How to Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free (Even if Your PC Is Unsupported)

Upgrading to Windows 11 for free is straightforward if your PC meets the system requirements. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Check if Your PC Meets Windows 11 Requirements

Your device must meet these minimum requirements:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2+ cores (64-bit compatible)
• RAM: 4 GB or more
• Storage: 64 GB or larger
• System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (Check via tpm.msc)
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible / WDDM 2.x
• Display: 720p, 9″ or larger, 8 bits per color channel

How to Check Compatibility:

1. Download PC Health Check from Microsoft:
   https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp
2. Run it to see if your PC is eligible.

Step 2: Ensure Windows 10 is Activated

• You must have a genuine, activated Windows 10 (Home, Pro, etc.).
• Check activation status:
  Settings > Update & Security > Activation

Step 3: Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free

Method 1: Via Windows Update (Recommended)

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If eligible, you’ll see “Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready”.
4. Click Download and install.

Method 2: Using the Installation Assistant

1. Download Windows 11 Installation Assistant:
   https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
2. Run the tool and follow the prompts.

Method 3: Clean Install with Windows 11 ISO

1. Download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft:
   https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
2. Create a bootable USB using Rufus (for bypassing TPM if needed).
3. Install Windows 11 and enter your Windows 10 key when prompted (it will activate automatically).

What If Your PC Doesn’t Meet Requirements?

• Bypass TPM 2.0/Secure Boot (not recommended for security):
  • Use Rufus to create a modified USB installer.
  • Or, during setup, press Shift + F10 and run:
    cmd

    Copy

    reg add HKLM\System\Setup\LabConfig /v BypassTPMCheck /t reg_dword /d 1
    reg add HKLM\System\Setup\LabConfig /v BypassSecureBootCheck /t reg_dword /d 1

    Then close CMD and proceed.

Important Notes:

• Free upgrade offer has no official end date, but Microsoft could enforce one later.
• Back up your data before upgrading.
• Some older CPUs may work but won’t receive updates.

Once upgraded, enjoy Windows 11! 🚀 Let me know if you need further help.

Ready to try Windows 11? With Microsoft due to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025, you’ll have to jump to Windows 11 if you want to use a version of the OS that still gets feature updates and security patches. If your Windows 10 computer meets all the necessary requirements for an upgrade, there are a number of ways you can get the newer operating system for free.

If your PC doesn’t officially support Win 11, there still may be a way to avoid having to shell out money for a whole new machine. You can sneak past the update requirements with a third-party utility called Rufus. Read on to discover the method that works best for you.

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Check for Compatibility

Microsoft has strict Windows 11 upgrade requirements. To qualify, your computer needs Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support, Secure Boot enabled in the BIOS, and a supported processor model. The TPM restriction is especially onerous since it puts many older Windows 10 PCs out of the running. Thankfully, Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool makes it easy to know if your PC is compatible.