How to Upgrade to Windows 11 in Australia 2026 Guide

Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 10 on 14 October 2025. If you’re still running it, your computer will keep working — but it no longer receives security updates, bug fixes or technical support from Microsoft. For most Australian homes and businesses, that makes upgrading to Windows 11 the smart next step. Here’s everything you need to know.

Why the Windows 10 deadline matters

An operating system that no longer gets security patches becomes more vulnerable to malware and cyber threats over time. Newly discovered weaknesses simply won’t be fixed. For businesses, running an unsupported OS can also create compliance headaches and problems with insurance, banking software and other services that expect a supported, up-to-date system.

Windows 11 is built with stronger, hardware-based security (things like TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot), a cleaner interface, and ongoing feature updates — so it’s the best long-term option for most people.

Can your PC run Windows 11?

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. To be eligible, your PC generally needs:

• A compatible 64-bit processor (1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores) from Microsoft’s approved list — broadly Intel 8th generation or newer, and AMD Ryzen 2000 series or newer
• TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module)
• Secure Boot enabled, with UEFI firmware
• 4 GB of RAM or more
• 64 GB or more of storage
• A DirectX 12 compatible graphics card and a display larger than 9" at 720p

The easiest way to check is Microsoft’s free PC Health Check app, which tells you in a few seconds whether your device is eligible and, if not, exactly which requirement it fails. Many computers made from around 2018 onwards will pass.

How to upgrade to Windows 11 for free

If your PC is eligible, the upgrade is free and keeps your files and most apps in place. We still strongly recommend backing up first. Here’s the process:

1. Back up your data. Save important files to OneDrive, an external drive, or both. Upgrades rarely go wrong, but a backup means you’re never caught out.
2. Get Windows 10 fully up to date. Make sure you’re on the final version, Windows 10 22H2, via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Check for the Windows 11 offer. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. If your device is eligible, you’ll see the option to download and install Windows 11.
4. Follow the prompts and let your PC restart as needed. Depending on your hardware and internet speed, the upgrade can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.

What if your PC isn’t eligible?

If your computer doesn’t meet the requirements, you have a few sensible options:

• Extended Security Updates (ESU). Microsoft is offering home users one extra year of critical security updates for Windows 10 — covering 14 October 2025 through 13 October 2026 — for a one-off fee (around US$30 per device). It buys time, but it’s a temporary bridge, not a long-term fix.
• Buy a new Windows 11 PC. If your device is several years old, a new computer will be faster, more secure and supported for years to come.
• Get advice first. Some PCs are only missing one setting (for example, TPM or Secure Boot may simply be switched off in the firmware). It’s worth having someone check before you assume a replacement is needed.

Advice for Australian businesses

Upgrading a handful of home PCs is straightforward. Upgrading an office full of machines is a different job — and one worth planning properly to avoid downtime. If you manage a team, we’d suggest:

• Audit your fleet. Identify which devices are eligible, which need a firmware tweak, and which need replacing.
• Test key software on Windows 11 before rolling it out widely, especially older line-of-business or accounting applications.
• Back up everything and schedule upgrades outside business hours where possible.
• Recycle old hardware responsibly. E-waste is banned from landfill in several Australian states, so retired computers should go to an accredited e-waste recycler — and any old drives should be securely wiped first.

Need a hand?

Whether you’re upgrading one computer at home or a whole office, The Internet Provider can help. Our managed IT team can check your devices for Windows 11 compatibility, handle upgrades and data backups, and keep your systems secure and supported. Learn more about our IT Management services or call us on 1800 438 638.