Windows is so omnipresent on our computers that we sometimes tend to forget that Microsoft's operating system is a paid product. Faced with the painful reality of the price of a Windows license, even a basic one, there is a glimmer of hope. There are, in fact, completely legal methods to get windows 11 for free.
Use Windows 11 for free without activating
Buying a computer with Windows pre-installed might make us believe that it is necessary to pay to get Windows. However, it is possible to download windows 11 for free directly from the official Microsoft website and install it free of charge on your PC.
The most surprising thing? It is not necessary to buy a license key or even activate Windows to take full advantage of its installation, despite a few small drawbacks that we will discuss a little later.
The Windows download page offers three options:
- The installation wizard : Perfect for those looking to upgrade their current Windows 10 system to Windows 11, this wizard makes installation easy with a step-by-step guide. This is the option you should choose to perform an online upgrade to Windows 11.
- The Media Creation Tool : Ideal for creating an external installation media (bootable USB stick or DVD), which allows you to install Windows 11 on a current or future device. A practical solution to always have a means of reinstalling Windows at hand.
- Downloading an ISO File : Less common, but equally useful, downloading an ISO image and then creating a Windows 11 DVD is a valuable option, especially for virtual machine installations.
So as mentioned above, you can use option 1 (the wizard one) to be guided to upgrade your computer to Windows 11 for free. It will not be mandatory to enter a Windows product key.
Once Windows 11 is installed on your computer, it just works. You can install and use all the apps you want, buy software from the Microsoft Store, and do most of the things that a fully licensed version of Windows 11 can do. You don’t even need a Microsoft account.
Disadvantages of this solution
The main disadvantage of an unactivated version is a permanent watermark at the bottom right of your screen, visible even in full-screen applications. Customization options will also be limited, with access to a small selection of wallpapers.
However, these restrictions may be negligible depending on how you use your PC. In a professional or public setting, this non-activation mark could be frowned upon. For use as a media server, the impact is minimal since you won't be looking at the screen anyway.
It is important to remain vigilant, as Microsoft may decide at any time to tighten the limitations on non-activated operating systems.
Upgrade from Windows 10
If you currently have Windows 10 installed on your computer, and your computer meets the technical requirements for Windows 11, you should be eligible for a free upgrade through Windows Update.
The update won't cost you anything, but is only offered to computers that meet the requirements. Just make sure to back up any important data and do it when you're not busy, as it may take a while, depending on your internet connection and your computer specifications.
To check if an upgrade to Windows 11 is available:
- Press Windows+i to open Settings
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Update
You should see there a notification to switch to Windows 11 if available.
Reuse an old Windows product key
For years, it was possible to activate Windows 11 using a Windows 7 or Windows 8 product key. Unfortunately, this option is no longer possible.
You can, however, use your existing Windows 10 product key to activate a copy of Windows 11. So, you don't need to install Windows 10 on a brand new or factory reset computer first, you can directly use this key to activate Windows 11.
Obtain a license through work or school
Large organizations like universities or businesses often purchase volume licenses for Windows, and if you belong to such organizations, you may be eligible to have one of these volume licenses.
Of course, the only way to know if a license is available for you is to ask the relevant department. There are no guarantees, but it can't hurt to check.
Avoid Dodgy Windows Key Dealers
To conclude on a topic related to getting Windows 11 for free, let's make a brief digression on Windows key resellers. You have certainly already come across sites where you can buy Windows keys at ridiculous prices, either voluntarily or by chance.
Don't be tempted to buy cheap and dodgy keys online. Not only are you at risk of getting scammed, but these keys are likely to be disabled by Microsoft due to legal issues.
It's best to avoid deals that seem too good to be true. By following the tips provided here, you'll maximize your chances of getting Windows 11 for free, or at least for less.
