How to Check if Your Device is Eligible for the Free Windows 11 Upgrade

With the release of Windows 11, many users are eager to upgrade their existing Windows 10 devices. However, not all systems are eligible for this free upgrade. In this article, we will guide you through the process of checking if your device meets the requirements for a Windows 11 upgrade.

Eligibility Criteria

The free upgrade to Windows 11 is only available to some Windows 10 PCs with an active subscription to Windows 10. The upgrade will be delivered to qualifying devices between late 2021 and 2022. The timing may vary depending on the device. For more detailed information on compatibility and other aspects, please refer to the official Microsoft documentation.

Checking Eligibility through Windows Update

The simplest way to check if your device is eligible for the Windows 11 upgrade is through a Windows Update. If your system meets the requirements, Windows 11 will be installed automatically via the standard Windows Update process. This means that if you see no prompts or notifications about a Windows 11 upgrade, it likely means your device is not eligible.

Using the Windows PC Health Check App

If you want a more detailed check, you can use the Windows PC Health Check app from the Microsoft website. This tool provides a comprehensive overview of whether your system meets the requirements for a Windows 11 upgrade. Follow these steps:

Visit the Microsoft website and download the Windows PC Health Check app. Run the app and follow the on-screen instructions to check your system's compatibility with Windows 11. The app will provide you with a detailed report of your system specifications and any missing requirements.

Manual Checks

In addition to the automatic and app-based checks, you can manually verify your system requirements by following these steps:

Press Win R to open the Run dialog box. Enter and press Enter. Look at the TPM Manufacturer Information. The TPM (Trusted Platform Module) version should be 2.0 or higher for Windows 11 compatibility. Open Run again and type msinfo32. In the System Information window, look for the Bios Mode. It should show UEFI. Go to This PC. On the top menu, go to Computer and then click on Properties. Check the System Specification, ensuring that the system meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11.

Additional Considerations

Note that if you have a cracked version of Windows 10 installed, you cannot upgrade to Windows 11. You must create a bootable USB drive with the official Windows 11 installation media and install it manually. However, this method is not recommended as Windows 11 is still in the alpha stage and the official beta release is pending.

Conclusion

Checking your device's eligibility for a Windows 11 upgrade is straightforward using the built-in Windows 10 features, the Windows PC Health Check app, or manual checks. Always verify against the official Microsoft requirements to ensure that your device is fully compatible. For the latest updates and detailed compatibility information, refer to Microsoft's official documentation.