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Mikdao's avatar
Mikdao
Copper Contributor
Mar 17, 2026

Is the Windows 10 upgrade still free to windows 11?

Just wondering if the free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 still works in 2026. My PC is still on Windows 10, and I am trying to figure out whether I can move to Windows 11 without paying for a new license.

Is the Windows 10 upgrade still free to windows 11? Did Windows 11 activate automatically with the Windows 10 license, or did Microsoft stop that? Also curious if there are any catches now, especially with hardware requirements. 

By the way, why my computer still does not receive the Windows 10 free upgrade notice to windows 11? I bought this PC 10 years ago.

Thanks

9 Replies

  • Timothy1525's avatar
    Timothy1525
    Iron Contributor

    Yes, as of 2026, the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is still free for eligible PCs.

    Microsoft has not set an official end date for this "promotional" period. In fact, now that Windows 10 has passed its official end-of-support date (October 14, 2025), Microsoft is more incentivized than ever to help users move to Windows 11 for security reasons.

    The Windows 10 free upgrade print for 2026

    While the license is free, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

    Hardware Requirements: Your PC must still meet the minimum hardware specs (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a compatible processor). If your PC was ineligible in 2021, it is still technically ineligible now.

    "Like-for-Like" Rule: You will get the version of Windows 11 that matches your current Windows 10 edition. For example, Windows 10 Home upgrades to Windows 11 Home for free. If you want to move from Home to Pro, you’ll still have to pay the standard upgrade fee (usually around $99).

    Windows 10 Support Status: Since Windows 10 is no longer receiving standard security updates, it is highly recommended to upgrade as soon as possible to avoid vulnerabilities.

    How to get Windows 10 upgrade to windows 11 free

    If your PC is compatible, you can find the upgrade by going to:

    Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.

    If it doesn't show up there but you know your PC is compatible, you can use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant to force the process manually.

  • Leonardfu's avatar
    Leonardfu
    Copper Contributor

    Using the Windows Insider Program is another option to access Windows 11 early, but it’s important to understand how it relates to the Windows 10 free upgrade to Windows 11 process.

    Windows 10 free upgrade to Windows 11 is generally available as a standard upgrade for compatible devices through Windows Update or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. However, if your device doesn’t meet the minimum requirements or you want early access to Windows 11 features, the Windows Insider Program can be an alternative.

    If you choose to use the Windows Insider Program for a Windows 10 free upgrade to Windows 11:

    1. Join the Windows Insider Program:

    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program.
    • Sign in with your Microsoft account.
    • Choose the Insider channel (Dev, Beta, or Release Preview). The Beta channel is more stable but still preview.

    2. Check for Updates:

    • After enrolling, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    • Click Check for updates.
    • If your device is eligible, you'll see the option to upgrade to a Windows 11 Insider build.

    3. Download and Install:

    • Follow prompts to download and install the Insider build.
    • Your device will restart several times during this process.
  • Eliseoiw's avatar
    Eliseoiw
    Copper Contributor

    As of October 2023, the free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is still available for eligible devices. Microsoft officially offered the upgrade for free to Windows 10 users whose PCs meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11.

    Using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant is a straightforward way to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, especially if you want to ensure a smooth and official upgrade process. If you're planning to do a Windows 10 free upgrade to Windows 11, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant can be a useful tool.

    How the Windows 11 Installation Assistant Can Help

    1. Facilitates a Direct Upgrade:

    The Windows 11 Installation Assistant performs a direct upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, ensuring compatibility and a smooth transition.

    2. Bypasses Common Update Errors:

    If you're experiencing errors such as the Windows 11 version 25H2 install error 0x800f0983 during traditional update methods, the Installation Assistant often bypasses these issues by handling the upgrade process differently.

    3. Free to Use:This tool is completely free, making it a cost-free solution for users looking to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

    How to Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant for a Free Upgrade

    Step 1: Check Compatibility

    Step 2: Download the Installation Assistant

    Step 3: Run the Tool

    Step 4: Begin the Upgrade

    Step 5: Complete the Installation

    If you are going for the Windows 10 free upgrade to Windows 11, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant is a straightforward, free, and effective method. It simplifies the upgrade process and often avoids issues encountered with other update methods.

  • Ercocombro's avatar
    Ercocombro
    Iron Contributor

    If Windows 10 upgrade to Windows 11 is not available on your PC, it usually isn't a software bug but rather a specific hardware requirement that isn't being met. Windows 11 has stricter security and processor standards than Windows 10 did.

    1. TPM 2.0 is Disabled or Missing

    This is the #1 culprit. The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 is a security chip. Many PCs have it, but it is often turned off in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

    How to check:

    Press Win + R, type tpm.msc, and hit Enter.

    If it says "Compatible TPM cannot be found," you likely need to enable "PTT" (Intel) or "fTPM" (AMD) in your BIOS.

    2. Unsupported Processor (CPU)

    Microsoft dropped support for many older chips. Generally, you need:

    Intel: 8th Generation or newer.

    AMD: Ryzen 2000 series or newer.

    If your CPU is older than 2018, Windows Update will likely block the install, even if the PC still feels fast.

    There are many workarounds for windows 10 free upgrade to windows 11 on unsupported hardware. However, Microsoft warns that these PCs may not receive critical security updates, which is a significant risk now that we are in 2026.

  • HoltSawye's avatar
    HoltSawye
    Iron Contributor

    UUP Dump is a method for creating a custom Windows 11 ISO image that incorporates a built-in mechanism to bypass hardware requirements, enabling you to complete the windows 10 free upgrade on unsupported hardware without the need for third-party tools. Essentially, it allows you to create a custom installation image directly from Microsoft’s official update files.

    User Guide: First, visit the website and search for the version of Windows 11 you want. Next, select your preferred language and system edition. Then, go to the Advanced Options and tick the box labelled ‘Include Windows 11 requirements bypass’ to enable the hardware detection bypass feature.

    Afterwards, download the build script provided on the website and run it on your Windows computer to generate a custom Windows 11 ISO image with the bypass feature integrated. Finally, use this ISO image to install Windows 11 and complete your windows 10 free upgrade.

  • YatesGriffin's avatar
    YatesGriffin
    Iron Contributor

    Flyby11 is a simple, open‑source tool that helps you bypass Windows 11 hardware checks and smoothly perform the windows 10 free upgrade.

    Basic Information

    Download: Software download required

    Free: Yes

    Open source: Yes

    Type: One-click patching tool

    Operating environment: Runs directly on Windows systems

    How to use

    Step 1: Download the software from the official website.

    Step 2: Run the tool on your Windows 10 computer.

    Step 3: Let it automatically resolve the Windows 11 installation requirements.

    Step 4: Continue installing Windows 11 and finish your windows 10 free upgrade.

    Cons

    • Only bypasses checks; does not fix driver or stability issues on old hardware.
    • May be broken by future Windows updates.
    • Potential compatibility risks with some devices.
  • The fact that you haven’t received it yet confirms that it isn’t supported. If you’d like to try Windows 11, you can bypass this restriction via a registry tweak during the installation process. This allows you to install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware whilst still being eligible for the windows 10 free upgrade.

    How to windows 10 free upgrade

    1. Boot your PC from the Windows 11 installation USB drive.
    2. When you see the message This PC can't run Windows 11, press Shift + F10 to open Command Prompt.
    3. Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
    4. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
    5. Right-click Setup → New → Key → Name it LabConfig.
    6. In LabConfig, create these DWORD (32-bit) Values and set all data to 1:
    • BypassTPMCheck = 1
    • BypassSecureBootCheck = 1
    • BypassCPUCheck = 1
    • BypassRAMCheck = 1
    • BypassStorageCheck = 1

         7.Close Registry Editor and Command Prompt.

    Although I bypassed this using the registry during installation, I should warn you that on older hardware, this may lead to system instability, driver conflicts or restrictions on updates.