Windows 11 for free? Is it possible? We check in what situations you can get this system without paying. Find out where the catch is.
The days when you had to buy a physical copy of a boxed operating system to install on your computer are long gone. But does this mean that you can get Windows 11 for free in 2024? Many people enter such queries into Google, hoping for a miracle. Well, the reality is more complicated. In short – you won’t legally get Windows 11 for free, but there are certain circumstances in which you can get this system without incurring additional costs.
Windows 11 for free on new laptops
The easiest way not to pay for Windows 11? Buy a new laptop or computer with a pre-installed system. It sounds obvious and for many people it is the most convenient option. Manufacturers such as Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS and Acer often offer devices with a Windows 11 license already installed. In practice, this means that the price of the computer already includes the operating system. So you don’t have to worry about additional expenses, and after turning on your computer for the first time, just go through the configuration process and voilà – you have a legal version of Windows 11.
Is this “free” Windows? Not necessarily. The cost of the system is simply hidden in the price of the device. But from a user’s perspective, it’s like you get the system at no extra cost. So if you are planning to replace your equipment, this scenario may be the most profitable for you.
Upgrading from Windows 10? It depends…
Microsoft allows you to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for free. For some devices, this option is no longer possible, but it is worth trying. You can still find ways to update your system at no additional cost if you have a legal copy of Windows 10.
It is enough that your computer meets the requirements of Windows 11 (and these are quite restrictive – TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, at least 8th generation processor). If you have Windows 10 with an active license, you can try downloading the Windows 11 installation assistant from Microsoft’s website. There is a good chance that the update will go through without any problems and you will receive a new system without spending even a penny.
But remember – if you use unofficial tools or workarounds, you risk the stability and security of your system. Updating through official channels is the only guarantee that everything will work as it should.
Free alternatives? Don’t count on a miracle
You can sometimes come across “great offers” like: “Windows 11 for free – download it here!”. I warn you in advance: these are traps. At best, you will end up with a pirated version of the system that may work for some time, but will never be fully legal. In the worst-case scenario, you will install a virus or malware on your computer. Saving a few hundred on a license may result in costly computer service or data loss.
If you want to use Windows without paying for it, consider free alternatives like Linux. Distributions such as Ubuntu or Mint are free, stable and offer a lot of features.
Is it worth buying a license for Windows 11?
If you don’t plan to change your hardware and you no longer have legal Windows 10, purchasing a license is the safest solution. The full version of Windows 11 Home in official Microsoft sales costs less than PLN 700, and the Pro version costs around PLN 1,100. You can also look for cheaper OEM licenses or take advantage of promotions in reputable stores. Sometimes you can find legal offers at a much better price.
For many people, spending this much money on an operating system may seem unexciting, but it is worth remembering that it is an investment in security and stability. And if you’re a gamer, creator, or just someone who wants things to “just work,” a legal copy of Windows is often the best solution.
Legal Windows 11 for free?
To sum up: Windows 11 for free? Such a thing practically does not exist. At least not legally. You can get it “free” with a new computer or use the free upgrade if you have legal Windows 10. All other methods are risks that are better avoided. Sometimes it’s better to spend a few hundred zlotys than regret it later.
