However, that offer expired on July 29, 2016. When Microsoft initially launched Windows 10 it was available as a free upgrade to anyone who already owned Windows 7 or 8. If you’re planning on buying a new PC over the next few months, check with the manufacturer or retailer that it supports Trusted Platform Module version 2.0 or later so that it will be able to run Windows 11. Launched in 2015, it builds on Windows 7 with hundreds of handy features including Cortana, Microsoft’s voice assistant, an app store that makes it easy to quickly download programs and a faster web browser called Microsoft Edge.Īlthough its successor has already debuted, support for Windows 10 will continue until October 2025, so there’s no imperative to upgrade right away – particularly if your computer doesn’t support Windows 11’s advanced security features, which rely on specific hardware components. Windows 10 is Microsoft’s current operating system for laptops and computers.