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AmeliaAdams's avatar
AmeliaAdams
Iron Contributor
Aug 25, 2025

Can I upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 11 for free 2025?

Just curious if it is still possible to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 11. I need to test my apps in Windows 11 environment but currently only have a Windows 7 laptop living in the garage. My main work...
device management
Junapeta's avatar
Junapeta
Iron Contributor
Aug 25, 2025

The Biggest Hurdle: Windows 11 System Requirements

This is the most critical part. Even if the upgrade is free, your Windows 7-era PC likely does not meet the strict hardware requirements for Windows 11. The main hurdles are:

TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): This is a security chip that must be present and enabled on your motherboard. Most PCs made before 2016-2017 do not have TPM 2.0 (they might have TPM 1.2).

Secure Boot: A security standard that must be supported and enabled in your BIOS/UEFI.

CPU: Your processor must be on Microsoft's official list of supported CPUs. Generally, this means 8th Gen Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 2000 series and newer. Most CPUs that came with Windows 7 are too old.

If your computer meets windows 11 system requirements, then you can upgrade windows 7 to windows 11 in a totally free way.

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