Frequently asked questions

The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will be available for free on devices that meet the minimum technical specifications (see below for more information)1. New devices that come with Windows 11 preinstalled will be available at a variety of price points to fit your budget, as they are today with Windows 10.For devices that meet the minimum specifications but don’t have Windows 10 installed, standalone versions of the Windows 11 retail and education packages will be available for purchase in 2022, with pricing shared at that time. ¹Internet access required and ISP fees may apply.

PCs with Windows 11 will be available from a broad selection of retailers and our partners later this year. More details will be coming soon.

Most devices available for purchase now will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. Look for devices that indicate that they are eligible for the upgrade. You can also ask your retail sales professional or the PC manufacturer (OEM) to confirm. Please note, after Windows 11 is released, Windows Update will confirm when the free upgrade is available for your PC. ISP fees may apply for any upgrade occurring in locations with metered internet.

Most Windows 10 PCs that meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11 should be clearly marked with “Free Upgrade to Windows 11 (when available, see below)1." Certain features of Windows 11 require specific hardware beyond the “minimum” system requirements. To confirm these hardware requirements, visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-sg/windows/windows-11-specifications You can also ask your retail sales professional or PC manufacturer (OEM) to confirm compatibility. ¹Some features require specific hardware requirements beyond the minimum hardware requirements required to upgrade to Windows 11. Consult the list of full feature requirements for details: https://www.microsoft.com/en-sg/windows/windows-11-specifications

Windows 11 offers new productivity features and functionality designed to meet the challenges of the hybrid world. It has a completely refreshed look and feel to help you get more done with less stress. Learn more about what’s new at Upgrade to the New Windows 11 OS | Microsoft

The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalized. It’s scheduled to begin late in 2021, continuing into 2022. We’ll have more to share in the coming months.

You can use the PC Health Check app to determine if your PC can upgrade. The PC Health Check will be available for download here: https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp once it becomes available. OR To see if your PC is eligible, download the PC Health Check app https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp once it becomes available. Once the upgrade rollout has started, you can check the status of your device by navigating to Windows Update in settings.

The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. While Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer, it wouldn’t be until at least one year after General Availability (the date when Windows 11 first becomes available to the public).

The free upgrade is for the same edition as you have on your device for Windows 10. If you have Windows 10 Home edition, you will be upgraded to Windows 11 Home edition. For Pro and higher editions, Windows 11 will no longer be offered in S mode, so you will need to first switch out of S mode to qualify for upgrade.

Yes, once you have upgraded to Windows 11, you have 10 days to utilize the rollback function to move back to Windows 10 while keeping files and data that you brought along with you. After that 10-day period, you will need to back up your data and do a “clean install” to move back to Windows 10.

For Windows 10 Home edition you cannot upgrade directly to Windows 11 Home in S mode. There is not an S mode option for Windows 11 Pro or higher editions, so you will need to first switch out of S mode to upgrade. (You will not be able to switch back to S mode in Windows 11 once you have upgraded.)

An update is a change within a version of a Windows product. For example, moving from Windows 10, version 2004 (the Windows 10 May 2020 Update) to Windows 10, version 20H2 (the Windows 10 October 2020 Update). An upgrade is when you change OS versions, for example moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11, or when you upgrade to a higher edition within the same OS version (e.g., Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro).

Device age is not the only factor, but many devices sold in the last four years will upgrade to Windows 11. There are older devices that will also be able to upgrade. The best method to use in determining if your device is able to upgrade is to confirm that your device has the hardware required to run this new operating system. To quickly check, use the PC Health Check tool once it becomes available: https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp

Devices that do not meet the minimum specifications will continue on Windows 10, which will continue to be supported with security updates until October 14th 2025. Please refer to the Windows 10 Lifecycle documentation. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-10-home-and-pro

The goal with Windows is still the same, regardless of number. Our commitment to drive innovation, bring people together and build the best version of Windows remains. We said we would always update Windows, of course we’re going to innovate, move people forward, commitment to give people the best version of Windows remains.

Please visit support.microsoft.com if you need assistance.

All devices that meet the minimum specification will be eligible to upgrade. Device manufacturers and Retailers can help you find these devices. Many devices will have indications that they are upgradeable, for example, by including the phrase "Free upgrade to Windows 11" in the description or specification information. Please view https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications to access the full minimum hardware requirements and specs.

Discounts and offers are up to each OEM, Retailer, and local teams to determine.

Our communications plan is still being developed. All timelines for customer communications are driven by engineering timelines of build deliveries and OEM deadlines on testing.

Any device that meets the minimum specification can run Windows 11. However, Windows 7 devices will likely not meet the minimum specification because of age and generation of the processor that was included with that device. If a customer with a Windows 7 PC that meets the minimum spec wants to upgrade, they would need to purchase a Windows 10 license and proceed with the upgrade to Windows 11. In 2022, they will also have the option to purchase Windows 11 at retail and install it on the compatible Windows 7 device.

No, if your device prompts and shares that the upgrade is available for you, you will have the option to choose to install it or not.

Yes. You can upgrade via the Windows Update section in Settings if you originally declined the offer.

If customers upgrade, the default experience will be for files and data to move forward with the new installation. However, we always recommend that customers back up files before installing a new Windows version. If you already sync your files to OneDrive, you may not need to take any additional action to create a backup.

Customers can check with their retailer to see if upgrade services are available and if their device qualifies.

Windows Phone and Windows 10 Mobile are not eligible for the free upgrade

Windows RT is not eligible for upgrade.

No, Windows Media Center was discontinued with Windows 8.1

We expect most new devices to be built and designed for Windows 11, and consumer offerings will transition very quickly. Commercial and educational organizations should work with their device partners to understand what options are available for new PCs.

Most software and accessories that worked with Windows 10 are expected to work with Windows 11. Check with your software publisher or accessory manufacturer for specific details on your products.

All upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 will be free. Due to the size of the download; however, ISP fees may apply.

Most software and accessories that worked with Windows 10 are expected to work with Windows 11. Check with your software publisher or accessory manufacturer for specific details on your products.

(Reactive for screen sizing related questions): Windows 11 is intended for all Windows 10 and >9" screen device customers. Windows 11 has been designed for every type of user across a variety of devices at a wide range of price points.

Yes, Windows 11 is based on the same foundation of Windows 10 so they can coexist and will use the same processes and tools to manage them.

Microsoft 365 licenses that include Windows licenses will allow you to run Windows 11 on supported devices.

Most software and accessories that worked with Windows 10 are expected to work with Windows 11. Check with your software publisher or accessory manufacturer for specific details on your products.

There are no new geographical restrictions for Windows 11, compared to those for Windows 10. The guidelines related to exporting Microsoft Products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/exporting.

The Windows 11 upgrade has a 10-dayrollback period, similar to what is offered today for Windows 10 updates

Yes, most apps and devices that worked with Windows 10 will be compatible with Windows 11. You can also check with the software manufacturer of the specific application or device to confirm compatibility.

If your Windows 10 PC meets the minimum specifications for Windows 11, you should be able to upgrade. We’ve made it simple for you to see for yourself. Once it becomes available, download the PC Health Check App https://aka.ms/GetPCHealthCheckApp to see if your PC meets the minimum specifications. Certain features of Windows 11 require specific hardware beyond the “minimum” system requirements. Please view https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications to access the full minimum hardware requirements and specs.

Please note that certain features require certain requirements. The minimum requirements for Windows 11 are as below:

Processor
• Please reference link: http://aka.ms/CPU listto identify the compatible processor or System on Chip (SoC):
• 64bit architecture
• 1Ghz clock speed
• 2 cores
Hardware
• 64GB drive
• 4GB RAM
• UEFI, Secure Boot capable & TPM 2.0
• >9” with HD Resolution (1366x768 equivalent)
• DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x
• Connectivity required (Home Edition)

Please access: https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications for full feature requirements page. Switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S mode also requires internet connectivity. Learn more about S mode here. https://support.microsoft.com/help/4020089/windows-10-in-s-mode-faq. For all Windows 11editions, internet access is required to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features

We’ll send you a notification once your eligible PC has been tested and validated for the free upgrade. Or you can go to Windows Update and see for yourself. Please note that a significant download is required to complete this upgrade. ISP fees may apply in areas where the internet is metered.

Windows 11 upgrade delivery will begin later this year and continue throughout 2022. Devices running Windows 10, version 20H1 or newer, that meet the minimum hardware requirements and have not downloaded an app or driver to block the upgrade will be eligible for the upgrade. Please view https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications to access the full minimum hardware requirements and specs.

Yes. We will continue to support Windows 10 with security updates until October 14, 2025.

Timing will vary, particularly based on internet speed. 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 it and then you have the option to schedule the install to happen at a specific time when you aren’t planning on using your PC.

Generally, yes, once you have upgraded you will get all features available for the specific edition of Windows 11 that is installed on your device. There are some exceptions to this where additional requirements may apply. For example, if you do not have a touch monitor or display, touch will not be available on your device after upgrading. Please access URL https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications for full feature requirements page.

The best way to experience Windows 11 is on the new hardware that it was created for it. Using Windows 11 on a Mac is not a scenario supported from Microsoft.

Yes! You can continue to use your PC with Windows 10. Windows 10 will continue to get monthly Quality Updates and Microsoft is planning to release a Feature Update in the second half of 2021 for Windows 10. Microsoft has committed to supporting Windows 10 through October 14, 2025 (link Ent&Edu –link Home & Pro)

Windows 10 launched six years ago. Since then, there has been a lot of hardware innovation. With Windows 11every detail has been considered. It has the power and security you crave in a redesigned and refreshed look. Plus, it comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. To learn more about Windows 11, please use this link here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11

We are in the process of developing learning modules which will be made available on the MS Learn site.

The upgrade experience while it will be similar in process to a feature update in Windows 10, it will take a longer amount of time. You will download the software and still beable to continue to use your device. Once it is downloaded and ready to install, you will be guided through the installation process through a process, which includes a series of screen and prompts. There will be at least one restart. Please do note that in areas where the internet is monitored, ISP fees may apply.

The new release takes up approximately the same amount of disk space as Windows 10.

Yes, we plan to have options similar to those available today for updates to Windows 10: Upgrade Assistant (similar to Update Assistant) and the Media Creation Tool. We recommend, however, customers wait until they are notified through Windows Update that the upgrade is ready for their device. Note that there will be temporary blocks in some instances that will prevent the upgrade from completing installation.

Windows 11 is a new operating system that provides enhanced experiences that increase productivity and accessibility across devices. Please not that Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until October of 2025.

All upgrades to Windows 11 from Windows 10 will be free. Due to the size of the download; however, ISP fees may apply for downloads that occur over metered connections.

Windows 11 is designed for the new hardware and devices being sold today.

Customers will be offered the option to upgrade through Windows Update, similar to how Windows 10 feature updates are offered today. Please note that a significant download is required to complete the upgrade1. For IT-managed devices, users should check with their IT organization for details on their rollout plan. 1Internet access required and ISP fees may apply.

No, generally, you will not have to sign back into your applications after upgrading.

Windows 11 will be available to Windows Insiders in the Dev and BETA Channels prior to GA. Certain system requirements will be required for participation.

For those Insiders already on a version of Windows 11, but not meeting system requirements, they will be allowed to preview Windows 11 devices until GA.AT GA they will then be opted out of flighting, not eligible for future Windows 11 preview builds and offered a build of Windows 10 (21H1) to get them on a supported path and allowed to preview Windows Insider builds in our Release Preview Channel.

There are a couple of ways to get your files and photos onto a new PC. With OneDrive you can quickly transfer files from PC to PC or Mac to PC, so your files are organized like they were on your old computer and you can get right back to work. Or you can use an external storage device such as a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive to help you make the move.