Computer Help and Support

douglas9

(4,473 posts) Wed Oct 6, 2021, 07:51 AM Oct 2021

Is Windows 11 Free?

Microsoft released its Windows 11 operating system on October 5, 2021 officially. Is Windows 11 free? The question can't be answered with a simple yes or not. Windows 11 is free under certain conditions, otherwise, it is available at Microsoft and other retail locations for a price.

Answer: Microsoft customers who run an activated Windows 10 installation on a device may upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Windows 11 needs to be purchased from Microsoft and other retail locations otherwise.

https://www.ghacks.net/2021/10/06/is-windows-11-free/

6 replies

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Is Windows 11 Free? (Original Post) douglas9 Oct 2021 OP

Do no upgrade on your main machine Tetrachloride Oct 2021 #1

I never upgrade in the first year of an update... Wounded Bear Oct 2021 #2

1000% Agree with no upgrade in the first year Best_man23 Oct 2021 #3

You forgot canetoad Oct 2021 #5

probably free, most likely unneeded nt msongs Oct 2021 #4

Message auto-removed Name removed Oct 2021 #6

Tetrachloride

(8,442 posts)

1. Do no upgrade on your main machine

Reply to douglas9 (Original post)

Wed Oct 6, 2021, 08:02 AM

Oct 2021

1. Let professionals and adventurers do the first installs.

2. Meanwhile, back up your data, 2x. Don’t be like Facebook and not have a backup standing by.

3. There are bound to be some catastrophic ( computer erasures) installs or super glaring security holes.

4. Finally, your favorite software may not be compatible.

Wounded Bear

(60,592 posts)

2. I never upgrade in the first year of an update...

Reply to Tetrachloride (Reply #1)

Wed Oct 6, 2021, 08:05 AM

Oct 2021

I'm not a beta tester.

Seriously, though, your point #1 perfectly describes my strategy.

Best_man23

(5,119 posts)

3. 1000% Agree with no upgrade in the first year

Reply to Wounded Bear (Reply #2)

Wed Oct 6, 2021, 08:19 AM

Oct 2021

Also, Mister Softy has a long history of every other Windows version release having significant issues. See following.

Windows 98 - Good

Windows ME - Had Issues

Windows XP - Good

Windows Vista - Had LOTS of issues

Windows 10 - Good

Windows 11 - ???

Yeah, I would wait a year and see how Win 11 performs before upgrading. If deciding to upgrade, always best to perform a fresh install vice upgrading an existing Win 10 installation.