I have windows 8.1 on my Dell computer and want to update to Windows 10 or 11. How do I do that?

8/8.1 > 11 would be a clean install and doesn't come for free.

But computer 18 months or older than the release of 11 are not suitable to run 11.

Windows 11 requirements; https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/windows-11-requirements

Specifically check this:

Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with two or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC).

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Microsoft details what happens or won't happen if you install 11 on a device that does not meet minimum system requirements.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/installing-windows-11-on-devices-that-don-t-meet-minimum-system-requirements-0b2dc4a2-5933-4ad4-9c09-ef0a331518f1

Remember: NO Security Updates.

Your device might malfunction due to these compatibility or other issues. Devices that do not meet these system requirements will no longer be guaranteed to receive updates, including but not limited to security updates.

This PC doesn't meet the minimum system requirements for running Windows 11 - these requirements help ensure a more reliable and higher quality experience. Installing Windows 11 on this PC is not recommended and may result in compatibility issues. If you proceed with installing Windows 11, your PC will no longer be supported and won't be entitled to receive updates. Damages to your PC due to lack of compatibility aren't covered under the manufacturer warranty.

You may or may not still get 10 for free, but you first have to see if 10 is compatible with your device.

The free upgrade to Windows 10 offer from Microsoft expired on the 29th July, 2016.

You will have to contact MS support and they may be able to assist you with a free upgrade to 10..

Also read this information:

All the Ways You Can Still Upgrade to Windows 10 for Free

Here's how you can still get a free Windows 10 upgrade | ZDNet

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A word of advice:

You should always have your data backed up to at least two external media destinations (external hard drive, DVDs, flash drive) in case of system file corruption and/or hard drive failure

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Windows 10 media creation tool on the Software download page 

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"Start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 10"

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10startfresh

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This tutorial will show you step by step on how to do an upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10.

How to Upgrade to Windows 10

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2267-upgrade-windows-10-a.html

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Upgrade to Windows 10: FAQ - Windows Help - Microsoft Support

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Windows 10 supported upgrade paths:

✔ = Full upgrade is supported including personal data, settings, and applications.
D = Edition downgrade; personal data is maintained, applications and settings are removed.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/upgrade/windows-10-upgrade-paths

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First thing to do is to make sure that you have the correct system requirements and that your Computer Manufacturer supplies the correct Drivers for 10 for your Model Number.

Driver Downloads:

Dell:

http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/ProductSelector

"Windows 10 System Requirements"

https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/3884/windows-10-system-requirements

https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/windows-10-specifications#sysreqs

If you read those Microsoft's system requirements for 10, you will find that if you only go on them you will be sadly disappointed in performance.

For reasonable performance should have at least:

2 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor.

4 gigabyte (GB) of RAM for 32-bit or 8 GB for 64-bit

500GB hard drive

DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver

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Detailed information on Minimum hardware requirements:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/minimum-hardware-requirements-overview

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Some Manufacturers have listed Model Numbers tested with 10 at their website:

Dell computers tested for Windows 10 November 2019 Update and previous versions of Windows 10

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If you do have to buy Windows 10:

How to buy Windows 10:

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/cat/Windows/categoryID.70036700

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If you are upgrading to 10 at least make a system image backup for two reasons.

1. Some people report they don't get the free upgrade and want to reinstall 7, 8, or 8.1 depending what you attempted to upgrade from..
2. If you don't do the system checks and 10 is incompatible with your device and it becomes inoperable.

These are quite good programs to use for Complete PC Backup and are free:

"EaseUS Todo Backup Free"

http://www.todo-backup.com/products/home/free-backup-software.htm

"Welcome to EaseUS Todo Backup Manual"

http://www.todo-backup.com/support/help/

http://www.todo-backup.com/download/docs/User_Guide.pdf

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"Macrium Reflect Free"

http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.aspx

"Macrium Reflect Tutorial"

http://www.macrium.com/webtutorial/tutorial.asp