Yes, Windows 11 is free as an upgrade if your PC already runs Windows 10 and meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements. Microsoft says the upgrade arrives through Windows Update at no charge and keeps the same edition you have now. If you're building a new PC or installing Windows on a machine without a Windows 10 licence, you may need to buy a Windows 11 licence.
This question comes up a lot right now because Windows 10 support has ended, and plenty of small business owners are sitting on laptops that still work fine. The answer depends on two things: what's on the PC today, and whether the hardware passes Microsoft's checks. Get those two right and the upgrade costs you nothing but an afternoon.
Who gets Windows 11 free and who doesn't
| Your situation | Is Windows 11 free? | What Microsoft says |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 PC that meets the requirements | Yes | Upgrade through Windows Update at no charge |
| Windows 10 Home | Yes | You get Windows 11 Home |
| Windows 10 Pro in S mode | Yes, after a step | Switch out of S mode first to get Windows 11 Pro |
| Windows 10 PC that fails the hardware check | No upgrade offered | Keep Windows 10, join ESU, or get a new PC |
| New custom PC with no Windows licence | No | You may need to buy a licence |
Microsoft's own FAQ is clear that the free upgrade is for the same edition you already have. Windows 10 Home moves to Windows 11 Home. It isn't a free route from Home to Pro.
The Windows 10 version rule Microsoft states two ways
Here's a detail most guides skip. Microsoft's Get Windows 11 page says your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade. Its end of support article says only PCs running Windows 10, version 22H2 that meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade.
In practice, the safe move is to install every waiting Windows 10 update first, so you're on 22H2 before you look for the Windows 11 offer. That way it doesn't matter which page you read.
The hardware Windows 11 needs
Microsoft lists the minimum system requirements on its support site. Your PC needs all of these:
- A processor of 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores that appears on Microsoft's list of approved CPUs.
- 4 GB of memory.
- A 64 GB or larger storage device.
- UEFI firmware that's Secure Boot capable.
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
Microsoft points out that the processor is the main deciding factor, because clock speed and core count are built into the chip and can't be upgraded. Memory and storage can sometimes be upgraded, and Secure Boot or TPM can sometimes be switched on in the firmware settings.
How to check your PC and upgrade for free
- Back up your files. Microsoft says files transfer by default, but it still recommends a backup first.
- Open Settings, then Update and Security (or Privacy and Security), then Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates. If your PC is eligible, the Windows 11 upgrade shows up there.
- If nothing appears, install the PC Health Check app. Microsoft says it tells you whether your PC meets the requirements and, if it doesn't, why.
- Run the upgrade and keep the PC plugged in and online until it finishes.
You'll also need a Microsoft account to set up Windows 11 Home and Pro. Microsoft notes that the account comes with free online access to Microsoft 365 apps and 5GB of cloud storage. My guide on whether Microsoft 365 is free explains what that free tier covers.
What if your PC can't run Windows 11?
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says those PCs keep working, but they no longer get security updates, feature updates or technical help. For a business laptop that handles client files or payments, that's the bit to take seriously.
Microsoft gives three routes if the free upgrade isn't offered:
- Join the Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, which Microsoft says covers eligible Windows 10 PCs through October 12, 2027.
- Buy a new PC with Windows 11 already installed.
- Trade in the old machine through the Microsoft Store trade-in programme, which Microsoft says runs in select countries.
ESU buys you time, not a fix. Use it to plan a replacement on your terms rather than in a panic.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Before you click upgrade
A few points from Microsoft's own FAQ are worth reading before you start. By default, all your files and data move across, but Microsoft still recommends a backup. Some Windows 10 features aren't available in Windows 11, so if you rely on an older tool, check it works first. And Microsoft notes that upgrade timing can vary by device, and internet service fees may apply where your connection is metered.
If you run a small team, do one machine first, check your accounting software, printer and VPN still work, then roll out to the rest.
Windows 11 tips once you've upgraded
After the move, a few everyday shortcuts are worth learning on day one. My walkthrough on splitting your screen on Windows is the one I'd start with if you work across two documents at once.
My verdict
Windows 11 is free for anyone with an eligible Windows 10 PC, and you shouldn't pay a third party to do the upgrade for you. Update Windows 10 fully, run the check in Windows Update, and use PC Health Check if the offer doesn't appear. If your hardware fails, don't keep running an unsupported business machine: enrol in ESU and plan the replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Is Windows 11 free for Windows 10 users?
Yes. Microsoft says the upgrade is free for Windows 10 PCs that meet the minimum hardware specifications, delivered through Windows Update.
Do I need to buy a licence for Windows 11?
Not if you're upgrading an eligible Windows 10 PC. Microsoft says you may need to purchase a licence when installing Windows on a custom PC or a new build.
Can I upgrade from Windows 10 Home to Windows 11 Pro for free?
No. Microsoft says the free upgrade is for the same edition you have on your Windows 10 device, so Home becomes Windows 11 Home.
What happens if my PC doesn't meet the requirements?
Your Windows 10 PC keeps working, but it no longer gets security updates. Microsoft suggests the ESU programme, which runs through October 12, 2027 on eligible PCs, or a new Windows 11 PC.
How do I check if my PC can run Windows 11?
Go to Settings, then Windows Update, and select Check for updates. If the offer doesn't appear, the PC Health Check app shows whether your PC qualifies and why not.
