and locate the primary slot. Unscrew the screws securing the drive and set them aside.

Step 3. Carefully remove the hard drive at a 30° or 45° angle. Then, install the new drive into the main slot and reassemble.

Step 4. Power on and enter BIOS (press F2, F10, ESC, etc.,during startup). Set the new drive as the first boot device in the Boot menu.

Step 5. Press F10 to save changes and exit. It will navigate to the Windows desktop just the same as your familiar system.

Conclusion

Windows 11 migration assistant offers users 3 options that can install Windows 11 or create installation media (USB or CD/DVD). Select the one that suits you best. Windows 11 Installation Assistant is best for installing Windows 11 on the current PC.

If there is a Windows 11 available, cloning Windows 11 to a new drive as a replacement is also feasible, and it’s easier. It not only transfers OS, programs, personal data, system settings, etc., but also features SSD Alignment, auto-resize, convert disk types, and more.