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Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Updated

Introduction

Starting October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or support for Windows 10. To keep your machine secure and compatible with your software and games, we recommend upgrading to Windows 11. On Shadow PC, the upgrade must be done manually after activating your machine.

Why upgrade

  • Security: Windows 10 will stop receiving patches after October 14, 2025. Staying on Windows 10 exposes you to vulnerabilities.
  • Features: Windows 11 introduces new tools like Snap Layouts, Smart App Control, and productivity improvements.
  • Shadow compatibility: Windows 11 works on supported Shadow offers. Some security features (Secure Boot, BitLocker) are not supported on Shadow PC.
  • Important: a recent Windows 11 update may be incompatible with Shadow. Check the Troubleshooting section before upgrading.

Useful info: If you need to stay on Windows 10 temporarily, Microsoft offers a paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) program until October 2026.

How to upgrade

Before you begin

  1. Check your Shadow plan eligibility:
    • Supported plans: Neo, Power, Neo Pro, Advanced Pro, Expert Pro. Legacy Ultra and Infinite remain compatible if you already have them.
    • Note: some older datacenters may not support Windows 11.
  2. Back up important data: The upgrade should not erase your files, but backups are strongly recommended.
  3. Fully update Windows 10: Go to Settings Update & Security Windows Update Check for updates.

Recommended method on Shadow PC

  1. Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from the official Microsoft website.
  2. Run the tool as administrator, accept the terms, then click Install.
  3. Let the Assistant check compatibility and proceed with installation. Your Shadow will restart several times.
  4. After installation, log in and check activation under Settings System Activation.

Important notes:

  • The upgrade via Windows Update may not be available on Shadow PC. The Installation Assistant is the most reliable method.
  • Do not enable BitLocker or other disk encryption tools. This may make your machine inaccessible.

After the upgrade

  • Check Windows activation. If Windows appears not activated, follow our Activation troubleshooting guide.
  • Run Windows Update and install the latest quality updates for Windows 11.
  • Update your local Shadow PC application to benefit from the latest optimizations.

Troubleshooting

  • If your Shadow PC no longer starts or a recent update causes issues, see our incompatibility guide.
  • As a last resort, you can reset your Shadow PC from your account dashboard (warning: this deletes all data on drive C).

Variants by plan

  • Shadow PC Gaming: manual upgrade in your VM via Microsoft Installation Assistant after activation.
  • Shadow PC Pro: if your company uses Windows 10 Enterprise, follow your administrator’s internal procedure and prerequisites.

FAQ

Is my plan compatible?
See the list in Before you begin. If in doubt, contact support.

How can I go back to Windows 10?
No, as support for Windows 10 has ended.

Is BitLocker supported?
No. Disk encryption is not recommended on Shadow PC.

Need help?

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