How to Get Windows 11: Free Upgrade Guide for Your PC

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    If your PC is eligible, the easiest way to get Windows 11 is through Windows Update on your current Windows 10 or earlier Windows 11 version, completely free of charge. If your device doesn’t show the upgrade yet, or you want more control over the process, you can also use the Installation Assistant or build your own installation media. This guide walks through each method and what to check first.

    Quick steps

    1. On your Windows 10 PC, go to Settings > Windows Update.
    2. Select Check for updates.
    3. If your PC is eligible, you’ll see an option to download and install Windows 11. Select it and follow the prompts.
    4. Restart when asked to finish setting up Windows 11.

    Before you start

    A few things to check before you begin:

    • Your PC needs to meet Windows 11’s minimum hardware requirements, including a compatible 64-bit processor, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability, and TPM version 2.0.
    • Not every eligible device gets offered the upgrade at the same time. Microsoft rolls it out gradually, so you might see it later than a friend with a similar PC.
    • Windows 10 reached the end of support on October 14, 2025, meaning it no longer receives quality or feature updates. If you’re still on Windows 10, moving to Windows 11 keeps your PC supported and secure.
    • Back up your important files before any major Windows upgrade, just in case something needs to be redone.
    • If you’re unsure whether your hardware qualifies, download and run the PC Health Check app from Microsoft to get a clear pass or fail result along with the reason.

    Upgrade from Windows 10 using Windows Update

    This is the method Microsoft recommends for most home users, since it keeps your files, apps, and settings in place.

    1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing “Settings,” then open the app.
    2. Select Update & Security (or Windows Update, depending on your Windows 10 version).
    3. Select Check for updates.
    4. If Windows 11 is available for your device, you’ll see a message offering the free upgrade. Select Download and install.
    5. Let the download and installation finish in the background. You can keep using your PC during most of this process.
    6. When prompted, restart your PC to complete the upgrade.
    7. After restarting, sign back in and confirm your settings. Windows 11 will open with your existing apps and files intact.

    Using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

    If Windows Update hasn’t offered you the upgrade yet but your PC meets the requirements, the Installation Assistant lets you install Windows 11 directly without waiting for the gradual rollout.

    1. On your eligible Windows 10 PC, download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s official download page.
    2. Run the downloaded tool and accept the license terms.
    3. The tool will check your PC’s compatibility again before continuing.
    4. Select Install to begin downloading Windows 11.
    5. Once the download finishes, the tool will prepare your PC and ask you to restart to complete the installation.
    6. After the restart, finish the setup screens and sign back in to your account.

    Creating installation media (USB or ISO)

    This method is useful if you need to do a clean install, set up multiple PCs, or install Windows 11 on a device that currently has no operating system at all.

    1. On a working Windows PC, download the Media Creation Tool or the Windows 11 disk image (ISO) from Microsoft’s official download page.
    2. If using the Media Creation Tool, insert a USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of free space, then run the tool and choose Create installation media for another PC.
    3. Follow the prompts to select your language and edition, then let the tool download Windows 11 and copy it to the USB drive.
    4. On the PC you want to upgrade or install Windows 11 on, insert the USB drive and restart the computer.
    5. Boot from the USB drive (you may need to change the boot order in your PC’s firmware settings) and follow the on-screen setup instructions.
    6. Choose whether to keep your existing files and apps or do a clean install, then complete the setup.

    Buying a new PC with Windows 11 preinstalled

    If your current computer doesn’t meet the hardware requirements, the straightforward option is a new PC with Windows 11 already installed.

    1. When shopping, confirm the listing specifies Windows 11 as the preinstalled operating system.
    2. Once you turn on the new PC, follow the on-screen setup to create or sign in with your Microsoft account.
    3. Use Windows Backup or OneDrive to bring over your files, settings, and some app preferences from your old PC.

    If it doesn’t work

    Windows Update says your PC isn’t ready

    Run the PC Health Check app to see exactly which requirement your device is missing, such as TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot. Some of these can be enabled in your PC’s firmware (UEFI/BIOS) settings if the hardware actually supports them but isn’t turned on.

    The upgrade isn’t showing up yet

    Microsoft releases Windows 11 in phases, so an eligible PC might not get the prompt immediately. Try the Installation Assistant instead, which lets eligible devices install the upgrade without waiting for the rollout to reach them.

    Installation fails or gets stuck

    Make sure you have enough free storage space and a stable internet connection before trying again. Disconnecting non-essential USB devices and temporarily pausing third-party antivirus software can also help the installation complete.

    Apps or settings behave differently after upgrading

    Some background apps and sync tools can change behavior after a major upgrade. If you use OneDrive or Teams and notice unexpected changes, it’s worth reviewing your sync and startup settings afterward.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is the Windows 11 upgrade free?

    Yes, if your PC is currently running a genuine, eligible copy of Windows 10, the upgrade to Windows 11 is free through Windows Update or the Installation Assistant.

    Can I go back to Windows 10 after upgrading?

    Windows gives you a limited window after upgrading where you can roll back to your previous version from Settings > System > Recovery, as long as you haven’t passed that time limit or removed the old Windows files.

    What happens if my PC can’t run Windows 11?

    You can keep using Windows 10, though it stopped receiving quality and security updates after October 14, 2025. For continued support, consider a hardware upgrade or a new PC that meets Windows 11’s requirements.

    Do I need a Microsoft account to install Windows 11?

    For most consumer editions, setup requires signing in with a Microsoft account during the out-of-box experience, especially for Home edition. Pro edition setups offer more flexibility depending on how the device is configured.

    How do I check which Windows 11 version I have after upgrading?

    Go to Settings > System > About and look under Windows specifications to see your current version, such as 24H2 or 25H2.

    Sources

    Updated on November 8, 2026
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