Quick answer: Yes. In 2026, upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is still free if your PC meets Windows 11’s hardware requirements and runs a genuine, activated copy of Windows 10. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, but home users can still get security updates through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which Microsoft has extended to October 12, 2027. ESU is free if you sync settings with Windows Backup, or costs 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points or US $30.
If you are still on Windows 10, you have three real options: upgrade to Windows 11 for free, stay on Windows 10 with ESU, or replace your PC. This guide explains the costs, requirements and steps for each, with the latest dates as of 2026.
Windows 10 Support Timeline (Updated 2026)
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| October 14, 2025 | Windows 10 end of support: no more free regular security updates, features or technical help |
| October 13, 2026 | Original end date of consumer ESU year one |
| October 12, 2027 | Extended end date for consumer ESU (already-enrolled users are covered automatically) |
| Up to October 2028 | Paid ESU for businesses can run for up to three years |
After ESU ends, Windows 10 will keep working, but it will no longer receive security fixes, which makes it increasingly risky to use online.
Is the Windows 11 Upgrade Really Free?
Yes. Microsoft offers Windows 11 as a free upgrade for PCs with a valid Windows 10 licence that meet the minimum requirements. Your Windows 10 Home licence moves to Windows 11 Home, and Pro to Pro. You do not need to buy a new product key. Your files and apps normally stay in place during an in-place upgrade, but always back up first.
Windows 11 System Requirements
| Component | Minimum requirement |
|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores, 64-bit, on Microsoft’s supported CPU list (roughly Intel 8th gen / AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer) |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB or larger |
| Firmware | UEFI with Secure Boot capable |
| TPM | Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0 |
| Graphics | DirectX 12 compatible with WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display | 720p, 9 inches or larger, 8 bits per colour channel |
| Internet / account | Internet connection; Windows 11 Home setup requires a Microsoft account |
How to check if your PC is compatible
- Install and run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app and click Check now.
- Or open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update. Compatible PCs show a Windows 11 upgrade offer.
- To check TPM manually, press Win + R, type
tpm.mscand look for “Specification Version: 2.0”.
Tip: Many PCs fail the check only because TPM or Secure Boot is turned off in the BIOS/UEFI. Enabling “Intel PTT” or “AMD fTPM” and Secure Boot often fixes it.
How to Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free
Method 1: Windows Update (easiest)
- Back up your files to OneDrive or an external drive.
- Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates. If offered, click Download and install under the Windows 11 upgrade.
- Restart when prompted. The upgrade usually takes 30–90 minutes.
Method 2: Windows 11 Installation Assistant
Download it from Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page, run it, and follow the prompts. Useful when Windows Update does not show the offer yet.
Method 3: Media Creation Tool or ISO
Create a USB installer or mount the ISO and run setup.exe to upgrade in place, or perform a clean install. Only download these from Microsoft’s official website.
Once on Windows 11, you will get the current feature version (25H2, with 26H2 rolling out from fall 2026 as a small enablement update).
Option 2: Stay on Windows 10 With ESU
If your PC cannot run Windows 11, or you are not ready, enrol in consumer ESU to keep receiving critical and important security updates until October 12, 2027.
ESU enrolment options for home users
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sync your PC settings with Windows Backup | Free |
| Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points | Free (points) |
| One-time purchase | US $30 (plus tax); covers up to 10 devices on the same Microsoft account |
ESU requirements
- Windows 10 version 22H2 (Home, Pro, Pro Education or Pro for Workstations) with the latest updates installed.
- Signed in with a Microsoft account that is an administrator (local accounts must switch; child accounts are not eligible).
How to enrol
- Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- Click Enroll now under the Extended Security Updates notice.
- Choose your enrolment option and follow the prompts.
Users in the European Economic Area received easier free access terms; check Microsoft’s ESU page for your region. Businesses use the separate paid commercial ESU program.
Important: ESU provides security fixes only: no new features, and no general technical support.
Option 3: Replace or Rethink Your PC
- Buy a Windows 11 PC if your hardware is old or failing. Newer PCs include TPM 2.0 and are faster and more efficient.
- Switch to Linux (for example Ubuntu or Linux Mint) to keep older hardware secure for free.
- ChromeOS Flex can turn older laptops into lightweight, secure web machines.
- Recycle responsibly and wipe your drive before disposal.
Upgrade to Windows 11 vs Stay on Windows 10: Comparison
| Factor | Upgrade to Windows 11 | Stay on Windows 10 + ESU |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (compatible PC) | Free, points, or US $30 |
| Security updates | Ongoing | Until October 12, 2027 |
| New features | Yes (Copilot, Snap layouts, new File Explorer, etc.) | No |
| Hardware needs | TPM 2.0, supported CPU | Works on current hardware |
| App and driver support | Long term | Will decline over time |
| Best for | Anyone with compatible hardware | Unsupported PCs or users needing more time |
What About Unsupported PCs?
There are unofficial ways to install Windows 11 on PCs that fail the requirements. Microsoft does not recommend this: such PCs may not receive updates, can be less stable and are not guaranteed support. If your PC is unsupported, ESU until October 2027 is the safer bridge while you plan a replacement.
Security Checklist After You Decide
- Keep Windows Update on and install updates promptly.
- Use Microsoft Defender or a reputable security suite.
- Enable BitLocker or Device Encryption where available.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your Microsoft account.
- Back up important files regularly.
Security professionals on Windows 11 can also run OSINT tools locally; see our SpiderFoot install guide for Windows, and learn how attackers view your exposure in what SpiderFoot is and how OSINT works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Windows 11 still a free upgrade in 2026?
Yes. Microsoft still offers Windows 11 as a free upgrade for PCs with a genuine Windows 10 licence that meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements.
When does Windows 10 ESU end for home users?
Microsoft extended consumer Extended Security Updates to October 12, 2027. Users already enrolled are covered automatically.
How can I get Windows 10 ESU for free?
Sign in with a Microsoft account and sync your PC settings with Windows Backup, or redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points. Otherwise it costs US $30 plus tax for up to 10 devices.
What happens if I keep using Windows 10 without ESU?
Windows 10 will keep working, but it will not receive security updates, which makes it increasingly vulnerable to malware and attacks, especially online.
Why does PC Health Check say my PC cannot run Windows 11?
Common reasons are TPM 2.0 or Secure Boot being disabled in the BIOS/UEFI, an unsupported processor, or less than 4 GB of RAM or 64 GB of storage.
Will I lose my files when upgrading to Windows 11?
An in-place upgrade through Windows Update or the Installation Assistant normally keeps your files and apps, but you should always back up before upgrading.
Conclusion
Windows 11 is still a free upgrade for Windows 10 users with compatible PCs, and it is the best long-term choice. If your PC cannot run it, enrol in consumer ESU, which is free with Windows Backup and now runs until October 12, 2027, and use that time to plan a replacement. Either way, do not stay on an unpatched Windows 10 PC.
Dates and prices are based on Microsoft’s published information as of September 2026 and may change; always check Microsoft’s official Windows 10 end-of-support pages.