As you probably already know, a few weeks ago Microsoft surprised with Windows 11 presentation, a completely revamped new operating system and that includes a multitude of news for all users who are willing to use it. In particular, it stands out quite a lot for its redesign with respect to the current version of Windows 10, in addition to the various changes in the way of working.
Despite this, we already know that There are many computers that are going to be left without the possibility of obtaining Windows 11 as an operating system. This is mainly due to the lack of the TPM 2.0 chip inside, as well as the increase in the minimum specifications to be able to install the operating system, as we comment in this article. However, if you can install Windows 11 on your computer, you probably want to know all upgrade options available today.
Will I be able to upgrade my computer to Windows 11 for free?
As we mentioned, the truth is that today there are many doubts about how will the upgrade process to Windows 11 and whether or not you will have to pay. In the presentation in question, it was mentioned that Windows 10 computers could easily update, but this left some doubts that we will try to resolve.
However, The first thing you should check, in order to avoid surprises in the future, is whether or not your computer complies with Windows 11 minimum installation requirementsregardless of the software theme. This is because, if at a technical level it does not meet the characteristics, your computer will not be able to install this system. In order to do this faster, you can run on your computer Microsoft's Compatibility Checker Tool.
Once you have verified that your computer is indeed compatible with the new Windows 11 at the hardware level, say that by default the free update can only be performed from Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8 or Windows 7, while in the rest of cases it will be necessary to install the operating system manually. However, in these cases there are also some changes.
Windows 10 users will be able to upgrade directly
As happened with the arrival of this operating system a few years ago, if your PC is compatible you will be able to get Windows 11 easily. You just have to wait for the official final version to appear (everything points to after Christmas in Spain) and, once launched, you should be able to update your equipment without paying anything.
In this way, it seems that the update will arrive as a new build of Windows 10, so you can update using Windows Update or any of the methods available today to obtain said operating system, and all your data, applications and saved files will be kept without major problem.
If you continue using Windows 8 or Windows 7 the update is complicated
As reported Windows Latest, it seems that For users who continue to use Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 today, the upgrade to Windows 11 will not be so easy, although at least it seems that it will be free. Apparently, there are some compatibility problems between operating systems, so the update will not be automatic and users will decide whether or not to install this system on their computers.
Taking this data into account, it seems that the applications and data will not be migrated to the new operating system, or at least this is what it indicates a Lenovo support document. Translated, this means that You will have to make a copy of all the files and programs and perform a clean installation of Windows 11, erasing all the contents of the computerAlthough Microsoft has announced that it will not be necessary to pay for a new license for that operating system.
In this way, as you may have seen upgrading to Windows 11 by Microsoft will generate quite a few headaches to some users, although it is true that not many computers will be compatible with the new system.