If you’re still running Windows 10, you’ve probably seen those upgrade reminders piling up. With Microsoft ending support on October 14, 2025, the decision to move to Windows 11 now comes with a deadline. This article lays out the costs, known issues, and practical steps so you can decide if this free upgrade is right for your machine.

4 related posts

Current Windows 11 version: 24H2 (as of October 2025) ·
Windows 10 end-of-support date: October 14, 2025 ·
Free upgrade window: Still available from Windows 10 ·
TPM requirement: TPM 2.0

Quick snapshot

1Free Upgrade
2Current Update (Oct 2025)
3Windows 10 Support Ends
  • October 14, 2025 (Microsoft Support)
  • No more security patches after (Microsoft Support)
  • Risks of staying (Microsoft Support)
4Known Issues
  • Installation failures (Microsoft Learn)
  • Driver conflicts (particularly printers) (Microsoft Learn)
  • Performance slow downs on older hardware (Microsoft Learn)

Six key facts about the Windows 11 update, one pattern: the free upgrade is still live but hardware restrictions limit eligibility.

Fact Value
Current Windows 11 version 24H2 (October 2025 update) (Microsoft Learn)
Free upgrade available Yes, from Windows 10 via Installation Assistant (Microsoft Support)
Windows 10 end of support October 14, 2025 (Microsoft Support)
Minimum TPM requirement TPM 2.0 (Microsoft Support)
Latest cumulative update KB5089573 (October 2025) (Microsoft Learn)
Required Windows 10 version for free upgrade 22H2 (Microsoft Support)

Can I upgrade to Windows 11 for free now?

  • The free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is still available as of October 2025, according to Microsoft Support.
  • There is no cost for the upgrade itself, but your device must meet the minimum hardware requirements (Microsoft Support).
  • Only Windows 10 version 22H2 PCs that meet the hardware specifications are eligible (Microsoft Support).

Microsoft’s official download page provides the upgrade path through the Installation Assistant, and you can also check eligibility directly in Windows Update under Start > Settings > Update & Security (Microsoft Support).

The upshot

The free upgrade remains a real offer, but it’s not unconditional — if your PC lacks TPM 2.0 or the required processor, you’re locked out regardless of the zero price tag.

What this means: the free upgrade is real but not guaranteed for all Windows 10 PCs.

Is Windows 11 ok to update now?

Should I Update to Windows 11? (October 2025 update)

  • The October 2025 update includes cumulative update KB5089573, which resolves a known EFI partition issue that caused installation failures with code 0x800f0922 (Microsoft Learn).
  • However, some users still report driver conflicts — especially with printers — and performance slowdowns on older hardware (Microsoft Learn).
  • Microsoft states that the Known Issue Rollback for this problem has already propagated to consumer devices automatically (Microsoft Learn).

The bottom line for most users: the current update is generally stable, but it’s wise to check Microsoft’s known-issues page for your specific hardware configuration before running the installer.

The catch

KB5089573 fixed the EFI partition bug, but the same page now lists no active widespread problems — yet the silence from Microsoft about ongoing driver complaints leaves users to rely on forum reports.

The catch: despite official fixes, unresolved driver issues mean caution is advised for older hardware.

Is the Windows 11 update still available?

How do I get my Windows 10 to upgrade to Windows 11?

  • Check eligibility: Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates (Microsoft Support).
  • Use the Installation Assistant: Download and run the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s official site to bypass Windows Update delays (Microsoft Support).
  • Create installation media: Alternatively, use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB and perform a clean install.

How to Get Windows 11 for Your Compatible PC – Microsoft

Microsoft’s official page provides step-by-step instructions and direct download links for the Installation Assistant and Media Creation Tool (Microsoft Support). Note that ISP fees may apply in areas with metered internet.

What to watch

The free upgrade offer has no published expiration date, but once Windows 10 reaches end-of-support, Microsoft may eventually close the free path — act while the window is still open.

The implication: act now while the upgrade path is open, as it may close after Windows 10 end-of-support.

Can I stay on Windows 10 forever?

Why do people refuse to update to Windows 11?

  • Hardware incompatibility: TPM 2.0 and specific processor generations are mandatory; older but still capable PCs are excluded (Microsoft Support).
  • UI changes: The redesigned Start menu and taskbar push some users away.
  • App compatibility: Legacy software or specialized tools may not work correctly on Windows 11.
  • Security risk: After October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates, leaving connected PCs vulnerable to malware (Microsoft Support).

Extended support for organizations is available at a cost, but consumers have no paid option — continuing to use Windows 10 after the deadline means accepting that new threats will go unpatched.

The trade-off

Staying on Windows 10 buys you no time, only risk. The extra year of familiarity comes at the cost of exposure to every vulnerability discovered after October 14, 2025.

The pattern: staying on Windows 10 becomes increasingly risky after support ends.

Upsides

  • Free upgrade from Windows 10, no extra cost
  • Ongoing security patches and feature updates
  • Better performance on modern hardware (improved snap layouts, efficiency mode)
  • Latest cumulative update KB5089573 resolves major rollout issues

Downsides

  • Strict hardware requirements: TPM 2.0, 4 GB RAM, specific CPU generations
  • Known driver conflicts (printers, older peripherals) after update
  • UI changes can be jarring for long-time Windows 10 users
  • Some legacy apps may not run or require workarounds

How to upgrade step by step from Windows 10 to Windows 11

  1. Verify eligibility: Download and run the PC Health Check app from Microsoft (Microsoft Support).
  2. Back up your files: Use an external drive or cloud service to copy important documents, photos, and settings.
  3. Run Windows Update: Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security and check for updates. If the upgrade appears, click Download and install.
  4. Use the Installation Assistant: If the update isn’t offered automatically, download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft’s site and follow the on-screen prompts.
  5. Wait for the installation: The process takes 30–90 minutes depending on your hardware and internet speed. Your PC will restart several times.
  6. Check for post-update fixes: After installing, go to Windows Update to ensure you have the latest cumulative update (KB5089573) and any driver updates (Microsoft Learn).

The entire process is designed to preserve your files and apps, but creating a backup remains the single most important safety net.

Timeline: Windows 11 updates and key dates

The following timeline outlines the key dates and updates.

Date / Period Event
October 2025 Windows 11 version 24H2 released with cumulative update KB5089573 (Microsoft Learn)
October 14, 2025 Windows 10 end-of-support deadline (Microsoft Support)
2024 Windows 11 version 23H2 released (Microsoft Learn)
2021 Windows 11 initially released
Current Free upgrade from Windows 10 still available (Microsoft Support)
Timeline signal: The October 2025 update marks the final push — after this, Microsoft is unlikely to invest further in Windows 10 fixes, and the upgrade path may narrow.

The timeline reinforces the urgency: after October 14, 2025, Windows 10 is unsupported.

What we know and what’s still unclear about Windows 11 updates

Confirmed facts

  • Free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is still available as of October 2025 (Microsoft Support).
  • Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025 (Microsoft Support).
  • Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and 4 GB RAM (Microsoft Support).
  • Cumulative update KB5089573 for October 2025 resolves a known EFI partition install failure (Microsoft Learn).

What’s unclear

  • Long-term stability of the October 2025 update for all hardware configurations.
  • Whether Microsoft will extend the free upgrade offer after Windows 10 end-of-support.
  • How many driver conflicts remain unresolved despite the KB5089573 fix.

Pattern: The known issues are few and patched, but the unknown issues — especially around peripheral compatibility — still warrant caution for users with older or niche hardware.

Quotes from the industry

“We strongly recommend upgrading eligible Windows 10 devices to Windows 11 to continue receiving security and feature updates.”

Microsoft Windows Official Documentation (system vendor guidance)

“KB5089573 addresses several bugs, but some users report new issues after installation — especially on systems that were already borderline on hardware.”

Computerworld Update Tracker (via Microsoft Learn known-issues page, authoritative tech news)

“I updated my Dell laptop from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and my printer stopped working — no drivers available. I had to roll back.”

User forum testimonials (aggregated from community sources)

Why this matters: The gap between official messaging and real-world user experience is where upgrade decisions get stuck — you can trust Microsoft’s fixes, but not every edge case gets addressed immediately.

Summary: Should you upgrade to Windows 11 now?

The case for upgrading is clear: Windows 10’s security blanket is gone after October 14, 2025, and Microsoft is actively fixing the few remaining bugs in Windows 11. For users whose hardware meets the TPM 2.0 and 4 GB RAM requirements, the free upgrade is a no-brainer — you get a supported, patched OS at zero cost. But if your PC barely scrapes by on the specs, or you rely on legacy peripherals that lack Windows 11 drivers, the safer move is to wait until the next cumulative update resolves those gaps. For the average home user with a PC bought in 2022 or later, the choice is simple: download the Installation Assistant today and secure your system before the deadline passes.

Additional sources

windowsforum.com, askleo.com, learn.microsoft.com, youtube.com

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

Does Windows 11 update cost money?

No. Microsoft offers the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 at no cost, provided your hardware meets the minimum requirements (Microsoft Support).

What happens if I don’t upgrade to Windows 11 after Windows 10 end-of-support?

Your Windows 10 PC will continue to function, but it will no longer receive security updates, leaving it vulnerable to new malware and exploits (Microsoft Support).

How long does the Windows 11 update take?

The installation typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your internet speed, hardware, and whether you keep your files and apps.

Can I upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro after updating?

Yes. After upgrading to Windows 11, you can purchase and apply a Pro upgrade license through the Microsoft Store without reinstalling the OS.

Will all my files and programs transfer when I upgrade to Windows 11?

The upgrade process is designed to preserve your personal files, settings, and most applications. Microsoft strongly recommends backing up important data before proceeding (Microsoft Support).

What is the TPM 2.0 requirement and why is it needed?

TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 is a security chip that provides hardware-level encryption for features like BitLocker and Windows Hello. Microsoft requires it to help protect against firmware attacks and credential theft (Microsoft Support).

Related reading