Free upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11 when available1

[1] upgrade rollout plan is being finalised and is scheduled to begin late in 2021 and continue into 2022. Specific timing will vary by device. Certain features require specific hardware, see https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-specifications

Frequently asked questions

New Windows has all the power and security of Windows 10 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.

PCs with New Windows pre-installed will be available later this year.

It depends! Many different manufacturers will offer a variety of devices that will run New Windows. All at different price points.

PCs that come with New Windows pre-installed will be available from a broad selection of retailers later this year. Details to come.

If your accessories worked with Windows 10 and meet the New Windows requirements, they should work with New Windows. If you want to be sure, please check with your accessory manufacturer.

Most Windows 10 PCs currently being sold will be able to upgrade to New Windows. For the PC to be able to upgrade to New Windows, it must meet the minimum hardware specifications and specific hardware is required for some features https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications. The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalised but is scheduled to begin late in 2021 and continue into 2022. Specific timing will vary by device.

There are a few ways to find out. If you're currently shopping for a new PC look for �Free upgrade to Windows 11� (when available, see below) on the device product page. You can also ask your retail sales professional to confirm.

If your existing Windows 10 PC is running the most current version of Windows 10 and meets the minimum hardware specifications https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications it will be able to upgrade to New Windows. The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalised, but for most devices already in use today, we expect it to be ready sometime in early 2022. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible to upgrade to New Windows will be offered to upgrade at the same time. To see if your PC is eligible to upgrade, download the PC Health Check app. Once the upgrade rollout has started, you can check if it is ready for your device by going to Settings/Windows Updates.

If you'd like to see if your current PC meets the minimum requirements, you can download the PC Health Check app Upgrade to the New Windows 11 OS | Microsoft.

Yes! Windows 10 continues to be a great version of Windows. We have committed to supporting Windows 10 until 14 October 2025.

Upgrades to New Windows will begin to roll out late in 2021 and continue into 2022. During this time, we will be doing some behind the scenes testing and validating for your specific PC. Windows Update will provide an indication if and when your PC is eligible. You can check to see by going to Settings/Windows Update.

It's free. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows 10 in Settings/Windows Update.

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 Windows 10 to New Windows. 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. This end date will be no sooner than one year from general availability.

Yes. You do not have to upgrade to New Windows. We will continue to support Windows 10 until 14 October 2025.

No. New Windows and Windows 10 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 ten days after the upgrade is complete.

New Windows is the newest version of Windows. However, we will continue to support Windows 10 until October 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 here

Yes. After you have installed the New Windows upgrade there is a 10 day period where you can move back to Windows 10 while keeping files and data that you brought along with you. After the 10 days you will need to back up your data and do a �clean install� to move back to Windows 10.

Downloading and installing New Windows will most likely take longer than a typical Windows 10 feature update. You can use your PC while you're downloading it and then you have the option to schedule the install to happen at a specific time when you aren't planning on using your PC.

If your PC meets the minimum hardware specifications, the Windows 10 Home edition in S mode can upgrade to the New Windows Home edition in S mode. If your Windows 10 PC is running the Pro edition in S mode you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade to New Windows Pro. New Windows Pro edition is not available in S mode.

You can use the PC Health Check app to determine if your device is eligible to upgrade to New Windows. Many PCs that are less than four years old will be able to upgrade to New Windows. They must be running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware requirements.