Yes, Windows 11 updates are free, and so is upgrading an eligible Windows 10 PC. The catch is the hardware rules. Here’s how to check your PC, how to upgrade safely, and what to do if it doesn’t qualify.
Is Windows 11 free?
Windows 11’s monthly security updates and yearly feature updates cost nothing. Upgrading from Windows 10 is also free, as long as your PC meets Microsoft’s minimum requirements. Microsoft confirmed in January 2025 that the free upgrade path remains in place. If you’re asked to pay for a Windows 11 upgrade on a compatible PC, be suspicious.
Will my PC run Windows 11?
These are the main requirements. Most PCs bought from about 2018 onwards pass. Older ones usually fail on the processor or the security chip.
Supported processor
Roughly Intel 8th generation or AMD Ryzen 2000 series and newer, 64-bit.
TPM 2.0 chip
A security chip built into most recent PCs. Sometimes it just needs switching on.
UEFI with Secure Boot
Modern start-up firmware. Very old BIOS-only machines can’t upgrade.
4GB RAM, 64GB storage
The minimum. 8GB and an SSD make Windows 11 far more pleasant.
The quick check: on Windows 10 go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If your PC qualifies, you’ll usually see a Windows 11 upgrade offer there. Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app gives a full report.
How to upgrade safely
Back up first
Copy documents, photos and passwords to an external drive or cloud storage. The upgrade keeps your files, but a backup means nothing can go wrong.
Check updates
Install all pending Windows 10 updates and restart.
Start the upgrade
Use the Windows 11 offer in Windows Update, or Microsoft’s Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Choose to keep your files and apps.
Leave it to finish
Keep the laptop plugged in. It can take an hour or more and restart several times.
Check everything works
Open your email, printer and key programs. If something’s badly wrong, you can go back to Windows 10 within 10 days from Settings > System > Recovery.
PC not compatible? Your options
Stay on Windows 10 safely
Enrol in Extended Security Updates for updates to 12 October 2027. Free with Windows Backup or Microsoft Rewards points, or a one-off paid option.
Upgrade the parts that matter
An SSD and more memory make an old laptop feel new. They can’t fix an unsupported processor.
Replace it
If the PC is very old or slow, a new or refurbished machine may be better value.
Avoid unsupported hacks
Workarounds can force Windows 11 onto old PCs, but Microsoft doesn’t guarantee they’ll get updates.
To enrol in Extended Security Updates you need Windows 10 version 22H2 with the latest updates and a Microsoft account. Look for the enrolment option in Windows Update.
SSD upgrade with Windows installed
240GB £139 · 480GB £179 · 1TB £219. Includes internal cleaning. The biggest speed boost an older laptop can get.
A clean Windows install on your current drive
Files moved safely to a new PC or a portable drive
You’ll always know the price before any work starts. See all prices.
Questions
Are Windows 11 updates really free?
Yes. Security updates and yearly feature updates are free for as long as your version of Windows 11 is supported.
Is it safe to keep using Windows 10?
Only with Extended Security Updates. Without them, Windows 10 hasn’t had security fixes since 14 October 2025, so it gets riskier every month, especially for banking and email.
Will upgrading delete my files?
A normal upgrade keeps your files and most apps. Always back up first anyway.
Can I go back to Windows 10?
Yes, within 10 days of upgrading, from Settings > System > Recovery. After that it means a full reinstall.
Do I need a Microsoft account?
Setting up Windows 11 Home normally needs one, and enrolling in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates does too.
Can you check my PC for me?
Yes. Ring with the make and model and I can often tell you over the phone. Otherwise drop it off at North Cave or book a home visit.
Related: Windows 10 Security Updates Now Run to October 2027: What It Means and What to Do
How I can help
Need a hand with this?
Free advice over the phone. Mon–Fri 10–6, Sat 10–2, early drop-off and evenings by arrangement.