Can Windows 10 still be installed on a new desktop PC and upgraded to Windows 11?

Efdy 40 Reputation points
2026-07-19T22:06:06.74+00:00

I tried to build a desktop home computer for personal use. It posted, or whatever it's called, but one of the motherboard memory slots did not work. After that I was unable to get the computer to post (switch on, whatever) using a replacement motherboard, and then I did nothing about for a long time. I still need to get the desktop computer working. I still have a new unused copy of Windows 10 that I purchased for it. At this point, can I still install the copy of Windows 10 I already have and then upgrade it to Windows 11, or do I need to purchase Windows 11 to install on the computer to begin with because support for Windows 10 is over?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade
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EmilyS726 267.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-07-19T22:39:19.9466667+00:00

Hello

Yes you can, as long as your hardware can support Windows 11, upgrade from Windows 10 to 11 is still free, with one exception - if you obtained your Windows 10 license from a free upgrade from a Windows 7 or 8 license, then you will not be able to use it to activate Windows 11.

But otherwise, no problem.

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Answer accepted by question author
kagiyama yutaka 5,490 Reputation points
2026-07-19T22:17:37.7166667+00:00

I think you can still install your unused Windows 10 on a new desktop, and Windows 11 only upgrades when the hardware meets the minimum requirements like a supported CPU, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and enough RAM and storage.

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