Free upgrade to Windows 10

NeilSJ

With so many people now working from home, often using their own computer equipment, it’s important to remain adequately protected from cyber-attacks etc. Support for Windows 7 ended in January 2020, and users who don't upgrade to Windows 10 no longer get security updates or fixes – but buying a new Windows 10 licence can be expensive.

When Windows 10 was first released in July 2015, Microsoft offered a free upgrade which they advertised as valid until July 2016. But, as a number of IT journalists have since reported, the free upgrade tool is still functional.  I have used it on two of my own older computers (I did the second one this morning) and can confirm it all works – no product key is required and the resulting installation is verified as legitimate by Microsoft.

Here's how to get Windows 10 for free, if you're currently running a licensed and activated copy of Windows 7 (or Windows 8): 

1. From the PC you want to upgrade, Google "Download Windows 10 Disc Image" and click on the link to the Microsoft web page that comes up as the top result. This should land you on the "Download Windows 10" page.  
2. Under Create Windows 10 installation media, click Download tool now and Run. 
3. Choose Upgrade this PC now.
4. Follow the prompts. 
5. When the upgrade is complete, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, and you should see a digital license for Windows 10. 

There are a couple of articles on reputable tech websites (CNet, ZDnet) discussing this in more detail - just Google "free Windows 10 upgrade".

Were_Doomed

Why has the above been reported as spam? Yes the post is by a newbie, but it seems to provide useful info and is not promoting any product or website link. (True, the info is quite widely available online - that doesn't make the above post spam though).

Pollycat

A newbie who's been a member for 8 years.

I've copied your comments onto the 'spam' thread on site feedback.

Were_Doomed

Copied my comment as being spam? Or in support of the OP here not being spam? (I hope the latter).

Misslayed

Looks like this post got caught up in a serious Spamnami, reported in error. I've made the forum team aware.

Chino

Misslayed said:

Looks like this post got caught up in a serious Spamnami, reported in error. I've made the forum team aware.

In which case, have you also made the forum team aware that the OP's post invites people to ignore the specific requirement on Microsoft's website that, as a prerequisite to downloading the installation media referred to by the OP:

To get started, you will first need to have a license to install Windows 10. 

Thus, the OP is in violation of the following forum rule:

2. Do not post 'grey legal area', illegal or offensive content
Do not post any content that infringes intellectual property rights, promotes terror, or that is obscene, libellous, violent, threatening, harassing, abusive, hateful, or otherwise illegal or unlawful.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/site/forum-faqs/?_ga=2.223717467.1182808211.1599383590-1868719110.1556102019

J_B

NeilSJ said:

With so many people now working from home, often using their own computer equipment, it’s important to remain adequately protected from cyber-attacks etc. Support for Windows 7 ended in January 2020, and users who don't upgrade to Windows 10 no longer get security updates or fixes – but buying a new Windows 10 licence can be expensive.

When Windows 10 was first released in July 2015, Microsoft offered a free upgrade which they advertised as valid until July 2016. But, as a number of IT journalists have since reported, the free upgrade tool is still functional.  I have used it on two of my own older computers (I did the second one this morning) and can confirm it all works – no product key is required and the resulting installation is verified as legitimate by Microsoft.

Here's how to get Windows 10 for free, if you're currently running a licensed and activated copy of Windows 7 (or Windows 8): 

1. From the PC you want to upgrade, Google "Download Windows 10 Disc Image" and click on the link to the Microsoft web page that comes up as the top result. This should land you on the "Download Windows 10" page.  
2. Under Create Windows 10 installation media, click Download tool now and Run. 
3. Choose Upgrade this PC now.
4. Follow the prompts. 
5. When the upgrade is complete, go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, and you should see a digital license for Windows 10. 

There are a couple of articles on reputable tech websites (CNet, ZDnet) discussing this in more detail - just Google "free Windows 10 upgrade".

In case the message gets deleted .....

debitcardmayhem

Chino said:

Misslayed said:

Looks like this post got caught up in a serious Spamnami, reported in error. I've made the forum team aware.

In which case, have you also made the forum team aware that the OP's post invites people to ignore the specific requirement on Microsoft's website that, as a prerequisite to downloading the installation media referred to by the OP:

To get started, you will first need to have a license to install Windows 10. 

Thus, the OP is in violation of the following forum rule:

2. Do not post 'grey legal area', illegal or offensive content
Do not post any content that infringes intellectual property rights, promotes terror, or that is obscene, libellous, violent, threatening, harassing, abusive, hateful, or otherwise illegal or unlawful.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/site/forum-faqs/?_ga=2.223717467.1182808211.1599383590-1868719110.1556102019

That does not say you need a Windows 10 license or have you shortened/mis-represented their statement?

HereToday

Chino said:

Misslayed said:

Looks like this post got caught up in a serious Spamnami, reported in error. I've made the forum team aware.

In which case, have you also made the forum team aware that the OP's post invites people to ignore the specific requirement on Microsoft's website that, as a prerequisite to downloading the installation media referred to by the OP:

To get started, you will first need to have a license to install Windows 10. 

Thus, the OP is in violation of the following forum rule:

2. Do not post 'grey legal area', illegal or offensive content
Do not post any content that infringes intellectual property rights, promotes terror, or that is obscene, libellous, violent, threatening, harassing, abusive, hateful, or otherwise illegal or unlawful.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/site/forum-faqs/?_ga=2.223717467.1182808211.1599383590-1868719110.1556102019

In your rush to find fault, you obviously missed this statement in the OP's post:

Here's how to get Windows 10 for free, if you're currently running a licensed and activated copy of Windows 7 (or Windows 8):

HereToday

Chino said:

Misslayed said:

Looks like this post got caught up in a serious Spamnami, reported in error. I've made the forum team aware.

In which case, have you also made the forum team aware that the OP's post invites people to ignore the specific requirement on Microsoft's website that, as a prerequisite to downloading the installation media referred to by the OP:

To get started, you will first need to have a license to install Windows 10. 

Thus, the OP is in violation of the following forum rule:

2. Do not post 'grey legal area', illegal or offensive content
Do not post any content that infringes intellectual property rights, promotes terror, or that is obscene, libellous, violent, threatening, harassing, abusive, hateful, or otherwise illegal or unlawful.

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/site/forum-faqs/?_ga=2.223717467.1182808211.1599383590-1868719110.1556102019

In your rush to find fault, you obviously missed this statement in the OP's post:

Here's how to get Windows 10 for free, if you're currently running a licensed and activated copy of Windows 7 (or Windows 8):