FAQ
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.
PCs with Windows 11 pre-installed will be available later this year.
It depends! Many different manufacturers will offer a variety of devices that will run Windows 11, all at different price points.
PCs that come with Windows 11 pre-installed will be available from a broad selection of retailers later this year. Details to come.
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 Windows 10 PCs currently being sold will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. For the PC to be able to upgrade to Windows 11, it must meet the minimum hardware specifications and specific hardware is required for some features. The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalised but is scheduled to begin late in 2021 and continue into 2022. Specific timing will vary by device.
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.
If your existing Windows 10 PC is running the most current version of Windows 10 and meets the minimum hardware specifications it will be able to upgrade to Windows 11. The upgrade rollout plan is still being finalised, but for most devices already in use today, we expect it to be ready sometime in early 2022. Not all Windows 10 PCs that are eligible to upgrade to Windows 11 will be offered to upgrade at the same time. To see if your PC is eligible to upgrade, download and run the PC Health Check app. Once the upgrade rollout has started, you can check if it is ready for your device by going to Settings/Windows Updates.
If you’d like to see if your current PC meets the minimum requirements, download and run the PC Health Check app.
Yes! Windows 10 continues to be a great version of Windows. Microsoft has committed to supporting Windows 10 through 14 October 2025.
Upgrades to Windows 11 will begin to roll out late in 2021 and continue into 2022. During this time, Microsoft will be doing some behind-the-scenes testing and validating for your specific PC. Windows Update will provide an indication if and when your PC is eligible. 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.
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. This end date will be no sooner than one year from general availability.
Yes. You do not have to upgrade to Windows 11. Microsoft 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, Microsoft will continue to support Windows 10 until October 2025.
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.
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. After the 10 days, 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 then you have the option to schedule the install to happen at a specific time when you aren’t planning on using your PC.
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.
Learn about Windows 11 for your business.
The Windows 11 release date is not yet available. We recommend signing up for Microsoft newsletter so you can be one of the first to learn the latest updates.
1Internet access required. Service fees may apply.
2Some apps from the Windows Store sold separately; availability and experience may vary.
3Certain features require specific hardware, see https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications.
4For full details visit https://www.xbox.com/. Use your active Xbox Game Pass for PC membership to play PC games on Windows 10 PC (excludes Windows 10 in S mode and on ARM devices). App download, Windows update(s), and storage required. System requirements vary by game; performance scales with higher end systems. Game titles, number, features, and availability vary over time, by region and platform. Learn more at https://www.xbox.com/regions. For recurring memberships, membership automatically continues to be charged at the then-current regular price (subject to change; plus applicable taxes) unless cancelled. Cancel at account.microsoft.com/services. Notice before purchase of add-ons, DLC, consumables, virtual currency, or subscriptions (sold separately): If your membership terminates or a game is removed from the catalogue, you must reactivate your membership or buy the game separately to continue using these items. Requires download(s) (significant storage, broadband, and ISP fees apply) and Microsoft account. May require additional hardware and subscriptions. Age restrictions apply. Xbox Game Pass discounts are based on Microsoft Store price and are not combinable with other offers and are not redeemable for cash. Discount offers exclude titles within 30 days of launch and are not available with selected titles. EA Play subject to terms: https://www.ea.com/ea-play/terms. Maximum 36 months of redeemed Xbox Game Pass per account at a time. Service, features, and requirements may change or be retired. Subject to the Microsoft Services Agreement.
