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How to upgrade to Windows 10 for free | Laptop Mag.
If you're thinking of upgrading your old system drive to an SSD, perform the upgrade to Windows 10 on the old hardware; after confirming that the new Windows 10 version is properly activated, install the SSD and then either restore from a backup image or boot from the USB flash drive to do a clean install. You won't need a product key, and activation is automatic.
And now the big question: If you avail yourself of this upgrade to Windows 10, is the resulting license valid? The entire "free upgrade" offer was always accompanied by language that was, to put it politely, a bit squishy. And the language around the end of that offer was similarly vague.
That's very odd language. The free upgrade through the Get Windows 10 app ended on July 29, Likewise, the discussion of product keys says a key will be necessary "for this tool to work" not true but doesn't say a word about licensing.
And unlike the weaselly "Genuine Windows" label on older upgrades, the activation screens for a Windows 10 upgrade specifically confirm the existence of a "digital license. Anyway, the free upgrade offer was extended briefly, at least for people who use assistive technologies. The FAQ on a separate page even called it a "free upgrade offer extension" and pointedly noted that it was not limited to specific assistive technologies.
I regularly use the Magnifier utility in Windows, which is indisputably an assistive technology. Of course, I'm not a lawyer, and this column isn't legal advice. But I will say that I am personally confident in the activation status of any PC upgraded using the tool on that page during the eligibility period. This extension was, I think, a very large nod and a wink, designed to make it easy for those who wanted a Windows 10 upgrade to still get it while placating the OEM partners who were none too happy about the year-long emphasis on upgrades rather than new PC sales.
Alas, I say "was," because the extension which was itself extended officially ended on Jan. The page that formerly ran an Upgrade Assistant now returns an error message. The big question now is whether Microsoft will ever turn off the code on its activation servers that dispenses digital licenses after an upgrade from an earlier Windows version. I've continued to test that scenario, and I can confirm, long after the end of support for Windows 7, that it still works.
I continue to hear from readers sharing their experiences. If you've used this technique on a PC, click my name at the top of this post and use the contact form to let me know how it went for you. Note: This article was originally published in January It has been updated multiple times since then to reflect the most current information.
Home Business Enterprise Software. Details required :. Cancel Submit. Tryx3 Article Author. See Here's how to contact the Disability Answer Desk. The official free upgrade period ended two years ago but there are constant reports in this forum from people who have just done the upgrade. The method of upgrading will be one of the things that the Disability answer desk can explain to you. Thanks for your feedback. How satisfied are you with this reply?
Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve the site. Andre Da Costa Volunteer Moderator. Your PC will still have a digital license, so you can upgrade that computer at any point in the future —even after this free upgrade offer ends. This will only work until January 16, We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission.
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You Can Still Get Windows 10 for Free from Microsoft’s Accessibility Site
As you may already know, currently you are able to get Windows 10 for free using your Windows 7 or Windows 8. You can use it in Windows 10 and the OS will become activated. Another way to get it is a special web site which offers the OS for free for users who use assistive technologies.
Now, the Redmond software giant has decided to end the free offer for assistive technology users by the end of the year. Assistive technology users are those who are differently-abled and need ease of access features of Windows to interact with a PC better. Special accessibility features built into Windows are extremely helpful for these people because of their handicap. Microsoft's assistive technologies website now shows a special note that Microsoft will be ending the offer by the end of The text claims:.
If you use assistive technologies, you can upgrade to Windows 10 at no cost as Microsoft continues our efforts to improve the Windows 10 experience for people who use these technologies. Please take advantage of this offer before it expires on December 31, Starting with the Windows 10 "November Update" version , you can enter your Windows 7 or Windows 8. This will allow you to install and activate the desired build of Windows 10 instantly.
After the installation, Windows 10 will verify the product key and convert it into a special digital license. This process is transparent to the end user and makes Windows 10 eligible for all free feature upgrades released in the future. Microsoft is interested in getting all their users migrated to Windows This is the time to decide if you want to eventually get Windows 10 since you can still get it for free.
For now, you can use this offer, upgrade to Windows 10 temporarily, link the license to your Microsoft account and then downgrade immediately to Windows 7 or 8. Once your Windows 10 license is linked to your Microsoft account, later if you decide to permanently use Windows 10 and dump your copy of Windows 7 or 8. Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options:. If you like this article, please share it using the buttons below.
It won't take a lot from you, but it will help us grow. Thanks for your support! Sergey Tkachenko is a software developer who started Winaero back in On this blog, Sergey is writing about everything connected to Microsoft, Windows and popular software. Follow him on Telegram , Twitter , and YouTube. View all posts by Sergey Tkachenko. Well, according to Cambridge dictionary and some other internet sources this word can indeed be understood as insulting.
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