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DCBreAge's avatar
DCBreAge
Iron Contributor
Jul 30, 2025

Is Windows 11 upgrade free as windows 10 will end of support soon?

I was told by the tech admin that Windows 10 will be end of support soon. And he recommends me upgrading the current Windows 10 computer to Windows 11 for data safety. The problem is that the computer (Dell Precision 7510) never receives the upgrade notice. After running the PC Health Check app, it tells me the processor is not supported and there is no TPM and Secure Boot.  Full specs are:

CPU    Intel Xeon E3-1535MV5 / 2.9 GHz

RAM    16 GB (2 x 8 GB)

Graphics Processor (GPU)    NVIDIA Quadro M2000M

Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD)    256 GB SSD

Is Windows 11 upgrade free on this unsupported hardware as windows 10 will end of support soon?

 

8 Replies

  • Anlinbru's avatar
    Anlinbru
    Iron Contributor

    Yes. It is still free for upgrading to Windows 11 from Windows 10. And there is no need to buy additional Windows 11 product key. By the way, you can keep all the files and apps after upgrade.

  • Lightpurple's avatar
    Lightpurple
    Iron Contributor

    If the "Windows 11 upgrade free" option is not valid. There are some alternatives and options:

    1. Stick with Windows 10 until support ends, ensuring your system remains secure.
    2. Use unofficial methods to install Windows 11 if you want to Windows 11 upgrade free from Windows 10.
    3. This involves bypassing hardware checks, which can be risky.
    4. Use tools like the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool with some registry tweaks.
    5. Be aware that this may lead to instability or lack of updates.
    6. If feasible, adding a TPM module or upgrading the CPU/motherboard could enable official support.
    7. Consider Windows 10 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) if security is a concern, though it’s more suited for enterprise environments.
  • zainabrar_782's avatar
    zainabrar_782
    Copper Contributor

    Yes it is possible my computer has these specs and with no tpm 2.0 support. still i have windows 11 intalled and i get all the updates without any issue from windows update. 

     

  • Sirko's avatar
    Sirko
    Iron Contributor

    For Windows 10 PC that supports Windows 11,  free upgrade now before October 14, 2025.

    For unsupported Windows 10 PC, you can still install Windows 11 or consider ESU (up to Oct 2026), or transition to Linux or ChromeOS Flex if feasible.

    Summary:

    • Windows 11 upgrade is free, but only if your PC meets the requirements.
    • Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025.
    • Without support, your system becomes vulnerable to threats and less compatible with new software.
    • You can get one additional year of security support via ESU, possibly at no cost if you’re syncing data via a Microsoft Account.
    • For unsupported or older hardware, consider transitioning to Linux or ChromeOS Flex.
  • Hellemok's avatar
    Hellemok
    Iron Contributor

    To Windows 11 upgrade free, if you're moving from a legitimate Windows 10 installation, provided your hardware meets the requirements. However, in your case, the Dell Precision 7510's hardware does not meet the official Windows 11 requirements, mainly because:

    • The CPU (Intel Xeon E3-1535MV5) is not officially supported.
    • The system lacks TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support, both of which are mandatory for Windows 11.

     

    What does this mean?
    Officially, Microsoft requires devices to meet specific hardware criteria to upgrade to Windows 11.
    If your hardware doesn't meet these, the Windows 11 upgrade free will not be offered through Windows Update.
    However, it's technically possible to install Windows 11 manually on unsupported hardware, but this is not officially supported and can lead to issues like:

    • No automatic updates
    • Potential stability or security concerns
    • Loss of official support from Microsoft

     

    Regarding Windows 10 support

    • Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025.
    • Upgrading now to Windows 11 is optional, and not necessary for security until then, but it's recommended to prepare for future OS updates.
    • You can continue using Windows 10 safely until end of support, especially if you keep it updated with the latest patches.
  • Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. After that date, there will be no more security updates, feature updates, or technical assistance via Windows Update for standard editions like Home and Pro. Although Windows 10 will continue to function, you'll be increasingly vulnerable to malware and compatibility problems with newer software

    Is it still free to upgrade to Windows 11? This is one of most frequently asked questions among the Windows 10 users. The answer is a big yes no matter the computer is supported or unsupported by Windows 11. Windows 11 will be activated for free automatically with the Windows 10 product key.

    Windows 11 upgrade free from windows 10

    Free Windows 11 upgrade: If your PC is running Windows 10 version 22H2 or later (the final major release) and meets hardware requirements—including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and supported CPU and you can upgrade for free.

    Check eligibility via Settings → Windows Update, or use Microsoft’s PC Health Check app.

    You can also use the free Windows 11 Installation Assistant to perform the upgrade manually.

    Can I Stay with Windows 10 Past October 2025?

    Yes but with caveats:

    Microsoft offers a one-year Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for consumers, extending security patch support until October 2026, for a fee (≈ $30 per device). Some users may get it for free by syncing their PC via a Microsoft Account or using Microsoft Rewards points.

    Enterprise, Education, and Linux-based LTSC versions (e.g. Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021) may have support until 2032—but these are not typical for regular home or office use.

     

  • CassKaee's avatar
    CassKaee
    Iron Contributor

    Windows 11 upgrade free from Windows 10 can be a smooth process, but there are some potential dangers and considerations to keep in mind:

    • Some older hardware or software may not be fully compatible with Windows 11, leading to performance issues or functionality problems.
    • There's a risk of losing personal files or data if the upgrade isn't performed properly or if backups aren't made beforehand.
    • Certain applications, especially legacy or specialized software, may not work correctly after the upgrade.
    • During the Windows 11 upgrade free from Windows 10, if not done securely, there's a small risk of malware or malicious interference, especially if using unofficial sources or tools.
    • Early versions or beta releases of Windows 11 might have bugs that could cause crashes or other instability.
    • Drivers for peripherals or hardware components might not be immediately available or fully compatible, causing hardware malfunction.
    • Ensure your current Windows license qualifies for the free upgrade to avoid activation issues.

     

    Precautions to Take Before Upgrading:

    • Ensure your system is fully updated with current Windows updates before upgrading.
    • Download the upgrade from official Microsoft sources.
    • Consider creating a system restore point or a full system image.
  • BolinAlunsi's avatar
    BolinAlunsi
    Iron Contributor

    How to Windows 11 upgrade free?

    1. Ensure Your Windows 10 Is Up to Date
    Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates.

    2. Use Windows Update to Upgrade
    Once your hardware is compatible and Windows 10 is up to date:
    Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
    If your device is eligible, you'll see a message like “Upgrade to Windows 11 is ready” or similar.
    Click Download and install.

    3. Use the Installation Assistant 
    If the upgrade isn't offered via Windows Update:
    Visit the Windows 11 installation page.
    Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant and run it to upgrade.

    4. Create Installation Media
    If you want a clean install:
    Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's site.
    Create a bootable USB or DVD.
    Use it to install or upgrade Windows 11.

    Important Notes:

    • Windows 11 upgrade free for eligible Windows 10 devices.
    • If your device doesn’t meet hardware requirements, you might need to upgrade hardware or stick with Windows 10 (which will be supported until October 14, 2025).
    • Be cautious about bypassing hardware checks; unsupported devices may face issues or lack security updates.

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