Last updated on January 23, 2026
Still on Windows 10 in 2026? Here’s How to Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free (Post End-of-Life)
If you’re still running Windows 10, this guide is for you. The old trick of upgrading from Windows 7 or 8 is ancient history. The real conversation in 2026 is about the end of support for Windows 10, which officially happened back in October 2025. Sticking with an unsupported OS is a major security risk you can’t afford to take.
The good news? Microsoft is still providing a path to upgrade to Windows 11 free if you have a valid Windows 10 license. In this definitive guide, I’ll walk you through how to make the jump, what you’ll need, and what to do if your hardware isn’t officially supported.
Heads Up: Windows 10 End-of-Life Is Not a Drill
Since October 2025, Windows 10 no longer receives crucial public security updates. What does that mean in plain English? Your computer is becoming more vulnerable every day to new viruses, malware, and other cyber threats. Protecting your personal data and privacy is now an uphill battle.
While paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) are an option for businesses, my recommendation for the average user is clear: upgrading is your best move. If you’re curious about the paid options, you can check out our guide on Windows 10’s end-of-life options for 2026.
Windows 11 System Requirements: Does Your PC Make the Cut?
Before you get started, you need to check if your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11. These specs, especially the TPM 2.0 and CPU requirements, left a lot of perfectly good Windows 10 machines behind. Here’s the official checklist:
| Component | Minimum Requirement |
| Processor (CPU) | 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC). |
| RAM | 4 GB or more. |
| Storage | 64 GB or larger storage device. |
| System Firmware | UEFI, Secure Boot capable. |
| TPM | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0. |
| Graphics Card | Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver. |
| Display | High definition (720p) display greater than 9″ diagonally, 8 bits per color channel. |
How to Check Compatibility with Microsoft’s PC Health Check App
Instead of manually digging through your system specs, Microsoft offers a free tool called PC Health Check. It’s the fastest and most reliable way to know if your machine is ready for Windows 11.
1. Download the PC Health Check app from the official Microsoft website.
2. Install and run the tool. You’ll see a dashboard with your PC’s health status.
3. In the “Introducing Windows 11” banner at the top, click the “Check now” button.
4. The app will give you an instant yes or no. If your PC isn’t compatible, it will tell you exactly why—like a missing TPM 2.0 chip or an unsupported CPU.
How to Upgrade to Windows 11 Free From Windows 10
If your PC gets the green light, the process is straightforward. You’ve got a few options, but I always recommend starting with the first one.
Option 1: Via Windows Update (The Easiest Method)
This is the ideal way to upgrade. It’s fully automated and keeps all your files, apps, and settings intact.
1. Go to
Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click “Check for updates”.
3. If your PC is compatible and the update has been rolled out to your device, you’ll see a large banner for the Windows 11 upgrade. Just click “Download and install”.
4. The system handles the rest. This can take a while and will require a few reboots, so be patient!
Option 2: Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant
If Windows Update isn’t offering the upgrade, you can use the official Installation Assistant to kickstart the process.
1. Head over to the official Microsoft Windows 11 software download page.
2. Under the first section, “Windows 11 Installation Assistant,” click “Download Now”.
3. Run the downloaded tool. It will first double-check your PC’s compatibility (using the same logic as the PC Health Check app).
4. If everything checks out, just follow the on-screen prompts to download and install the new OS.
Option 3: Create Bootable Media with the Windows 11 ISO
This is for more advanced users who want to perform a clean install (wiping everything) or create a bootable USB drive to upgrade another PC.
1. On the same download page, find the section labeled “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”.
2. Select “Windows 11” from the dropdown menu and click “Download”.
3. Once you have the ISO file, you can use the “Media Creation Tool” (also on that page) to create a bootable USB drive, or simply mount the ISO in Windows 10 (right-click > Mount) and run the `setup.exe` file from there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the Windows 11 upgrade still free in 2026?
- Yes. As of January 2026, if you have a genuine, activated copy of Windows 10, the upgrade to Windows 11 through Microsoft’s official channels is still completely free.
- What if my PC doesn’t meet the minimum requirements?
- While Microsoft doesn’t recommend it due to potential stability and security issues, methods do exist to bypass the TPM 2.0 and CPU checks. If you choose to take the risk, I strongly advise searching for a reputable, up-to-date guide on installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware. Proceed at your own risk.
- Will I lose my files and apps when I upgrade?
- If you use Windows Update or the Installation Assistant, the process is designed to keep all of your personal files, programs, and settings. However, I always recommend backing up your important data before any major OS upgrade. Better safe than sorry.
- Can I go back to Windows 10 if I don’t like Windows 11?
- Yes. For 10 days after you upgrade, you can easily roll back to Windows 10 by going to
Settings > System > Recovery. After 10 days, this option is removed, and you would need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 to go back.
Once you’ve upgraded, the change is well worth it—not just for the modern interface, but for the crucial security and performance enhancements that will keep your PC protected in 2026 and beyond.