How to Get Windows 11 for Free: Full Guide

If you already own a genuine, activated copy of Windows 10 (or an older activated version of Windows), you can get Windows 11 for free as long as your PC meets Microsoft’s minimum hardware requirements. There’s no separate purchase needed: the upgrade comes through Windows Update, and your existing product key or digital license carries over automatically.

This guide walks through checking eligibility, upgrading through Windows Update, and what to do if Windows 11 isn’t showing up as available for your PC yet.

Quick steps

1. Open Settings on your Windows 10 PC and go to Update & Security (or Windows Update).
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If your PC is eligible, you’ll see an option to download and install Windows 11. Click Download and install.
4. Follow the prompts, restart when asked, and let the installation finish.

Before you start

A few things to confirm before you try to upgrade:

• Your current Windows installation needs to be genuine and activated. The free upgrade is tied to upgrading an existing licensed copy of Windows, not a fresh install on an unlicensed machine.
• Your PC needs to meet Windows 11’s minimum system requirements. These generally include a compatible 64-bit processor, at least 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB or more of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, and TPM version 2.0.
• Back up anything important before upgrading. Major Windows version upgrades are usually safe, but it’s good practice to have a backup just in case.
• Make sure your PC is plugged in and connected to a stable internet connection, since the download is fairly large.

Check if your PC is eligible

Microsoft provides a PC Health Check app that tells you whether your device meets the requirements for Windows 11. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download and install the PC Health Check app from Microsoft.
2. Open the app and select Check now under the “Introducing Windows 11” section.
3. The app will tell you whether your PC is compatible. If it isn’t, it usually points out which requirement is missing, such as TPM or Secure Boot not being enabled.

If your device fails the TPM or Secure Boot check, you may be able to turn these on in your PC’s firmware (BIOS/UEFI) settings, since many newer motherboards support them but ship with them disabled by default.

Upgrade from Windows 10 using Windows Update

This is the most common way most people get Windows 11 for free, since it uses your existing Windows 10 license.

1. Go to Start and open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security, then Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. If your device is eligible, you’ll see a message that Windows 11 is ready to install. Click Download and install.
5. Windows will download the files in the background. Once ready, click Restart now to begin the install.
6. Your PC will reboot a few times during setup. Leave it alone until you reach the Windows 11 desktop.

Keep in mind that Windows 11 rolls out gradually, so even if your PC meets the requirements, the update might not appear in Windows Update immediately. Microsoft releases it in phases rather than to every eligible device at once.

Upgrade using the Installation Assistant

If Windows Update hasn’t offered you the upgrade yet but your PC is confirmed compatible, you can use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant tool instead.

1. Download the Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page.
2. Run the downloaded file and accept the license terms when prompted.
3. The tool will check your PC again to confirm compatibility.
4. Click Install and let the tool download the necessary files.
5. Restart your PC when prompted to complete the upgrade.

Upgrading from an older version of Windows

If you’re on an older release such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you generally can’t jump straight to Windows 11 for free the same way Windows 10 users can. Microsoft’s free upgrade offer for Windows 11 has mainly applied to eligible Windows 10 devices. If you’re on an older system, check your eligibility with the PC Health Check app first, since you may need to upgrade to Windows 10 before moving to Windows 11, or your hardware may not support Windows 11 at all.

If it doesn’t work

Windows Update says “Not compatible” or similar

Run the PC Health Check app to see exactly which requirement your PC is missing. Common culprits are TPM 2.0 not being enabled, Secure Boot being turned off, or an older processor that isn’t on Microsoft’s supported list. Check your PC manufacturer’s instructions for enabling TPM and Secure Boot in firmware settings, since the exact menu names vary between manufacturers.

The upgrade option isn’t showing up even though my PC is compatible

Windows 11 rolls out in stages, so a compatible PC might not see the offer right away. Try using the Installation Assistant tool instead of waiting for Windows Update, since it lets you start the upgrade manually once your device is confirmed eligible.

Download or installation keeps failing

Make sure you have enough free storage space, a stable internet connection, and that your PC is plugged into power. Restarting your PC and running Windows Update again often clears up temporary glitches. If problems continue, running the Installation Assistant as an alternative method can sometimes succeed where Windows Update struggles.

I’m worried about losing my files during the upgrade

Back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage before starting. The in-place upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is designed to keep your files, apps, and settings, but having a backup protects you in case anything goes wrong during the process.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a new product key to get Windows 11 for free?

No. If you’re upgrading from a genuine, activated copy of Windows 10, your existing digital license or product key carries over to Windows 11 automatically during the upgrade.

Is Windows 11 really free for everyone?

It’s free as an upgrade for eligible devices that already have a genuine, activated copy of Windows 10. It’s not a free standalone license for PCs that don’t already have an activated Windows installation.

Why can’t I see the Windows 11 upgrade on my PC?

Microsoft rolls the update out in phases, so your compatible PC might simply not have been offered it yet. You can check compatibility with the PC Health Check app and try the Installation Assistant tool to upgrade manually instead of waiting.

What happens if my PC doesn’t meet the requirements?

If your PC doesn’t meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, such as TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot support, you generally won’t be able to install it through the normal upgrade path. You can check your firmware settings to see if these features are available but disabled, or continue using your current version of Windows.

Can I go back to Windows 10 after upgrading?

Windows typically gives you a window of time after upgrading where you can roll back to your previous version if you change your mind, as long as you haven’t deleted the old Windows files. After that window closes, reverting usually requires a clean reinstall of Windows 10.

Related guides

• How To Stop Teams Loading Up After Logging In
• How to Disable OneDrive on Windows 10 and 11
• How to Remove OneDrive from Your PC
• How To Upgrade Azure AD Connect Software

Sources

• Windows client documentation, Microsoft Learn
• Windows Documentation, Microsoft Learn