How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC (2024)

How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC (1)

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Want Windows11 on your custom-built PC?

Whether installing Windows on your custom PC or building a new one, you may need to purchase a license to run Windows11.2

Get your license

Ready to upgrade to Windows11 on a PC?

Log in to your Windows10 PC and find out if it’s eligible for the best Windows yet in three easy steps.1

use the arrow keys to navigate through the pivots and tab to focus on focusable content inside a pivot section

  • Ready to upgrade
  • System requirements
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Settings

Select the Start button, then click on Settings.

How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC (12)

Update & Security

Click on Update & Security.

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Windows Update

Select Check for updates to see if your PC can run Windows11, or if the upgrade is ready for your PC.1

Minimum system requirements

Read here for more information on system requirements and information on how some PCs might be able to update or change settings to meet the requirements.

List of all minimum system requirements for Windows 11
Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).
Memory: 4 GB RAM.
Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable. Check here for information on how your PC might be able to meet this requirement.
List of all minimum system requirements for Windows 11
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. Check here for instructions on how your PC might be enabled to meet this requirement.
Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display Resolution: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9” diagonally, 8 bits per color channel.
Internet connection: Microsoft account and internet connectivity required for setup for Windows11Home and for Windows11Pro for personal use.

Your device must be running Windows10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade. Free updates are available through Windows Update in Settings>Update and Security.

Certain features require specific hardware.2 System requirements to run some apps will exceed the Windows11 minimum device specifications. Check device compatibility information specific to the apps you want to install. Available storage on your device will vary based on installed apps and updates. Performance will scale with higher end, more capable PCs. Additional requirements may apply over time and for updates.

Frequently asked questions

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Windows11 has all the power and security of Windows10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. Every detail has been considered. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC. Some Windows10 features are not available in Windows11, see Windows11 Specifications.

If your accessories worked with Windows10 and meet the Windows11 requirements, they should work with Windows11. If you want to be sure, please check with your accessory manufacturer.

The minimum hardware requirements are available here.

Windows Update will provide an indication if PC is eligible or not. Check by going to Settings > Windows Update.

Yes! Windows10 continues to be a great version of Windows. We have committed to supporting Windows10 until October 14, 2025.

Windows Update will provide an indication if and when your PC is eligible, or you can check by going to Settings/Windows Update.

It’s free. But only Windows10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows10 in Settings/Windows Update. Note that in areas where the internet is metered, ISP fees may apply.

An update can consist of bug and security fixes and new features in a version of Windows. They tend to roll out throughout the year. An upgrade is when you change versions—for example, moving from Windows10 to Windows11, or moving editions from Windows Home to Windows Pro.

The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer.

Yes. You do not have to upgrade to Windows11. We will continue to support Windows10 until October 14, 2025.

No. Windows11 and Windows10 require approximately the same amount of disk space. During the upgrade process, however, extra space is required. Windows will clean up this extra disk space about 10 days after the upgrade is complete.

Windows11 is the newest version of Windows. However, we will continue to support Windows10 until October 14, 2025.

By default, all your files and data will transfer. However, we recommend backing up your files before installation. Learn more about OneDrive PC folder backup.

Yes. After you have installed the Windows11 upgrade, there is a 10-day period where you can move back to Windows10 while keeping files and data that you brought along with you. To go back to Windows10, select Start> Settings> System> Recovery> Go back. After the 10-day period is over, you will need to back up your data and do a “clean install” to move back to Windows10.

Downloading and installing Windows11 will most likely take longer than a typical Windows10 feature update. You can use your PC while you’re downloading Windows11 and you also have the option to schedule the installation to happen at a specific time when you aren’t planning on using your PC. Once it is downloaded and ready to install, you will be guided through the installation process, which includes a series of screens and prompts. There will be at least one restart. By default, all your files and data will transfer. However, we recommend backing up your files before installation. Learn more about OneDrive PC folder backup. Note that in areas where the internet is metered, ISP fees may apply. If your organization manages your PC, please contact your company’s IT department about getting Windows11.

If your PC meets the minimum hardware specifications, the Windows10 Home edition in S mode can upgrade to the Windows11 Home edition in S mode. If your Windows10 PC is running the Pro edition in S mode, you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows11 Pro. Windows11 Pro edition is not available in S mode.

Windows Update will provide an indication if PC is eligible or not. Check by going to Settings > Windows Update. Many PCs that are less than five years old will be able to upgrade to Windows11. They must be running the most current version of Windows10 and meet the minimum hardware requirements.

Learn about Windows11 for your business.

The free upgrade is for the same edition as you have on your Windows10 device. If you have Windows10 Home edition, you will be upgraded to Windows11 Home edition.

Devices eligible for the upgrade to Windows11 do not have any special geographic limitations and can be offered for sale in all markets where Windows is sold.

There will be a few ways to identify a device eligible for the upgrade to Windows11. We have currently developed a system to include markers for: device boxes, packaging, printed fact tags, in-box flyers, printed catalogues, in-store signage, product webpages, web banners, retail demonstration experiences, and print and digital ads. You can also check to see if it meets the minimum hardware requirements.

Windows11 offers enhanced performance, comprehensive security, and a new design. New features like snap layouts, widgets, and chat give you the ability to find what you need and to connect with who you need to quickly. To learn more about the easy-to-use Windows11 features, click here.

Check Settings > Windows Update to see if your PC meets the minimum system requirements and to confirm that the upgrade is ready for your PC. Once the upgrade is ready, we recommend that you initiate the free upgrade to Windows11 right away. This allows you to experience the benefits of Windows11.

Microsoft 365 and Windows11 are optimized to work together and give you the best customer experience. To learn more, view the Microsoft 365 page.

PC Health Check is an app on your PC that helps you understand the health of your computer better. It will also let you know if your computer meets the minimum system requirements to upgrade to Windows11. And if your computer is not eligible for the upgrade, it will show you why. See this article for more information on how to run PC Health Check.

  • Screens simulated. Features and app availabilitymay vary by region.
  • 1 Windows11 upgrade is available for eligible PCs that meet minimum device specifications. Upgrade timing may vary by device. Internet service fees may apply. Features and app availability may vary by region. Certain features require specific hardware (see Windows11 Specifications).
  • 2 Certain features require specific hardware, see Windows11 Specifications.
How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC (2024)
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