In this article, we will explain everything in detail, starting with the answer to the question of what Windows is, how to activate Windows 10 and 11, whether Windows 10 is still free, and how to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

What is Windows?

Windows is the most widely used family of graphical operating systems developed by Microsoft worldwide. Starting in 1985, the Windows adventure has become an indispensable part of the computer world today with its user-friendly interface, software compatibility, and broad hardware support.

Key Features:

Graphical User Interface (GUI)
File and folder management
Software and hardware compatibility
Network connection support
Advanced security protocols

How to Activate Windows?

To use Windows, you need to activate your license. Here are the steps:

Go to the Start Menu and follow the path Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
Click on "Change product key" or "Activate Windows" here.
Enter the 25-character license key you purchased.
If the license verification is successful, Windows will be activated.

Note:

OEM licenses are only specific to the device they were first installed on.
Retail licenses can be transferred to another device.

Is Windows 10 Still Free?

According to Microsoft's official statement, the free upgrade campaign to Windows 10 as of 2016 has ended. However, in practice:

You can still upgrade to Windows 10 for free using a valid Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license.
Using the old key when downloading the Windows 10 ISO file and doing a clean install often provides activation.

Important:

Using pirated software is illegal and carries security risks.

How to Download Windows 10 Pro 64-bit?

Go to the official Microsoft website: https://www.microsoft.com/tr-tr/software-download/windows10
Download the "Media Creation Tool" by clicking the "Download Tool Now" button.
Run the tool and select "Create installation media for another PC".
Select the language, edition (Windows 10 Pro), and architecture (64-bit).
You can download and use it as a USB flash drive or ISO file.

How to Download Windows 11?

Official Microsoft page: https://www.microsoft.com/tr-tr/software-download/windows11
Choose either "Windows 11 Installation Assistant" or "Download ISO file" options.
If you have a device with TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot support, you can directly install Windows 11.

Windows 11 Installation Options:

Direct update
Clean install (format)
Testing via virtual machine

How to Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11?

Check your computer's system requirements:
- TPM 2.0 must be active.
- Secure Boot must be enabled.
- Compatible processor and hardware are required.
Go to Windows Update Settings:
- "Update & Security > Windows Update"
- If a Windows 11 upgrade notification appears, you can start the upgrade by clicking "Download and Install".
Alternative Method:
- You can perform a manual upgrade using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

Note:

It is recommended to back up all your data before upgrading.

Conclusion

Windows operating systems are powerful platforms that simplify the computer usage experience, increase security, and work integrated with various software. Switching between Windows 10 and Windows 11 has now become much easier and more practical.