Support for Windows 7 ended more than a year ago, and Microsoft wants holdouts to upgrade to Windows 10 to keep devices running securely and smoothly — particularly before Windows 11 arrives during the holiday season. Windows 11 will be available as a free upgrade — but only if you’re a Windows 10 user already. Here’s how you’ll download Windows 11 when it’s available, and how to check if your computer will be compatible with the new operating system.

But you don’t necessarily have to shell out the cash: A free upgrade offer from Microsoft that technically ended in still works for many people. With the potential new version of Windows right around the corner, now may be a good time to make sure you’re on the latest version to make any future updates easier. When Windows 10 was first released in July , Microsoft offered an unprecedented free upgrade offer for Windows 7, 8 and 8.

As of June , readers are still emailing me and commenting below, saying that it’s worked for them as well. Read more: Windows 10 tips: How to take screenshots, find the secret Start menu and more. Windows 7 users who don’t upgrade to the new version will no longer be able to get Microsoft’s security updates or fixes, or technical support for any issues, leaving your computer at greater risk from viruses and malware.

While Windows 10 users have experienced a number of bugs over the years, upgrading remains the best option for keeping your computer safe , analysts say. And more people seem to be making the move: Windows 10 now has more than 1. Just note that, now that Windows 11 is coming, support for Windows 10 will end in Lasers, sensors and robots, oh my: Some robot vacuums move and clean much better than others.

Here’s how to get Windows 10 for free, if you’re currently running a licensed and activated copy of Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8. Go to the Download Windows 10 website. Under Create Windows 10 installation media , click Download tool now and Run. If you’re upgrading a different machine, choose Create installation media for another PC , and save the installation files.

It should be noted that if you have a Windows 7 or 8 Home license, you can only update to Windows 10 Home, while Windows 7 or 8 Pro can only be updated to Windows 10 Pro. The upgrade is not available for Windows Enterprise.

Other users may experience blocks as well , depending on your machine. This upgrade using the media creation tool isn’t meant for the general consumer, but it works for many nonetheless.

To get the best Windows 10 experience and take advantage of features like passwordless sign-on through Windows Hello , you’ll want to purchase a new Windows 10 PC or one released after July with all the hardware upgrades.

If you’re a student or university faculty member, you may also be able to download Windows 10 for free search for your school’s software offerings here. For more, check out the best antivirus protection of for Windows 10 , six security changes all Windows 10 users need to make and everything to know about the Windows 10 May update , and three new features from the Windows 10 October update and how to use them.

You can also get Microsoft Office online free , too. Replay Video. Skip Ad. Load Error. How to take Windows 10 screenshots. CNET See more videos. Click to expand. Windows 10 fall update: Here’s what’s new. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Found the story interesting?

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Windows 10 free upgrade end date free download.Upgrade to Windows 10 For Free (2021 Guide)

 
› Business › Enterprise Software. You can use this page to download a disc image (ISO file) that can be used to install or reinstall Windows The image can also be used to create installation.

Windows 10 “Free” end date details – Microsoft Community.Windows 10 – Wikipedia

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 camera cctv monitoring monitor system alarm smart house video phone view concept – stock image.

Home Business Enterprise Software. Microsoft’s much-hyped free upgrade offer for Windows 10 ended years ago, right? Not exactly. She has experience editing countless advice pieces and has written over 8, articles — including news, how-tos, explainers, and reviews on technology and even TV and entertainment-focused content — for several leading online publications.

She was also a US contributor at Pocket-lint. Before that, she worked as a beat reporter at different regional newspapers in Northeast America and freelanced for global websites such as the BBC. One digital license, no product key required. Previously, she was an editor at 9to5Mac, 9to5Google, and Pocket-lint. Tablets like Apple’s market-leading iPad line are increasingly ubiquitous in work and play.

You can upgrade directly using this tool, or create separate media. The wording here is remarkably vague. These are the devices that should be at or near the top of your shortlist. He doesn’t need the added convenience that much.

Keep tabs on the latest threats. Suddenly, it wasn’t. A screenshot from a McDonald’s ad. His writing has been published all over the world, most recently on CNET. He does not hold investments in the companies he writes about.

So, is it worth upgrading? But there are other options if you want the best phone available. After graduating from Tiffin University in , they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own now defunct game review site, Steam Shovelers.

From there, Taylor expanded into writing about consumer technology like televisions, home audio equipment, and smart home devices at Lifewire. They do not hold investments in the technology companies they cover. Show Comments. Log In to Comment Community Guidelines. How to ‘downgrade’ a Windows 11 PC to Windows However, Microsoft also moved Windows 7 over to this method.

This license becomes locked to your Microsoft account. Sites like Amazon also keep a record of purchased downloads, but these rarely include the product key itself, though it may help narrow down where it could be.

Finally, you can download Windows 10 and perform a clean install. Despite officially ending the free update promotion in mid, Microsoft quietly keeps this option available so all Windows PC owners can run the latest version. Again, unless you have a valid digital license or product key to get a free upgrade, you will be required to pay for a new Windows 10 Home product key. Disconnect any unnecessary accessories to help reduce the chance of errors.

As shown above, you have two options: Upgrade the current PC, or create installation media that will either upgrade another PC or perform a clean install on the current PC.

However, in both cases, the tool will temporarily download a disk image of Windows 10, so be sure you have enough space for the file — around 4GB, at least. Step 5: Select the Upgrade this PC now option and follow the prompts. Step 6: With all issues resolved, the installer will try to port over all the data it can. Keep in mind, however, the vast gap between Windows 7 and Windows 10 in terms of the software you use.

Back up or convert any crucial data before you continue. Step 9: As the installer progresses, your PC will restart a few times. The above method is the best way to get Windows 10 for free — at least for now. There are other ways you can get Windows 10 if you need it, including free and low-cost options that may be worth exploring. Buy a copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft. Please read our guide on how to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows Note that if you’re a student, or work at a large organization, you might be eligible for free or discounted Windows.

We also recommend going to the PC manufacturer’s website for any additional info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility. Follow these steps to create installation media USB flash drive or DVD you can use to install a new copy of Windows 10, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows If you have Office or earlier and choose to perform a clean install of Windows 10, you will need to locate your Office product key.

For tips on locating your product key, check Find your Office product key or Enter the product key for your Office program. Select the language, edition, and architecture bit or bit for Windows After completing the steps to install Windows 10, please check that you have all the necessary device drivers installed. Note: Drivers for Surface devices may be found on the Download drivers and firmware for Surface page.

To open a boot menu or change the boot order, you’ll typically need to press a key such as F2, F12, Delete, or Esc immediately after you turn on your PC. For instructions on accessing the boot menu or changing the boot order for your PC, check the documentation that came with your PC or go to the manufacturer’s website. If changing the boot menu or order doesn’t work, and your PC immediately boots into the OS you want to replace, it is possible the PC had not fully shut down.

To ensure the PC fully shuts down, select the power button on the sign-in screen or on the Start menu and select Shut down. If you downloaded an ISO file for Windows 10, the file is saved locally at the location you selected. If you have a third-party DVD burning program installed on your computer that you prefer to use for creating the installation DVD, that program might open by going to the location where the file is saved and double-clicking the ISO file, or right-click the ISO file, select Open with and choose your preferred DVD burning software.

Right-click the ISO file and select Properties. Then right-click the ISO file and select Burn disc image. This will perform an upgrade of your current operating system to Windows Download Windows 10 Before updating, please refer to the Windows release information status for known issues to confirm your device is not impacted. To get started, click Update now.

Update now Privacy. Create Windows 10 installation media To get started, you will first need to have a licence to install Windows Download tool now Privacy. Select Download tool , and select Run.