Windows 11 Version 25H2 is Microsoft’s latest update, available as a free upgrade for compatible PCs. It brings better security, new AI features, performance improvements, and support for modern hardware. In short, it’s designed to be safer, smarter, and more future‑ready than Windows 10. In 2026, if you’re still using Windows 10, it’s now reached end of support, which means your system is more vulnerable to security risks over time. In this guide, you’ll learn the official ways to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 for free, step by step, even if you’re not sure whether your PC is eligible.
Check Windows 11 system requirements
This time, Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. You need a processor with Intel 8th Gen Coffee Lake or Zen 2 CPUs and up. TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) and UEFI firmware support, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage are required to install or upgrade the latest version of Windows 11.
Here are the official system requirements for Windows 11
- Processor – 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC)
- Memory – 4 Gigabytes (GB) or greater
- Storage – 64 GB or more of available storage space
- System Firmware – UEFI, Secure Boot Capable
- TPM – Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
- Graphics Card – Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver
- Display – High definition (720p) display that is 9” or greater diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel
- Internet connection – Internet connectivity is necessary to perform updates, and to download and use some features
Note: TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module, and it’s usually built into the latest laptops and desktop machines that enhance computer security and privacy. To find out if your PC has TPM 2.0 for Windows 11, Press the Windows key + R, type tpm.msc, and click ok.
If you are not sure about your system configuration, Microsoft has a Windows PC Health Check tool that automatically checks whether your PC is compatible with Windows 11.
Why Windows 11 Has Stricter System Requirements
Windows 11 has higher hardware requirements than Windows 10 because Microsoft designed it with a stronger focus on security, reliability, and performance. Features such as TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and support for newer processors help protect your PC from modern threats while improving overall system stability.
- TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module): Stores encryption keys and other sensitive information in dedicated hardware, helping protect against malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access.
- Secure Boot: Ensures your PC starts only with trusted software, reducing the risk of rootkits and other low-level malware.
- Modern processors: Newer Intel and AMD CPUs include advanced security technologies and performance improvements that Windows 11 is designed to leverage.
While these requirements mean some older PCs can’t upgrade officially, they also help make Windows 11 more secure, stable, and better prepared for future updates.
How to Upgrade From Windows 10 to Windows 11 For Free
If your device passes the above system requirements, then installing Windows 11 is quick and easy. The official way to install Windows 11 version 25H2 is to check for Windows updates and download it if available for your device. Also, there are official Windows 11 Installation Assistants to upgrade your eligible Windows 10 computer to Windows 11. Or you can download the Windows 11 ISO (64-bit) to perform an in-place upgrade or perform a clean install on a new PC.
Windows 10 to Windows 11 Upgrade from Settings
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app,
- Go to Update & Security, then Windows Update, and hit the Check for updates button,
- If there are pending updates, allow them to download and install on your device.
- Also, check if you get a notification that Windows 11 version 25H2 is ready – and it’s free, yes then hit the Download and Install button
- You must agree to the software license terms to download Windows 11 25H2 update files from the Microsoft server.
- This will download the complete Windows 11 package and may take some time depending on your internet speed and hardware configuration.
- Once the download and install are complete, you need to reboot your computer to apply the new update.
Will Windows 11 Stay Activated?
Yes. If your Windows 10 copy is properly activated, Windows 11 will automatically activate after the upgrade using the same digital license. You don’t need to purchase another product key.
Upgrade Windows 10 to 11 via Installation Assistant
Also, there is an official Windows 11 installation assistant available to make the upgrade process easier and error free. If your device is compatible with the Windows 11 update but won’t see the upgrade notification, you can force it using Install Assistant. Here is how.
- First, open the Download Windows 11 page(Opens in a new window) and click the Download Now button under the Windows 11 Installation Assistant section.
- Locate the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file in the download section, then double-click it. Click Yes if UAC prompts for permission.
- Let the installer assistant check your system for Windows 11 compatibility, and when the license screen prompts you, click Accept and Install to proceed.
- This will start the Windows 11 25H2 update download from the Microsoft server, automatically verify the download, and install it on your device.
- And once it’s ready, your computer will need to restart to apply the new version and changes. You can click on Restart now, or your device will automatically restart after 30 min.
- The Windows 11 update installation process may take 15 to 30 min, and your device may restart several times.
- Once done, you will be prompted to the brand-new Windows 11 login screen, featuring many new features and improvements.
Can I Go Back to Windows 10?
If you upgraded recently, Windows 11 lets you return to Windows 10 within 10 days without losing your personal files. After that period, you’ll need to reinstall Windows 10 using installation media if you decide to switch back.
Upgrade to Windows 11 Using the ISO File (In-Place Upgrade)
If Windows Update doesn’t offer the Windows 11 upgrade or the Installation Assistant fails with an error, you can upgrade manually using the official Windows 11 ISO file. An in-place upgrade installs Windows 11 over your existing Windows 10 installation while keeping your personal files, installed applications, and most settings intact.
- Visit Microsoft’s official Download Windows 11 page and download the latest Windows 11 ISO (64-bit).
- Locate the ISO file in your Downloads folder. Right-click on it and select Mount.
- Windows creates a virtual DVD drive containing the installation files. Open the new drive and double-click setup.exe.
- When Windows Setup opens, click Next. Accept the Microsoft Software License Terms when prompted.
- The installer checks your PC for compatibility and available updates before continuing.
- When it displays the Choose what to keep screen, select Keep personal files and apps.
This option upgrades Windows 10 to Windows 11 without deleting your documents, installed programs, or settings.
- Click Install to begin the upgrade. Your PC will restart several times while Windows installs the latest version.
- The upgrade may take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes, depending on your hardware and the speed of your SSD or HDD.
Once complete, sign in to Windows 11 and allow Windows Update to install any remaining drivers and security updates.
Note: If you prefer a completely fresh installation, you can use the same ISO file to create a bootable USB and perform a clean install. This removes everything from the system drive, so back up your important files first.
Install Windows 11 on an Unsupported PC
If your PC doesn’t meet the minimum Windows 11 system requirements, Microsoft doesn’t recommend upgrading, as your device may not receive future updates or may experience compatibility issues. However, it is possible to bypass some of the hardware checks and install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
To Bypass Windows 11 Minimum Installation Requirements
- Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and click ok to open the Windows Registry Editor,
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > Setup > MoSetup
- Right-click on the MoSetup key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) value. Give it the name AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU.
- Double-click on the newly created entity, enter 1 in the Value Data field, and press OK
Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.
After restarting, run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or mount the Windows 11 ISO again to start the upgrade.
Important: Installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware is not recommended. Your PC may miss future updates, and some features may not work as expected. Before proceeding, make sure you create a full backup of your important files.
Tips Before and After Upgrading to Windows 11
Upgrading to Windows 11 is usually straightforward, but taking a few precautions before you start can help prevent data loss and make the transition smoother. Once the upgrade is complete, spend a few minutes checking your system to ensure everything is working as expected.
Before Upgrading
- Back up important files: Although the upgrade is designed to keep your files and apps, it’s always a good idea to back up important documents, photos, and other personal data to an external drive or cloud storage.
- Free up storage space: Make sure your PC has at least 20–30 GB of free disk space to download and install the update without errors.
- Connect your laptop to a power source: If you’re using a laptop, keep it plugged in throughout the upgrade to avoid interruptions caused by a low battery.
- Disconnect unnecessary external devices: Remove USB drives, printers, and other peripherals that aren’t needed during the installation, as they can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
- Install pending Windows 10 updates: Before upgrading, install any available Windows 10 updates to ensure your system has the latest fixes and compatibility improvements.
After Upgrading
- Check Windows Update again: Open Settings > Windows Update, then install any available updates, drivers, or security patches for Windows 11.
- Verify device drivers: Confirm that key hardware, such as your graphics card, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, printer, and audio devices, is working correctly. If needed, install the latest drivers from your device manufacturer’s website.
- Review your privacy settings: Windows 11 may enable or change certain privacy options during setup. Take a few minutes to review your privacy and security settings.
- Sign in to your Microsoft account: If you use a Microsoft account, sign in to sync your settings, OneDrive files, and Microsoft Store apps across your devices.
- Create a restore point: Once you’re satisfied that everything is working correctly, create a System Restore point so you can easily recover your system if you encounter problems later.
Conclusion
If your PC meets the Windows 11 system requirements, upgrading from Windows 10 is free and straightforward. You can use Windows Update, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, or an in-place upgrade with the official Windows 11 ISO to install the latest version.
If your device isn’t compatible, you can continue using Windows 10 with Extended Security Updates (ESU), install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware at your own risk, or consider upgrading to a newer PC for the best long-term experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If your Windows 10 PC is activated and meets the Windows 11 system requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free using Windows Update, the Installation Assistant, or the official Windows 11 ISO.
No. If you upgrade using Windows Update, the Installation Assistant, or an in-place upgrade with the Windows 11 ISO, your personal files, installed apps, and most settings are kept. However, it’s always recommended to back up important files before upgrading.
The upgrade usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your internet speed, PC hardware, and the amount of data on your device. Your computer may restart several times during the installation.
Microsoft requires TPM 2.0 and supported hardware for Windows 11. However, there are unofficial methods to bypass these requirements and install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs. Keep in mind that Microsoft doesn’t recommend this, and future updates may not be guaranteed.
Yes. Windows 11 lets you roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading, provided you haven’t deleted the previous Windows installation files. After that period, you’ll need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 if you want to switch back.
