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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 Window...
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Americaaman's avatar
Americaaman
Iron Contributor
Aug 01, 2025

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. 

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