This content is not available in your preferred language.

The content is shown in another available language. Your browser may include features that can help translate the text.

Upgrade PXI Express Controllers from Windows 10 to Windows 11

Updated Oct 17, 2025

Environment

Hardware

  • PXIe-8881
  • PXIe-8862
  • PXIe-8842
  • PXIe-8822
  • PXIe-8820
  • PXIe-8880
  • PXIe-8861
  • PXIe-8840
  • PXIe-8821

Operating System

  • Windows

Other

  • Windows 11 using Windows 11 IoT Field Upgrade Kit (PN 789534-03)

This article provides instructions on how to upgrade PXI Express Controllers from Windows 10 to Windows 11 using the Windows 11 IoT Field Upgrade Kit (PN 789534-03).

 

After October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer provide critical features, performance, or security updates for the Windows 10 operating system. This change means that some systems may require hardware upgrades to comply with upcoming Windows 11 operating system requirements.

 

NI embedded controllers are subject to the same TPM requirements for Windows 11 as all other computer systems; this information is compiled to help overcome upgrade-related challenges.

 

Refer to PXI Express Controller and Windows 11 Compatibility for the migration path for your controller to run Windows 11.

 

Windows 11 Field Upgrade Kit 

To upgrade a compatible controller, you will need to use the Windows 11 IoT Field Upgrade Kit (PN 789534-03). You will require your NI PXI Express controller and the USB flash drive that you received when you purchased the upgrade kit. After following the steps provided, your controller should have its operating system updated.

 

NI only officially supports using the Windows 11 Field Upgrade Kit on the PXIe-8881/8862/8842/8822. The Field Upgrade Kit is intended only for NI PXI Express controllers. Using it in a non-NI Product will result in a warning message and is unsupported by NI. 

 

The Field Upgrade Kit can be used for recovery purposes. Each Field Upgrade Kit can be used to upgrade only one PXI Express controller. Each Field Upgrade Kit comes with a unique Microsoft Certification of Authenticity (COA), which proves that the operating system is an authentic Microsoft operating system. NI recommends attaching the Microsoft COA label on the PXI Express Controllers to avoid losing it.

 

To inquire or request a quote for Windows 11 IoT Field Upgrade Kit, please contact NI through the Contact Us page.

 

To install the upgrade kit, follow these steps:

  1. Plug the USB flash drive into one of the USB ports of the PXI Express controller before powering on the controller.
  2. Power on the controller.
  3. During the boot, press the <F10> key to access the boot menu.
  4. Select the USB drive as the boot option.
  5. Select the drive configuration and click Next
    • Note: The default configuration is recommended for most users. This option will wipe the contents of the entire hard drive. 
  6. Select the Windows language you wish to install and click Next
  7. Press Finish to begin Windows 11 IoT upgrade. 
  8. Eject the USB Field Upgrade Kit when the upgrade process is complete.