At the latest since the recent Microsoft live event it is finally clear: The successor of Windows 10 is a classic operating system and not a SaaS model. The developers also announced that a lot of people will be able to get Windows 11 free as an upgrade. Which requirements apply here and why it is still very worthwhile to purchase a Windows 10 license, we will explain immediately.
When will Windows 11 be Out?
According to the latest rumors, Microsoft’s next operating system will be launched on October 20, 2021. This confirms the information from the first leaks. As usual, private customers who buy a fully equipped PC from that point on will get Windows 11 as a basis.
All users who do not plan to update their hardware in the near future and only upgrade an existing system will probably have to wait until early 2022. Only then will you get Windows 11 free to download. However, this can also have an advantage: incisive update bugs or similar error codes will have long been eliminated by then.
Windows 11 Free Upgrade from Windows 10!
In the FAQ from Microsoft it is stated quite clearly – Windows 11 is free of charge as an upgrade from Windows 10. This is similar to what the software company did with the predecessor in 2015.
There is no known expiration date for this offer either, at least at this time. However, Microsoft is advising customers that they reserve the right to discontinue this free version, with the earliest date to remove it being one year after the release.
So, if you want to get Windows 11 for free in any case, you should hurry up and, if in doubt, already upgrade to Windows 10 Pro now.
The Requirements for the Free Upgrade
- You need the latest version of Windows 10. In the Settings (Windows logo key + I) under Update and Security at Windows Update you can see if you are up to date. Right here you will also find the option to upgrade Windows 11 for free. This step will not start automatically like comparable feature updates, but you have to specifically choose it.
- Furthermore, your device must meet the minimum requirements for the new operating system. Internet connection, 4 GB RAM, processor compatible with 64-bit as well as 64 GB of free storage space are certainly part of it. Consequently, Microsoft demands much more performance than what was still the case for Windows 10. On the other hand, every modern PC should have a display with at least 9 inches and 720p. Soon, there will also be an app for the official compatibility test.
Windows 11 Free for Windows 7 and 8?
If you still rely on one of the older versions, you should think about switching to download Windows 11 at the latest. In addition to the numerous features, support for outdated software will gradually be dropped – at around the beginning of 2020 for Windows 7. Windows 10 will still receive security updates until October 2025.
It is also questionable whether Windows 10 can simply be skipped during the upgrade. Currently, it looks like Windows 7 will be accepted as well as a Windows 8.1 key, and you can then install Windows 11 free of charge. However, this upgrade will run less smoothly and functions such as the transfer of your files or programs will be omitted.
So better get informed today than tomorrow and learn how you can upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 in just a few steps.
Windows 11: Download and Upgrade NOW!
In summary, Microsoft is not giving away any updates, but rather rewarding existing customers. So if you want to get Windows 11 free as an upgrade, you should start looking at your current operating system today and maybe even upgrade your hardware a bit. Then you only need to carry out the regular updates to stay on the safe side until the release.
Also an adjustment of the Media Creation Tool is to be expected. Just test whether you like Windows 11 before the download. Because within the first 10 days you can return to your old system without much effort – and even keep all your data.
