The free upgrade to Windows 11 from a genuine Windows 10 license doesn't have a fixed end date, and remains available as long as your PC meets the system requirements, effectively making it free as long as Windows 10 is supported (until Oct 14, 2025, and beyond for existing upgrades). Microsoft has indicated the free upgrade path will continue indefinitely for eligible devices, with the focus shifting to getting users off Windows 10, whose support ends October 14, 2025.
The upgrade to Windows 11 is free from Microsoft. However, the Windows 11 upgrade download is large in size. Internet providers might charge fees for large downloads that occur over metered connections. To upgrade to Windows 11, devices must meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements.
Update to Windows 11 even on unsupported hardware! Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft will no longer provide free security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for the operating system after that date.
Can I upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 12 for free? No. There is no Windows 12 and there wasn't a Windows 11 either. The current version of Windows is 10, which is more of a brand name than a version number.
Yes, this is a one-time purchase for a permanent, lifetime retail license. It will never expire.
So, while there is no confirmed release date, the most realistic estimate for Windows 12's arrival is late 2025 or early 2026.
Windows 10 has reached the end of support on October 14, 2025. At this point technical assistance, feature updates and security updates is no longer provided. If you have devices running Windows 10, we recommend upgrading them to Windows 11, a more modern, secure, and highly efficient computing experience.
Upgrading to Windows 11 has disadvantages like stricter hardware requirements excluding older PCs, a learning curve for the redesigned Start Menu and Taskbar (which offer less functionality), potential compatibility issues with older software/drivers, forced Microsoft Account sign-ins, increased bloatware/ads, and more restrictive customization, though some changes are visual or fix bugs over time.
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 Windows 11 right away. This allows you to experience the benefits of Windows 11.
64-bit processor with an NPU of at least 40 TOPs of power. 16 GB of RAM (DDR5 or LPDDR5). 256GB capacity SSD or UFS storage drive. TPM 2.0 chip or equivalent (Intel PTT or AMD fTPM).
Individual users can extend support for one year, but will only receive critical security updates. Microsoft is set to end support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 2025, but those who are not ready to make the leap to Windows 11 can pay $30 to stay on the company's aging OS.
Windows 11's hardware requirements aren't a conspiracy to force new computer sales. You don't have to upgrade or throw away your old machine. Windows 10 will keep running after support ends, and you can stay secure with good practices and extended updates, or even switch to Linux.
Windows 11 is generally licensed with the device, so purchasing a new PC with Windows 11 pre-installed is the easiest way to get Windows 11 for free. If your PC was originally running Windows 10, and it's eligible, you can upgrade to Windows 11 free of charge via Windows Update.
RAM
4 GB. If your PC has less than 4GB of memory, there are sometimes options for upgrading to get additional RAM. You may want to consult your PC manufacturer's website or with a retailer to see if there are easy and affordable options to meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11.
Obtaining a free or "free" Windows 11 product key from unofficial sources can pose several significant risks, including: 1. Legal Issues: Using unauthorized or free Windows 11 product keys is a violation of Microsoft's licensing terms and can be considered software piracy, which is illegal.
As of now, Microsoft has not officially announced a release date for Windows 12. However, current speculation suggests it may be released in fall 2025 or early 2026.
Nothing in particular is going to happen after October 14. Your computer will keep working the way it has, and you're unlikely to run into issues. That doesn't mean it's a great idea to keep using Windows 10, though. That's because the system will no longer receive security updates or patches from Microsoft.
The animations, transparency effects, and shadows in Windows 11's user interface are stylish, but they're also demanding on RAM and GPU. “These [effects] look great, but they can also use additional system resources and can slow down your PC,” warns Microsoft.
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Yes, you can still use Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, but your PC will no longer receive free security updates, making it vulnerable; you'll need to upgrade to Windows 11, pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU), or risk increased security threats, as it will still function but without support or patches.
While Microsoft hasn't officially announced all the details, reliable sources suggest Windows 12 will deliver stronger performance perks. According to rumours: A modular OS approach so unnecessary background components can be trimmed for faster boot and lighter memory footprint.
Windows 11's built-in Defender is actually pretty solid for most users, so you might not need extra antivirus. But if you want extra protection for business use, a third-party option like McAfee is fine—just uninstall Defender first to avoid conflicts.
Officially, no, your PC doesn't meet the requirements (mainly TPM 2.0 and a supported CPU). However, you can bypass those checks and install it anyway, and it will probably run surprisingly well on your SSD.
So the advice is something like this: Ignore the official 4GB spec requirement. That's usually the bare minimum needed to boot the software rather than run it well. Ignore 8GB as well since you'll run into bottlenecks when multitasking. It's 16GB that's the new baseline for a smooth user experience.