When Windows 10 was first introduced in 2015, it was free and straightforward to upgrade by simply clicking the “Get Windows 10” button. That is no longer true.
Windows 7 support officially ceased in 2020. As a result, you no longer have access to security updates, technical assistance, or bug-fixing. This means that Windows 7 is no longer safe to use, forcing a migration to Windows 10. (A similar scenario is anticipated to happen with Windows 8 soon.)
Unfortunately, the free upgrade period officially ended in 2016. Since December 2017, another means to get Windows 10 for free with Assistive Technologies has been unavailable. But don’t worry, there are more ways to acquire Windows 10 for free, which you can find right here.
Licenses and Keys
To update, you must have a valid product key or a digital license. Is there a distinction between them? You are given a product key when you buy an operating system from a retailer, such as Microsoft. It can be printed and attached to the package, sent to the buyer, or saved in the cloud.
A digital license is used with an installed Windows platform and a key incorporated in computers manufactured by Dell, HP, Acer, and others. Previously, those OEMs printed product keys and included them in the product package. As a result, hackers devised methods to use a single key on many PCs. As a result, Microsoft and OEMs implemented digital licenses.
If you purchased an earlier version legally, Microsoft’s Windows 10 activation servers would accept Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 keys.
However, if you are unable to locate the key, try logging in to your Microsoft account. Check previous downloads to see whether your product key is still there.
If this does not work, download Windows 10 and perform a clean install. It will eventually extract the genuine Windows 8/8.1 license key from the motherboard of the prebuilt machine.
1. Download the Media Creation Tool
Despite the fact that the free update program officially ended in 2016, Microsoft continues to provide this option to all Windows PC owners in order for them to run the most recent version. To receive a free update, you must have a valid digital license or product key; otherwise, you must purchase a Windows 10 Home product key.
Visit Microsoft’s official Download Windows 10 page. Find the blue Download Tool Now button under the Create Windows 10 Installation Media section. Click on the button; the download will be quick.
Disconnect any programs that are running while it is downloading to lessen the possibility of issues.
2. Start the Tool.
Run the Media Creation Tool after you download it and agree to Microsoft’s conditions.
Then you’ll have two choices: upgrade the current PC or make installation media (this is required if you want to upgrade another PC or perform a clean install on the present PC). In all circumstances, you’ll need a lot of storage space, at least 4GB.
Then select the Upgrade This PC Now option and follow the directions. The Media Creation tool will scan your computer to see if it is compatible. It may display a few troublesome programs. If this occurs, uninstall the programs.
Once all of the difficulties have been resolved, the utility will transfer all of the data it can. Keep in mind that there is a significant software gap between Windows 7 and Windows 10. Because not all files and apps will be compatible with Windows 10, some may cease to function. That is why it is critical to back up the crucial things.
3. Complete the Installation
Your computer will restart numerous times while the installer is running. One of the steps in this procedure will be to pull your current digital license from the hardware during setup, so you won’t have to activate it. You can enter a valid product key here or later if you have one. Go to Settings => Update & Security => Activation to do so.
It should be noted that it will not function for Windows XP or Vista because those two versions of Windows do not qualify for the free Windows 10 upgrade.
You’ll get the exact version of Windows that came with your computer when it was new (Home, Pro, Education, or Enterprise). If you wish to utilize Windows 10 Pro rather than the Home update, you must purchase a new product key.
As you can see, the process may have been tricky and frightening, but it is relatively simple. You can now experience the all-new Windows 10 on your PC!
