In a major clarification for Windows users worldwide, Microsoft has confirmed that upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10 is free for all supported devices — with no official end date on this offer. This message comes at a critical moment as Windows 10 support officially ended on October 14, 2025, leaving millions of machines without ongoing security updates unless they move to a supported OS.
What This Means
Since Windows 10 reached end of support in 2025, Microsoft has been encouraging users to transition to Windows 11. However, there was confusion earlier over whether the free upgrade would expire. Microsoft has now explicitly confirmed that eligible systems — meaning devices that meet the minimum Windows 11 hardware requirements — can still get the upgrade at no charge. Forbes
This upgrade includes:
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No purchase cost to move from Windows 10 to Windows 11
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Ability to keep your existing license and data during the upgrade
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New features such as a revamped interface, improved security, Copilot AI integration, and productivity enhancements built into the OS
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Continued feature and security updates under the Windows 11 lifecycle
Eligibility Matters
While the upgrade itself is free, it’s not automatic for every device. Microsoft still enforces minimum hardware requirements — including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and certain CPU specifications — that help ensure a secure and modern computing experience. Only devices that meet these requirements will show the upgrade in Windows Update. Microsoft Support
If Windows Update doesn’t offer the upgrade automatically, users can check compatibility with the PC Health Check tool or manually install via Microsoft’s installation tools.
Why This Matters
With Windows 10 no longer receiving security patches, devices that remain on it risk increased vulnerability to malware, ransomware, and other threats. Transitioning to Windows 11 ensures:
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Ongoing security updates
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Continued support for Microsoft 365 apps
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Compatibility with new apps and hardware
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New productivity features introduced in Windows 11
For IT administrators and consumers alike, this free upgrade pathway removes one of the most common barriers to modernization — cost. However, the biggest hurdle remains hardware compatibility, especially for older machines. Microsoft Support
What to Do if You Can’t Upgrade
Not every device will qualify. If your PC doesn’t meet Windows 11’s minimum requirements, you still have options:
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Stay on Windows 10 temporarily using Extended Security Updates (ESUs) where available
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Install a modern Linux distribution (like Ubuntu or Linux Mint) to keep the system secure beyond EOS
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Consider hardware upgrades or new PCs designed with Windows 11 in mind
