Upgrade to Windows 11 Free: 3 Easy Ways (+1 for Older PCs)
▼ Summary
– Check your PC’s compatibility with Windows 11 using Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to verify it meets requirements like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot.
– If your PC is compatible, you can install Windows 11 for free via Windows Update by checking for updates in Settings.
– Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s website to upgrade directly if the update isn’t available through Windows Update.
– Create installation media with Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool or download a disk image (ISO) to install Windows 11 and keep personal files and apps.
– For unsupported PCs, use the Rufus tool to bypass requirements and install Windows 11 by creating a bootable USB drive with the necessary options.
Upgrading your computer to Windows 11 at no cost is straightforward if your device meets the necessary specifications, but there are also clever methods for older hardware that fall short of Microsoft’s official requirements. Before exploring your options, it’s wise to confirm whether your PC can handle the new operating system. Microsoft mandates specific conditions, including Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 support, Secure Boot capability, and a compatible processor. Many older Windows 10 machines stumble on the TPM requirement, but Microsoft offers a handy PC Health Check application to quickly assess eligibility.
Head to the official PC Health Check support page to download the tool if it isn’t already on your system. Launch the program and select the Check now option. A positive result means your device is ready for the upgrade.
Since Windows 11 has been rolling out as an update for qualified Windows 10 systems, your first move should be to see if it’s waiting for you. Navigate to Settings, choose Update & Security, and click Windows Update. Select Check for updates. If Windows 11 is listed, you can proceed with the installation directly from there.
Should the update not appear, Microsoft’s Windows 11 Installation Assistant provides another route. Visit the Download Windows 11 webpage and locate the Windows 11 Installation Assistant section. Click Download now, then run the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file. Accept the terms and click Install. Your computer will download and install Windows 11 while remaining usable. Once finished, restart your PC either immediately or after the 30-minute countdown to safeguard any unsaved work. After rebooting, log in to find yourself at the fresh Windows 11 desktop.
For those who prefer creating installation media, Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool is an excellent choice. This utility not only upgrades your current machine but also lets you prepare a USB drive or ISO file for installing Windows 11 on other computers. On the Download Windows 11 page, find the Create Windows 11 Installation Media section and click Download now. Execute the MediaCreationTool.exe, agree to the license terms, pick your language and Windows edition, then decide whether to use a USB flash drive (minimum 8GB) or generate an ISO file.
If using a USB drive, ensure it’s connected. The tool will download Windows 11 and transfer the files to the drive. Open the drive afterward and double-click setup.exe to begin. For an ISO file, save it to your preferred location, double-click the file in File Explorer, and then launch setup.exe inside. Click Next to check for updates, accept the license terms, and review the Ready to Install screen. By default, your personal files and apps will be preserved, but you can click Change to adjust these settings, most users will want to keep everything. Click Install, let your PC restart, and complete the setup by signing in.
Another approach involves downloading the Windows 11 disk image (ISO) directly. On the same Download Windows 11 page, go to the Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) section. Choose Windows 11, select your product language, confirm, and click Download. Once the ISO downloads, double-click it and run setup.exe. Proceed through the prompts, checking for updates and confirming you wish to keep personal files and apps. Click Install to upgrade, then sign in after the reboot.
Owners of older PCs that don’t meet Microsoft’s strict upgrade criteria can still install Windows 11 using the free Rufus utility. This clever tool bypasses the usual checks for TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and RAM. Start by obtaining a Windows 11 ISO file as described earlier. Install Rufus and connect a USB drive with at least 8GB of space, remember, it will be erased. Open Rufus, click SELECT, and pick your Windows 11 ISO. Verify that Standard Windows installation appears under Image option and that the correct USB drive is selected under Device.
Click START, and in the pop-up window, check the box labeled Remove requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot, and TPM 2.0. Confirm by clicking OK, then OK again to prepare the USB drive. Insert this drive into the PC you want to upgrade, open it in File Manager, and run setup.exe. Proceed with the installation, ensuring you select the option to retain personal files and apps. Once setup finishes, you’ll be greeted by the Windows 11 interface.
For those not yet prepared to make the switch, remember that Windows 10 continues to receive support, and various workarounds can extend its usability.
(Source: pcmag)
