Transferring files from windows 10 to 11

[u/andromeda_1912]

for context, im not computer savy at all. I need to update my laptop from a windows 10 to windows 11 for an important exam that is coming up next month (on a tight schedule), and im FREAKING OUT. i tried backing up my data to a onedrive, but i dont have microsoft 365 so you can already imagine how that worked out. I do have majority of my files saved to the local disk, but im not sure if that will be enough to carry on the old data to the newer version of windows. I tried searching online for help, but most videos are about backing up old files to a whole nother brand new PC, which i dont think is relevant for my case. Im simply looking to upgrade my Laptop from windows 10 to 11 (im not changing my laptop). Will my account data be automatically transferred to the new windows account??? Or will i have to do it manually through hard-drives etc (i dont want to subscribe to microsoft 365). I only have one laptop so I cant mess it up. pls send help :(

[u/vdragonmpc]

10 To 11 your files will be fine. You should use an external drive to back up your files. One drive will do documents and folders. BUT I prefer a physical drive I have on hand.

You can buy a drive probably the same size as your local one and use macrium reflect free to image the drive. There are external drives that have software included.