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Still want Windows 10 for free?

So the free upgrade for Windows expired on 29th July 2016.  Apparently not!

What happened after the free upgrade deadline passed?

The annoying tool to try and get you to upgrade to Windows 10 stopped popping up.

Prices for Windows 10 range from £15 to just under £200 on the web.

However, it turns out you can still upgrade for free using a number of methods.

Windows10BlogHow?

Limitations?

The upgrade provides you with a digital license.  That license is tied to that device so, even if you have to reformat the disk and perform a clean installation of the same edition of Windows 10 you won’t need a product key, activation is automatic.

Microsoft Media Creation Tool

To use the tool you need to run it from a Window 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 machine.  Although you can download the ISO file and load it onto a USB stick yourself.

Assistive Technologies

People who USE assistive technologies still quality for the free upgrade, though Microsoft doesn’t ask for any evidence that you actually use such tools.

“You qualify for the free upgrade if you use assistive technologies, which include such features as a magnifier to better see the screen, a narrator to read text aloud, keyboard shortcuts and an on-screen keyboard. Such tech is “designed to provide additional accessibility to individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities,” according to Microsoft.”

Source: CNET.com – https://www.cnet.com/uk/how-to/microsoft-windows-10-free-upgrade-offer-assistive-features/

Windows10Blog-CreationToolThe future?

So, when will Microsoft publicly adopt the Apple approach of making the OS upgrades free?

Is this free upgrade option just an oversight on their part?

If it is an oversight and you still want to upgrade to Windows 10 but haven’t because of the cost, then you may now consider upgrading whilst its still free.

 

Check out this article from ZDNet for more information on upgrade options – http://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/

 

If you do a search on the web, you will find quite a few articles about the upgrade, but if you feel that ParadigmIT can be of assistance then please get in touch.