How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC (2024)

How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC (1)

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Whether installing Windows on your custom PC or building a new one, you may need to purchase a license to run Windows11.2

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How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC (10)

Ready to upgrade to Windows11 on a PC?

Log in to your Windows10 PC and find out if it’s eligible for the best Windows yet in three easy steps.1

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  • Ready to upgrade
  • System requirements
How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC (11)

Settings

Select the Start button, then click on Settings.

How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC (12)

Update & Security

Click on Update & Security.

How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC (13)

Windows Update

Select Check for updates to see if your PC can run Windows11, or if the upgrade is ready for your PC.1

Minimum system requirements

Read here for more information on system requirements and information on how some PCs might be able to update or change settings to meet the requirements.

List of all minimum system requirements for Windows 11
Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
Memory: 4 GB RAM.
Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable. Check here for information on how your PC might be able to meet this requirement.
List of all minimum system requirements for Windows 11
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Check here for instructions on how your PC might be enabled to meet this requirement.
Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display Resolution: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
Internet connection: Microsoft account and internet connectivity required for setup for Windows11Home and for Windows11Pro for personal use.

Your device must be running Windows10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade. Free updates are available through Windows Update in Settings>Update and Security.

Certain features require specific hardware.2 System requirements to run some apps will exceed the Windows11 minimum device specifications. Check device compatibility information specific to the apps you want to install. Available storage on your device will vary based on installed apps and updates. Performance will scale with higher end, more capable PCs. Additional requirements may apply over time and for updates.

Frequently asked questions

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Windows11 has all the power and security of Windows10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. Every detail has been considered. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC. Some Windows10 features are not available in Windows11, see Windows11 Specifications.

If your accessories worked with Windows10 and meet the Windows11 requirements, they should work with Windows11. If you want to be sure, please check with your accessory manufacturer.

The minimum hardware requirements are available here.

Windows Update will provide an indication if PC is eligible or not. Check by going to Settings > Windows Update.

Yes! Windows10 continues to be a great version of Windows. We have committed to supporting Windows10 until October 14, 2025.

Windows Update will provide an indication if and when your PC is eligible, or you can check by going to Settings/Windows Update.

It’s free. But only Windows10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows10 in Settings/Windows Update. Note that in areas where the internet is metered, ISP fees may apply.

An update can consist of bug and security fixes and new features in a version of Windows. They tend to roll out throughout the year. An upgrade is when you change versions—for example, moving from Windows10 to Windows11, or moving editions from Windows Home to Windows Pro.

The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer.

Yes. You do not have to upgrade to Windows11. We will continue to support Windows10 until October 14, 2025.

No. Windows11 and Windows10 require approximately the same amount of disk space. During the upgrade process, however, extra space is required. Windows will clean up this extra disk space about 10 days after the upgrade is complete.

Windows11 is the newest version of Windows. However, we will continue to support Windows10 until October 14, 2025.

By default, all your files and data will transfer. However, we recommend backing up your files before installation. Learn more about OneDrive PC folder backup.

Yes. After you have installed the Windows11 upgrade, there is a 10-day period where you can move back to Windows10 while keeping files and data that you brought along with you. To go back to Windows10, select Start> Settings> System> Recovery> Go back. After the 10-day period is over, you will need to back up your data and do a “clean install” to move back to Windows10.

Downloading and installing Windows11 will most likely take longer than a typical Windows10 feature update. You can use your PC while you’re downloading Windows11 and you also have the option to schedule the installation to happen at a specific time when you aren’t planning on using your PC. Once it is downloaded and ready to install, you will be guided through the installation process, which includes a series of screens and prompts. There will be at least one restart. By default, all your files and data will transfer. However, we recommend backing up your files before installation. Learn more about OneDrive PC folder backup. Note that in areas where the internet is metered, ISP fees may apply. If your organization manages your PC, please contact your company’s IT department about getting Windows11.

If your PC meets the minimum hardware specifications, the Windows10 Home edition in S mode can upgrade to the Windows11 Home edition in S mode. If your Windows10 PC is running the Pro edition in S mode, you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows11 Pro. Windows11 Pro edition is not available in S mode.

Windows Update will provide an indication if PC is eligible or not. Check by going to Settings > Windows Update. Many PCs that are less than five years old will be able to upgrade to Windows11. They must be running the most current version of Windows10 and meet the minimum hardware requirements.

Learn about Windows11 for your business.

The free upgrade is for the same edition as you have on your Windows10 device. If you have Windows10 Home edition, you will be upgraded to Windows11 Home edition.

Devices eligible for the upgrade to Windows11 do not have any special geographic limitations and can be offered for sale in all markets where Windows is sold.

There will be a few ways to identify a device eligible for the upgrade to Windows11. We have currently developed a system to include markers for: device boxes, packaging, printed fact tags, in-box flyers, printed catalogues, in-store signage, product webpages, web banners, retail demonstration experiences, and print and digital ads. You can also check to see if it meets the minimum hardware requirements.

Windows11 offers enhanced performance, comprehensive security, and a new design. New features like snap layouts, widgets, and chat give you the ability to find what you need and to connect with who you need to quickly. To learn more about the easy-to-use Windows11 features, click here.

Check Settings > Windows Update to see if your PC meets the minimum system requirements and to confirm that the upgrade is ready for your PC. Once the upgrade is ready, we recommend that you initiate the free upgrade to Windows11 right away. This allows you to experience the benefits of Windows11.

Microsoft 365 and Windows11 are optimized to work together and give you the best customer experience. To learn more, view the Microsoft 365 page.

PC Health Check is an app on your PC that helps you understand the health of your computer better. It will also let you know if your computer meets the minimum system requirements to upgrade to Windows11. And if your computer is not eligible for the upgrade, it will show you why. See this article for more information on how to run PC Health Check.

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  • Screens simulated. Features and app availabilitymay vary by region.
  • 1 Windows11 upgrade is available for eligible PCs that meet minimum device specifications. Upgrade timing may vary by device. Internet service fees may apply. Features and app availability may vary by region. Certain features require specific hardware (see Windows11 Specifications).
  • 2 Certain features require specific hardware, see Windows11 Specifications.
How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC (2024)

FAQs

How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC? ›

Check Settings > Windows Update to see if your PC meets the minimum system requirements and to confirm that the upgrade is ready for your PC. Once the upgrade is ready, we recommend that you initiate the free upgrade to Windows 11 right away.

How to get Windows 11 on unsupported PC? ›

To install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, try making the PC supported by enabling TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and switching to GPT. If those features cannot be enabled on your PC, you must use a few registry hacks to force Windows 11 to install. Windows 11 has strict system requirements, but there are ways around them.

What to do if my PC doesn t meet minimum requirements for Windows 11? ›

How to Fix the Error
  1. Check for Updates: Ensure your PC's BIOS and drivers are up-to-date.
  2. Enable TPM and Secure Boot: These features are often disabled by default in BIOS settings. ...
  3. Upgrade Hardware: If your hardware doesn't meet the requirements, upgrading components like RAM or the graphics card can resolve the issue.
Jul 13, 2024

How do I fix this computer is not compatible with Windows 11? ›

How to Fix Guide:
  1. Check if your system supports Secure Boot. Press Windows + R keys, type msinfo32.exe, and hit Enter. On the System Information window, select System Summary. ...
  2. Check if your computer supports UEFI mode. Restart PC and press F2/F10/Del to enter BIOS. ...
  3. Enable UEFI Mode and Secure Boot.
Jul 1, 2024

Can I download Windows 11 for free? ›

Can I upgrade for free? Upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 will be free. Due to the size of the download, however, ISP fees may apply for downloads that occur over metered connections.

Can I upgrade to Windows 11 if my PC is not supported? ›

Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty.

How can I make my PC eligible for Windows 11? ›

Windows Update will provide an indication if PC is eligible or not. Check by going to Settings > Windows Update. Many PCs that are less than five years old will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. They must be running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware requirements.

Why would my PC not be eligible for Windows 11? ›

The main obstacles to upgrading devices to Windows 11 are the CPU and the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which was either not present or not enabled in the research. Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and approved CPUs.

Why won't Windows 11 install on my PC? ›

This may signify that your PC doesn't meet the minimum requirements to download or install the upgrade to Windows 11. Learn more about the minimum requirements for Windows 11. This might indicate that a driver or other software on your PC isn't compatible with the upgrade to Windows 11.

How to download Windows 11 without minimum requirements? ›

One of the easier methods to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware is to modify the Windows Registry during the installation process. This method involves creating a Windows 11 installation media, booting from it, and then making a registry change before the compatibility check.

Why Windows 11 won t work on old PC? ›

Microsoft adds an instruction set as a requisite for booting that won't work on aging computers. Windows 11's hardware requirements have largely limited Microsoft's latest OS to newer PCs, though there are exceptions.

How do I make my device compatible with Windows 11? ›

Ready to upgrade to Windows 11 on a PC?
  1. Settings. Select the Start button, then click on Settings.
  2. Update & Security. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Windows Update. Select Check for updates to see if your PC can run Windows 11, or if the upgrade is ready for your PC.

Can I run Windows 11 on an old PC? ›

Can you install Windows 11 on an old PC or laptop without having the requirement of TPM and Secure Boot? Yes. It's possible. By replacing some files of Windows 11 disk image with Windows 10's, you can bypass the detection for the requirements.

How can I get Windows 11 for free legally? ›

The price tag for even the cheapest Windows license is nothing to sniff at, but there are some legal ways to get Windows 11 for free.
  1. Skip Activating Windows. ...
  2. Upgrade From Windows 10. ...
  3. Reuse An Older Windows Product Key. ...
  4. Get a License Through Work or School. ...
  5. Buy a New Computer.
Feb 21, 2024

Is Windows 11 free for ever? ›

How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? It's free. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows 10 in Settings/Windows Update.

Is Windows free now? ›

Yes, technically speaking you can install Windows and use for free. But legally when you install Windows you agree to Microsoft's terms and conditions and they state you must activate your copy of Windows, and that requires a license which must be purchased. So legally there is no free copy of Windows.

Why my PC doesn t support Windows 11? ›

Based on the specifications you provided, your PC should meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. But, this error message: "This PC can't run Windows 11", typically occurs when your system doesn't meet one or more of the specific requirements for Windows 11, such as Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, or CPU compatibility.

How to upgrade an old computer to Windows 11? ›

Download With the Installation Assistant

Browse to the Download Windows 11 page, click the Download now button under the Windows 11 Installation Assistant section, and run the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file. Click the Accept and install button, and your Windows 10 PC will be upgraded to Windows 11.

How to install Windows 11 on a new laptop without an operating system? ›

You can get the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website to download and install the software on your new computer. You can utilize it to download the Windows 11 ISO file and make a bootable USB, then use the USB to install Windows on your new PC.

How to install Windows 11 from ISO file? ›

Right-click the ISO file and select Mount . This will create a “virtual” bootable disc. Double-click on it to view the files within. Double-click setup.exe to start Windows 11 setup.

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