PCs originally built with Windows 8.1 are designed with technology that is about 10 years old. It may be easier for you to first upgrade to Windows 10 (see What options do I have for staying supported on a Windows operating system for more details) and then upgrade to Windows 11. 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. 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 two ways you can get Windows 11: You can also check with retailers to see if they still offer Windows 10 for sale. If it does, you can purchase and download a full version of Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro.

You can check if your current PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 10. Installing Windows 10 on your current PC - Windows 10 is still available and will be supported until October 14, 2025. It may be easier for you to first upgrade to Windows 10 (see the next option) 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.

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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