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Anony's avatar
Anony
Iron Contributor
Aug 01, 2025

How to get windows 11 for free on new pc?

I just built a new PC and need to install Windows 11. I read a few posts online and know there are ways to get it for free legally, but not sure what the best method is. Can I use the official Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft to get windows 11 for free on new pc, and what limitations does that have?

Any risks with third-party tools claiming 'free activation'? I want to stay within legal boundaries, so any advice on official free options would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

6 Replies

  • Uasome's avatar
    Uasome
    Iron Contributor

    Do you have a Windows 10 product key? If yes, then you can get Windows 11 free on new pc with Windows 10 product key after installation.

  • Bamkoum's avatar
    Bamkoum
    Iron Contributor

    Getting Windows 11 for free on a new computer is possible if:

    • The computer comes with Windows 11 pre-installed from the manufacturer (which is common for new PCs).
    • You upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 if your device meets the hardware requirements.
    • You have a valid Windows 10 license, which allows you to upgrade to Windows 11 at no extra cost, provided your system meets the necessary specs.

     

    Important notes:

    • 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.
    • Downloading or installing Windows 11 without a valid license or from unofficial sources is not legal.
  • Massum's avatar
    Massum
    Iron Contributor

    While getting Windows 11 for free from Microsoft's official sources and using it in an unactivated state is generally safe and legal, there are some considerations and potential risks to be aware of:

    1. Unactivated Windows 11 has restrictions
    Personalization options (changing wallpapers, themes, etc.) are disabled.
    A persistent watermark reminding you to activate.
    Some updates or features may be restricted, though security updates are typically still delivered.

    2. Legal and Compliance Risks
    Using Windows without a valid license violates Microsoft's terms of service.
    While installing from official ISO is legal, using it without activation beyond the trial period might be considered non-compliant.

    3. Security Risks with Unauthorized Activation Methods
    Third-party tools or cracks claiming to get Windows 11 for free are risky:
    They often contain malware, viruses, or spyware.
    They can compromise your system security and privacy.
    They may cause system instability or data loss.
    They can deactivate or disable your Windows unexpectedly.

  • Americaaman's avatar
    Americaaman
    Iron Contributor

    I successfully got Windows 11 installed on my new PC with a Windows 7 product key. Thought Upgrading from ​​Windows 7 to Windows 11 for free​​ is ​​not officially supported by Microsoft​​,  there are a few ​​workarounds​​ that some users have tried. However, it's important to understand the ​​limitations, risks, and requirements​​ before proceeding.

    Microsoft officially ended the ​​free Windows 10 upgrade program​​ in ​​July 2016​​, but a loophole still exists. You can use the ​​"Media Creation Tool"​​ or ​​Windows 10 installation media​​ to ​​upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free​​, and Microsoft may still ​​activate Windows 11 automatically​​ if your Windows 7 was ​​genuine (activated)​​.

    To get Windows 11 free from Windows 7, first ​​run the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool​​ and choose "Upgrade this PC now"​​. If this copy of Windows 7 was ​​genuine​​, Windows 10 will be activated for free automatically.

    Next, download Windows 11 ISO and run the setup.exe to upgrade to Windows 11. 

  • Alyvie89's avatar
    Alyvie89
    Iron Contributor

    Getting Windows 11 for free is possible under certain conditions, primarily if you already have a genuine Windows 10 license or if your device meets specific hardware requirements. Here's how you can get Windows 11 legally and at no extra cost:

    1. Upgrade from Windows 11
    Eligibility: If your PC is running genuine Windows 10 and meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, you can upgrade for free.

    How to get Windows 11 for free:

    • Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    • Click Check for updates.
    • If your device is eligible, you'll see an option to upgrade to Windows 11.
    • Follow the prompts to download and install the upgrade.

    2. Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant

    • Microsoft offers a Windows 11 Installation Assistant that can upgrade compatible PCs.
    • Download it from the official.
    • Run the tool and follow instructions.

    3. Create a Bootable USB/ISO for Fresh Install

    If you want to do a clean installation:

    • Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
    • Use it to create a bootable USB drive or ISO file.
    • When prompted for a product key during installation, select "I don't have a product key" — activation will be automatic later if your device is eligible.

    4. Check Hardware Compatibility

    Your PC must meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11:

    • Compatible 64-bit processor
    • 4GB RAM or more
    • 64GB storage or more
    • Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 enabled
    • Use the PC Health Check tool from Microsoft to verify compatibility.
  • You can upgrade a new PC running Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free if it meets the minimum system requirements. 

    Step 1: Check if Your PC Meets Windows 11 Requirements

    Windows 11 requires:

    • CPU: 1 GHz or faster with 2+ cores (64-bit compatible, 8th Gen Intel or AMD Zen 2+ recommended)
    • RAM: 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
    • Storage: 64 GB or more
    • TPM: Version 2.0 (Check via tpm.msc in Run)
    • Secure Boot: Enabled (Check in BIOS/UEFI)
    • Graphics: DirectX 12 compatible / WDDM 2.x

    Step 2: Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free

    1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    2. Click Check for updates.
    3. If Windows 11 is available, select Download and install.

    If your PC is officially supported by Windows 11, upgrade via Windows Update or Installation Assistant. This is one of the best way to get windows 11 for free from Windows 10. For unsupported PCs, consider upgrading hardware (e.g., enabling TPM 2.0 in BIOS) or using workarounds (at your own risk).

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