How to Upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 Free
Windows 10 still has problems but Windows 7 is about to hit the scrap heap (and Windows 8 is a pointless sideways move). As such, millions of users must soon jump to Windows 10 for the safety of their data and Microsoft charges $139 for the standard edition. But what if I told you there’s a legal way you can still upgrade for free? In this article, we’ll show you a legal way to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free.
Microsoft’s free upgrade offer for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users ended a few years ago, but you can still technically upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge. While Microsoft has removed the special upgrade offer sites, the company continues to activate Windows 10 licenses for people who upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
Note: The most important thing to remember is that the Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade could wipe your settings and apps. There’s an option to keep your files and personal data, but because of differences between Windows 10 and Windows 7, it’s not always possible to keep all of your existing apps. Make sure you’ve noted what apps you use regularly so you can easily obtain them by downloading the installers again. Windows 8.1 can also be upgraded the same way, but without needing to wipe your apps and settings.
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What Happens When You’re not on the Latest Version of Windows
COPYRIGHT_NOVA: Published on https://www.novabach.com/i/how-to-upgrade-from-windows-7-to-windows-10-free/ by Daniel Barrett on 2022-08-18T13:20:48.000Z
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 billion active users worldwide, Microsoft reported in March.
How to Upgrade to Windows 10
Yes, this is no joke. Microsoft end its free upgrade offer to all users on July 30, 2016, and the company has left open a loophole. Since the upgrade, many users have been asking questions like “How To Install Windows 10 Free”. There’s just one snag: you will need a legal copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8 to do this.
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How to Download Windows 10 for Free
If you’re currently running a licensed and activated copy of Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 Home or Pro:
- Go to the Download Windows 10 website.
- Under Create Windows 10 installation media, click Download tool now and Run.
- Choose Upgrade this PC now, assuming this is the only PC you’re upgrading. (If you’re upgrading a different machine, choose Create installation media for another PC, and save the installation files.)
- Follow the prompts.
- When the upgrade is complete, go to Settings. Choose Update & Security > Activation, and you should see a digital license for Windows 10.
- You’ll then be asked whether you want to keep your personal files or start fresh. Starting fresh or keeping your files still means that all apps and settings will be deleted for the Windows 10 upgrade.
Tip: You can buy a legal copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8 at third part retailers for a fraction of the cost of a Windows 10 license. Home licenses update to Windows 10 Home and Pro licenses update to Windows 10 Pro, so choose carefully.
If you’d like to check your license has successfully been activated afterward, open: Settings > Update & Security > Activation.
Note: A Windows 10 license is tied to your hardware. As such, if you need to format your computer for any reason Windows 10 will reactivate automatically.
Tip: If multiple components in your PC are changed, Windows 10 will recognize your device as a new PC and refuse to register the license automatically. Thankfully, Microsoft has a simple process you can follow if that happens.
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