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How to get Windows 11

Windows 11 is rolling out now.1 Check to see if your current PC meets the requirements to run Windows 11 or if the free upgrade is ready for your PC.1

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Learn more about Windows 11

Family, friends, obsessions, music, creations—Windows 11 is the one place for it all. With features and tools that make it easier to be efficient, it has what you need for whatever's next.

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List of all minimum system requirements for Windows 11
Graphics card: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display Resolution: High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9" diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel.
Internet connection: Microsoft account and internet connectivity required for set-up for Windows 11 Home.

Your device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade. Free updates are available through Windows Update in Settings>Update and Security.

Certain features require specific hardware.2 System requirements to run some apps will exceed the Windows 11 minimum device specifications. Check device compatibility information specific to the apps you want to install. Available storage on your device will vary based on installed apps and updates. Performance will scale with higher end, more capable PCs. Additional requirements may apply over time and for updates.

Windows 11 has all the power and security of Windows 10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds and apps. Every detail has been considered. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC. Some Windows 10 features are not available in Windows 11, see Windows 11 Specifications.

PCs with Windows 11 pre-installed are available now.

If your accessories worked with Windows 10 and meet the Windows 11 requirements, they should work with Windows 11. If you want to be sure, please check with your accessory manufacturer.

Most new Windows 10 PCs will upgrade to Windows 11.

There are a few ways to find out. If you're currently shopping for a new PC look for "Free upgrade to Windows 11" on the fact tag. You can also ask your retail sales professional to confirm.

Timing varies. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 will be offered the upgrade at the same time. To see if your PC is eligible to upgrade, download and run the PC Health Check app.

Yes! Windows 10 continues to be a great version of Windows. We have committed to supporting Windows 10 until 14 October 2025.

Windows Update will provide an indication if and when your PC is eligible, or you can check by going to Settings/Windows Update.

It's free. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows 10 in Settings/Windows Update. Note that in areas where the internet is metered, ISP fees may apply.

An update can consist of bug and security fixes and new features in a version of Windows. They tend to roll out throughout the year. An upgrade is when you change versions—for example, moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11, or moving editions from Windows Home to Windows Pro.

The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer.

Yes. You do not have to upgrade to Windows 11. We will continue to support Windows 10 until 14 October 2025.

No. Windows 11 and Windows 10 require approximately the same amount of disk space. During the upgrade process, however, extra space is required. Windows will clean up this extra disk space about 10 days after the upgrade is complete.

Windows 11 is the newest version of Windows. However, we will continue to support Windows 10 until 14 October 2025.

Yes. After you have installed the Windows 11 upgrade, there is a 10-day period where you can move back to Windows 10 while keeping files and data that you brought along with you. To go back to Windows 10, select Start > Settings > System > Recovery > Go back . After the 10-day period is over, you will need to back up your data and do a "clean install" to move back to Windows 10.

Downloading and installing Windows 11 will most likely take longer than a typical Windows 10 feature update. You can use your PC while you're downloading Windows 11 and you also have the option to schedule the installation to happen at a specific time when you aren't planning on using your PC. Once it is downloaded and ready to install, you will be guided through the installation process, which includes a series of screens and prompts. There will be at least one restart. By default, all your files and data will transfer. However, we recommend backing up your files before installation. Learn more about OneDrive PC folder backup. Note that in areas where the internet is metered, ISP fees may apply. If your organisation manages your PC, please contact your company's IT department about getting Windows 11.

If your PC meets the minimum hardware specifications, the Windows 10 Home edition in S mode can upgrade to the Windows 11 Home edition in S mode. If your Windows 10 PC is running the Pro edition in S mode, you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 Pro edition is not available in S mode.

You can use the PC Health Check app to determine if your device is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11. Many PCs that are less than four years old will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. They must be running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware requirements.

The free upgrade is for the same edition as you have on your Windows 10 device. If you have Windows 10 Home edition, you will be upgraded to Windows 11 Home edition.

To help ensure the upgrade process is a great experience, not all Windows 10 PCs that meet the minimum hardware requirements will be offered the upgrade at the same time. You can check Settings > Windows Update to see if the Windows 11 upgrade is ready for your device. In some cases, you may be blocked from upgrading due to a specific known issue. A list of some of these known upgrade blockers will be maintained here. This list will be updated over time and may not always be comprehensive. You may also want to check with your software publisher or hardware vendor for known issues.

Devices eligible for the upgrade to Windows 11 do not have any special geographic limitations and can be offered for sale in all markets where Windows is sold.

There will be a few ways to identify a device eligible for the upgrade to Windows 11. We have currently developed a system to include markers for: device boxes, packaging, printed fact tags, in-box flyers, printed catalogues, in-store signage, product webpages, web banners, retail demonstration experiences, and print and digital ads. You can also check to see if it meets the minimum hardware requirements.

Windows 11 offers enhanced performance, comprehensive security and a new design. New features like snap layouts, widgets and chat give you the ability to find what you need and to connect with who you need to quickly. To learn more about the easy-to-use Windows 11 features, click here.

Check Settings > Windows Update to see if your PC meets the minimum system requirements and to confirm that the upgrade is ready for your PC. Once the upgrade is ready, we recommend that you initiate the free upgrade to Windows 11 right away. This allows you to experience the benefits of Windows 11.

Microsoft 365 and Windows 11 are optimised to work together and give you the best customer experience. To learn more, view the Microsoft 365 page.

PC Health Check is an app on your PC that helps you understand the health of your computer better. It will also let you know if your computer meets the minimum system requirements to upgrade to Windows 11. And if your computer is not eligible for the upgrade, it will show you why.

The "CHECK FOR COMPATIBILITY" link is only configured to work on PCs. If this link is not working for you, first confirm that you are using a Windows computer. If you are using Windows and it is not working, go to Settings > Windows Update to check.

  • Features and app availability may vary by region.
  • 1 Windows 11 upgrade is available for eligible PCs that meet minimum device specifications. Upgrade timing may vary by device. Internet service fees may apply. Features and app availability may vary by region. Certain features require specific hardware (see Windows 11 Specifications).
  • 2 Certain features require specific hardware, see https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/windows-11-specifications.