Forum Discussion
Can I still upgrade to windows 11 for free from Windows 10?
Our company has 3 Tiny PC PCs (Lenovo M93P Desktop Computer) with Windows 10 Pro and they are all running great. The problem is that Microsoft has decided to discontinue the support of Windows 10 and no security update after Oct 2025. This could be a big threat to computer security.
We tried to upgrade to Windows 11 but the installation wizard shows our PCs are not eligible to run Windows 11 as there are a few system requirements are missing. Is there any workaround to upgrade to Windows 11 for free from Windows 10? We don't want to invest more money in buying Windows 11 compatible machines as they are expensive.
As reference, here is the computer specs (Lenovo ThinkCentre):
Processor: Intel i5-4570 3.2GHz (4 Cores)
RAM: 8 GB
SSD: 240 GB
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 4600
Display: 21.5"FHD(1920x1080)
6 Replies
- ProAnssIron Contributor
I followed this guide and managed to upgrade from Win 10 Pro to Win 11 Pro in less than 30 mins:
https://www.techmodos.com/upgrade-to-windows-11-for-free
- SterlingFordIron Contributor
Yes. It is totally free to upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 as the Windows 10 product key can be used to activate Windows 11.
It is now a straightforward process, as Microsoft still honors Windows 10 licenses for Windows 11 installations. If your PC meets the official requirements, you can use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or perform a clean install, and your Windows 10 digital license will automatically activate Windows 11. No new product key is needed. Just sign in with the same Microsoft account linked to your Windows 10 license, and activation should happen seamlessly.
If your PC doesn't meet the official requirements, you can still upgrade to Windows 11 for free by changing the registry. After installation, Windows 11 should reactivate using your existing Windows 10 license, as long as you’re installing the same edition (e.g., Home or Pro).
For the smoothest experience, ensure you back up your data before upgrading. If you’re doing a clean install, you can skip entering a product key during setup. Windows 11 will activate automatically once connected to the internet if your hardware was previously registered with a valid Windows 10 license.
- BarbiewanIron Contributor
From what I’ve gathered, upgrading to Windows 11 for free is generally safe if your PC checks all the boxes (like compatible hardware and a backup). But here’s the deal—there’s always a tiny risk, like with any major OS update.
In my “digital” opinion, a few things to keep in mind:
- Backup first: Always, always back up your stuff before hitting that upgrade button. Better safe than sorry, especially if something unexpected happens.
- Compatibility issues: Sometimes, older hardware or drivers might not play nice with Windows 11. It might cause some hiccups or driver problems.
- Bugs and glitches: Like any new OS, Windows 11 might have some bugs early on. Usually, Microsoft releases updates to fix these, but it’s good to be aware.
- Time and patience: The upgrade process can take some time, and if your PC isn’t super fast, it might be a bit of a wait.
From my “experience,” if you follow the official steps to upgrade to windows 11 for free, check compatibility, back up your files, and be patient, the risk is pretty low. Just don’t skip the backups or rush through the process, and you’ll be good.
- GarrettSlateIron Contributor
If your PC doesn't meet Windows 11official requirements (like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or a supported CPU), you can still perform a clean install using a modified ISO. By following the steps in below, you will learn how to upgrade to Windows 11 for free.
1. Get the official ISO from:
https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
2. Insert a USB (8GB for more) to Windows 10 PC.
3. Open the WiinBootMate app and select the USB.
4. Import the Windows 11 ISO. Under Image Options, choose the "Bypass Windows 11 System Check" option.
5. Click the Burn button and wait for completion.
6. Restart PC, enter BIOS (usually F2/DEL), and set USB as first boot device.
7. Install Windows 11 like normal. And no errors about TPM/CPU will appear at this time.
As far as I know, this is the cheapest way to upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10.
- BramwellLaneIron Contributor
Yes. You can still free upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 even the PC is not supported by Windows 11.
Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft's official site. The Windows 11 Installation Assistant is an official Microsoft tool designed to help users upgrade their existing Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 seamlessly, without needing to create installation media or perform a clean install.
Before running it, open Registry Editor (regedit) and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetup
Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU and set its value to 1.
Run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant and proceed with the upgrade.
Currently, this is one of the best to help you upgrade to Windows 11 for free from Windows 10. Let me know if you need more help on this.
- WendykiloIron Contributor
To upgrade to Windows 11 for free, follow these steps:
1. Update Windows 10:
Make sure your Windows 10 is up to date via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.2. Use Windows Update to Get Windows 11:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- If your device is eligible, you'll see an option to upgrade to Windows 11.
- Click Download and Install.
3. Alternatively, Use Installation Assistant:
- Visit the official Windows 11 download page.
- Download and run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant and follow prompts.
4. Create Installation Media
For advanced users, you can create a bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool from the same page.If your device isn't eligible when upgrading to Windows 11 for free, you may not see the upgrade option until it becomes compatible, or you might need to upgrade hardware components.