How to upgrade Windows 10 to 11

Windows 11 is far from perfect, but thanks to a constant stream of new features it offers some useful improvements over Windows 10. Also, while the retail editions of Windows 11 Home / Pro cost a lot (€ 110 / € 150), we there are still several (legal) ways to install Microsoft’s latest upgrade for free. How to upgrade Windows 10 to 11: the good news! You are entitled to a free copy of Windows 11 if you own a legal copy of Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro (updated to version 2004 or later) or if you have purchased a new PC. Unlike Windows 10, Microsoft doesn’t have a cut-off date for free updates from Windows 10 and I think it’s unlikely they’ll introduce one as the company wants users to migrate. The bad news! The bad news is twofold: i Windows 7 and Windows 8 owners do not get free updates to Windows 11 i Windows 11 system requirements are controversial.

Read also: Microphone not working Windows 10, what to do

Windows 11 system requirements

For most users, the biggest potential hurdle will be security requirements. These even exclude some newer machines, regardless of their performance level. Despite the criticisms, Microsoft is firm in its position TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot make a substantial difference in protecting PCs and will not be abolished.

• CPU: 1 GHz or faster with two or more cores
• RAM 4 GB.
• Archiving: 64 GB of available storage space.
• Safety: enable TPM 2.0UEFI firmware e Secure Boot on your PC.
• Graphic card: DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver.

If you are running Windows 7/8 it is highly unlikely that your computer will meet all of these requirements. But if you have a modern PC and choose to run an older operating system, you can first get a Windows 10 free upgrade and use it to then upgrade to Windows 11.

Windows 11 can be tricked into working on older PCs, but it seems like a futile effort as Microsoft refuses to grant access to feature and security updates. With this warning, if your PC has all the requirements in place, here’s how to get Windows 11 for free. Tip: Always back up your PC before upgrading to a new operating system or at least make sure your important files and documents are saved elsewhere, such as a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Also Read: Windows 10 Safe Mode, Complete Guide

How to upgrade Windows 10 to 11

This is the simplest option. Just go to: Start> Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update> Check for Updates and Windows 11 should appear, if your PC is compatible follow the onscreen instructions.

Install Windows 11 manually (via assistant)

1. Click the link to the Windows 11 download page who.
2. For most users, I recommend “Windows 11 Setup Assistant”, but there is also an option to create a boot drive for clean installations.
3. Once downloaded, follow the instructions in the installation guide.
4. Remember to select the option Keep personal files and apps.

Installation takes some time, involves several reboots, and a Microsoft account will be required. There are hack in giro, but for most users I don’t see this to be a big deal.

Final Tip: A Windows 11 license is tied to your hardware. So, if you need to format your computer for any reason, Windows 11 will automatically wake up. If you upgrade multiple components on your PC over time, Windows 11 may think you’ve bought a new PC and refuse to register the license. The good news is that Microsoft has a simple reactivation process that you can go through if that happens.