You can no longer upgrade to Windows 10 for free
If you're still using Windows 7 or 8, you might be wondering if you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. The answer is no, unfortunately. Microsoft The free upgrade offer ended in 2016 and since then you have to pay for a license if you want to switch to the latest version of Windows.
Why should you upgrade to Windows 10? There are many reasons, such as improved security, faster performance, better compatibility, and more features. Windows 10 is also the most popular operating system in the world, with more than 1.300 billion devices running it as of June 2021.
How much does it cost to upgrade to Windows 10? The price depends on the edition and the region you are in. In the US, for example, Windows 10 Home costs $139, while Windows 10 Pro costs $199. You can purchase a digital license from the Microsoft website or a physical copy from a retailer.
How do you upgrade to Windows 10? The process is quite simple, but requires some preparation. First, you need to make sure your device meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 10. You can check them out here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-specifications
Secondly, you should backup your important files and data, in case something goes wrong during the update. You can use an external hard drive, a cloud service, or a built-in tool like File History.
Third, you need to purchase a Windows 10 license and download the installation media from the Microsoft website. You can use a USB flash drive or DVD to create bootable media. You can find the instructions here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Finally, you need to insert the bootable media into your computer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update. You'll need to enter your product key and choose whether you want to keep your files and settings or start over.
That's all! You have successfully upgraded to Windows 10. Enjoy the new features and benefits of Microsoft's most advanced operating system.
Microsoft had initially offered a free upgrade to Windows 10 for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users until July 29, 2016. Later, it also allowed users with assistive technologies to upgrade for free until the end of 2017. However, there was a loophole that allowed users to continue upgrading older PCs to Windows 10 even after these offers have expired.
With the introduction of Windows 11, Microsoft has imposed hardware restrictions, making it difficult for older PCs to successfully upgrade to this latest version. As a result, Microsoft has officially closed this loophole, encouraging users to consider upgrading to modern PCs that meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11 or Windows 10.
This change emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with the latest operating systems for security, performance, and compatibility reasons. If users are looking to upgrade their PCs, they may consider consulting Microsoft's official guidelines and recommendations or exploring purchasing new hardware that supports the latest versions of Windows.
