How to Buy
Windows 11 will be delivered as an upgrade to eligible devices running Windows 10, beginning later in the 2021 calendar year. Windows 11 will also be available on eligible new devices.
For administrators managing devices on behalf of their organization, Windows 11 will be available through the same, familiar channels that you use today for Windows 10 feature updates. You will be able to use existing deployment and management tools, such as Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and Windows Autopilot. For more information, seePlan for Windows 11.
For devices that are not managed by an organization, the Windows 11 upgrade will be offered to eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update using Microsoft's intelligent rollout process to ensure a smooth upgrade experience.
For more information about device eligibility, seeWindows 11 requirements.
Windows 11 Enterprise
Windows 11 Enterprise is licensed as an upgrade license to Windows Pro. Windows 11 Enterprise may be licensed through the Windows Enterprise per device license, the Windows Enterprise E3 per user license, or the Windows Enterprise E5 per user license. Users without Windows Pro devices to upgrade from may still license Windows Enterprise for remote virtualization scenarios with the Windows VDA E3 or E5 license.
Windows 11 Enterprise E3
Windows 11 Enterprise E3 provides access to Windows 11 Enterprise edition, and includes a set of Windows cloud services that enable advanced protection against modern security threats, a broad range of options for operating system deployments and updates, and comprehensive device and application management. Learn morehere.
Windows 11 Enterprise E5
Windows 11 Enterprise E5 includes everything in Windows 11 Enterprise E3with the addition of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint—a security service that helps enterprises detect, investigate, and respond to advanced attacks on their networks.
Building on the existing security defenses in Windows 11 Enterprise E3, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides a post-breach layer of protection to the Windows 10 security stack. With a combination of client technology built into Windows 11 and a robust cloud service, it can help detect threats that have made it past other defenses, provide enterprises with information to investigate the breach across endpoints, and offer response recommendations.
FAQ
Windows11 has all the power and security of Windows10 with a redesigned and refreshed look. It also comes with new tools, sounds, and apps. Every detail has been considered. All of it comes together to bring you a refreshing experience on your PC. Some Windows10 features are not available in Windows11, seeWindows11 Specifications.
Windows11 offers new productivity features and functionality designed to meet the challenges of the hybrid world, with a completely refreshed look and feel that helps you get more done with less stress.
The upgrade to Windows11 is for the same edition as you have on your Windows 10 device. Devices with Windows10 Pro installed will be upgraded to Windows11 Pro. Devices running Windows10 Enterprise will upgrade to Windows11 Enterprise. Windows11 Pro will not offer Windows11 Pro in S mode, so you will need to switch out of S mode to upgrade.
Learn more aboutWindows11 Enterprise.
Yes, Microsoft is committed to ensuring your applications work on the latest versions of our software and Windows11 has been built with compatibility in mind. Our promise states that apps that worked on Windows 7/8.1/10 will work on Windows11. If you have App Assure, Microsoft will help you fix them at no cost. App Assure is a service that helps customers resolve application issues that they may experience when deploying the latest version of our software. App Assure is available at no additional cost for eligible customers with 150+ seats. For more information on eligibility requirements, please navigate tothis page. Visit theApp Assure pageand sign in to submit your request for assistance for a dedicated App Assure Manager. If you experience any issues submitting a request for assistance, please contactACHELP@microsoft.comand one of our team members will assist you.
Windows11 is based on the same foundation of Windows 10, so it will support the same management tools that you use today with Windows 10.
Theminimum hardware requirements are available here.
If you’d like to see if your current PC meets the minimum requirements,download and run the PC Health Check app.
Yes! Windows10 continues to be a great version of Windows. We have committed to supporting Windows10 through October 14, 2025.
An update can consist of bug and security fixes and new features in a version of Windows. They tend to roll out throughout the year. An upgrade is when you change versions—for example, moving from Windows10 to Windows11, or moving editions from Windows Home to Windows Pro.
Most devices available for purchase now will be upgradeable to Windows11. You will have the option to upgrade, clean install, or reimage Windows10 devices to move to Windows11. For Windows7 devices that meet hardware requirements, you will need to clean install or reimage to go directly to Windows11.
Windows11 provides a familiar modern and refreshed interface that helps increase productivity and enhances the collaboration experience for end users while maintaining consistent management for IT managed devices.
Yes. After you have installed the Windows11 upgrade, there is a 10-day period where you can move back to Windows10 while keeping files and data that you brought along with you. After the 10 days, you will need to back up your data and do a “clean install” to move back to Windows10.
Windows11 has been built on the same core as Windows 10 so you’ll continue with the same experience you’re accustomed to.
Yes, you will be able to use Windows Autopilot for Windows11 devices.
