If you do choose this path, note that you will need to reinstall your apps (in some cases a newer version may be required) and take steps to transition files, data, and settings since the installation will overwrite the contents of your existing storage drive. If it does, you can purchase and download a full version of Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro or buy from a retailer.

Installing Windows 11 on your current PC You can also see if your current PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.

There are two ways you can get to Windows 11: It may be easier for you to first upgrade to Windows 10 (see below) and then upgrade to Windows 11.

PCs that are running Windows 8.1 are unlikely to meet these requirements, but if yours does, you can purchase and download a full version of Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro or buy from a retailer. Hardware and software have improved a lot since Windows 8.1 was released, and today’s computers are faster, more powerful, and more secure. If you have an older PC, we recommend you move to Windows 11 by buying a new PC.

Recommended: New PC with Windows 11 Windows 11 is the most current version of Windows.

There are a few options for using a supported version of Windows:

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