Is Windows 10 upgrade still free?

Microsoft shut down its free Windows 10 upgrade program in November 2017. If you didn't get your free version of its best operating system to date, you were pretty much out of luck. Or, so we thought. It turns out, you can still upgrade to Windows 10 without spending a dime.

Can you still upgrade to Windows 10 for free in 2021?

The free upgrade period — supposedly — came to an end some time ago, but actually it is still possible to jump from Windows 7 or Windows 8 to Windows 10 for free in 2021.

Can you still install Windows 10 for free 2020?

How to get a free Windows 10 upgrade in 2020. To upgrade to Windows 10, visit Microsoft's "Download Windows 10" webpage on a Windows 7 or 8.1 device. Download the tool and follow the prompts to upgrade. Windows 10's free upgrade offer was supposed to have ended back in 2016.

Is Windows 10 upgrade 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.

Can you still upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7 for free?

Windows 7 is dead, but you don't have to pay to upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft has quietly continued the free upgrade offer for the last few years. You can still upgrade any PC with a genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8 license to Windows 10.

How to Upgrade to Windows 10 for Free

Will Windows 11 be a free upgrade?

If you're already a Windows 10 user and have a compatible computer, Windows 11 will appear as a free upgrade for your machine once it becomes available for you. Microsoft's new OS is gradually rolling out between now and mid-2022.

Can you still upgrade to Windows 11 for free?

How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? It's free. But only Windows 10 PCs that are running the most current version of Windows 10 and meet the minimum hardware specifications will be able to upgrade. You can check to see if you have the latest updates for Windows 10 in Settings/Windows Update.

Is Windows 10 free now 2022?

Free upgrades to eligible Windows 10 PCs will be available from Oct. 5. The free upgrades will continue into 2022. If you're still running Windows 7 but want to upgrade to Windows 11, you'll first need to upgrade to Windows 10 to be eligible.

Why is win 10 free?

Why is Microsoft giving Windows 10 for free? The company wants to get the new software on as many devices as possible. Microsoft needs a large pool of users to convince independent programmers that it's worth their time to build useful or entertaining apps for Windows 10 devices.

How can I activate Windows 10 for free?

To activate Windows, you need a digital license or a product key. If you're ready to activate, select Open Activation in Settings. Click Change product key to enter a Windows product key. If Windows was previously activated on your device, your copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11 should be activated automatically.

Does installing Windows 10 cost money?

Windows 10 will cost $119 if you're not eligible for Microsoft's free upgrade.

Is Windows 8 free now?

If your computer is currently running Windows 8, you can upgrade to Windows 8.1 for free. Once you've installed Windows 8.1, we recommend that you then upgrade your computer to Windows 10, which is also a free upgrade.

Is free Windows 10 safe?

Is it Dangerous? Using this method is not dangerous because it is provided directly from Microsoft. There is no chance that this method would include viruses or malware. Just make sure you let the Windows 10 Download tool complete the process completely before installing it on a new system.

When did Windows 10 stop being free?

On July 29, 2016, Microsoft officially ended the Get Windows 10 program, which offered free Windows 10 upgrades to anyone currently running a supported earlier version of Windows.

When did Windows 11 come out?

Windows 11 was released to the general public on October 5, 2021. That initial release was version number 22000.194, which was first released as a cumulative update to members of the Windows Insider Program on September 16, 2021.

Can I still use Windows 10 after 2025?

Microsoft has said it will continue to support at least one Windows 10 Semi-Annual Channel until 14 October 2025. Unlike Windows 7, where Microsoft guaranteed support of the latest service pack release until 14 January 2020, each semi-annual release of Windows 10 is only supported for two years.

Is Windows 11 Pro free?

If you already own Windows 10 Pro, you can upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for free.

Is Windows 11 worth upgrading?

A slick new interface, better security, updated apps, and info widgets are just some of the perks of upgrading to Windows 11. Here's why you should do it sooner than later. There's something to be said for staying up to date. Windows 11 is the first major update of the leading desktop operating system in seven years.

Is Windows 10 better than Windows 11?

Better virtual desktop support

You'll find it easier to create and toggle between different virtual desktops in Windows 11 than in Windows 10. Windows 11 lets you set up virtual desktops in a way that's similar to on a Mac. It allows you to toggle between multiple desktops at once for personal, work, school or gaming.

Has Windows 12 been released?

Despite not having an official release date, we might still expect the release of Windows 12 between April and October 2022. However, some rumours suggested that the Microsoft Windows 12 will be launched earlier unlike previous updates. That's to say, we might see the launch of the Windows 12 on June 2022.

How long do I have to upgrade to Windows 11 for free?

However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer. This end date will be no sooner than October 5, 2022. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that the above statement represents Microsoft's plans for the free Windows 11 upgrade offer.

How can I download Windows 11 for free?

The best way to do this is to run Microsoft's PC Health Check Tool. Go to the Windows 11 Specifications page(Opens in a new window) and scroll to the bottom until you see the Check for compatibility section. Click the Download PC Health Check App link and install the program. Click the Check now button inside the app.

Are Windows 10 keys free?

Microsoft allows anyone to download Windows 10 for free and install it without a product key. It'll keep working for the foreseeable future, with only a few small cosmetic restrictions. And you can even pay to upgrade to a licensed copy of Windows 10 after you install it.

Is it illegal to activate Windows free?

Installing Windows without a license is not illegal, activating it through other means without an officially purchased product key is illegal.

Is Windows 10 better than Windows 8?

Winner: Windows 10 corrects most of Windows 8's ills with the Start screen, whilst revamped file management and virtual desktops are potential productivity boosters. An outright victory for desktop and laptop users.