Is Windows 10 not free anymore?

Upgrade from a Prior Windows Version: Free

If you are still on Windows 7 or 8, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Whether you're going from 7 / 8 to 10 or 10 to 11, you can upgrade either by using an install disk (created with the media creation tool) or with Windows update.

How long does Windows 10 free last?

Microsoft allows users to download, install and use the operating system indefinitely without having to enter a valid product key or digital license. Additionally, you can use an unactivated Windows 10 without any restrictions for one month after first installing it.

Is Windows 10 free 2023?

Are there free options to upgrade to Windows 10 or Windows 11? We do not currently offer free upgrade paths from Windows 8.1 to either Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you want to purchase a copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11, please see links above or contact a retailer to find out about options.

Can I still upgrade to Windows 11 for free?

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.

Why Microsoft is giving away Windows 10 for free?

But if Microsoft offering Windows for free means more people upgrading, developers will be able to work much faster and create better applications. That helps Microsoft because it's moving towards selling apps through its own store — allowing it to take a cut, just as Apple does.

Why Windows is FREE Now

Can I still use Windows 10 after 2025?

Promo Protect all your devices, without slowing them down. Microsoft will retire the Windows 10 operating system on October 10, 2025. It's the first time the company puts an expiration date on its current operating system, paving the way for its successor, Windows 11.

How to get Windows 10 for free?

Upgrade from a Prior Windows Version: Free

If you are still on Windows 7 or 8, you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Whether you're going from 7 / 8 to 10 or 10 to 11, you can upgrade either by using an install disk (created with the media creation tool) or with Windows update.

What happens if Windows 10 is outdated?

If you continue to use an unsupported version of Windows, your PC will still work, but it will become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. Your PC will continue to start and run, but you will no longer receive software updates, including security updates, from Microsoft.

Why Windows 10 is so expensive on Microsoft store?

There are several reasons why Windows 10 is so expensive. One of the main reasons is that it is a very popular operating system. This means that Microsoft can charge a higher price for it. Another reason is that Windows 10 includes many features that other operating systems do not have.

How can I use Microsoft for free without paying?

Microsoft makes a free version of Microsoft Word available for anyone to use on the web. You have to register a Microsoft account, but that's free too. As the app works entirely inside a web browser, you can access it from any computer, and your files are always synced and saved in the cloud.

Will everyone be forced to upgrade to Windows 11?

If you want to use Windows 11, you can choose to get it on your PC. If you want to continue to use Windows 10, you can choose to decline Windows 11 update. This will not influence your device. You should not worry about it.

What happens if I don't upgrade to Windows 11?

What if I Keep Using Windows 10 Instead of Upgrading My System to Windows 11? Though the support for Windows 10 will continue until October 2025, time flies really fast. Not only your computer will stay outdated and make your system unstable, it might also put your data at risk.

Is it fine to upgrade to Windows 11 now?

Windows 11 is worth the update for most people. It comes with a wide range of new features, performance improvements, and design changes. As the latest Windows OS, it usually gets more attention than Windows 10, too. There's not too much risk in upgrading to Windows 11, either.

Can I use Windows 10 forever?

Windows 10 won't go away until 2025, but the fine print says you must keep your PC up to date in other ways to avoid being cut off from support. PC hardware is nice, but it's not much use without innovative software.

How long will Windows 10 be usable?

Windows 10, Windows 11 -- as long as you're paying Microsoft for subscriptions, it's all the same. Though Microsoft released the new Windows 11 2022 Update to consumers today, there's no obligation to upgrade.

Do I have to pay for Windows 10 every year?

If you do upgrade within the first year, you get Windows 10 for free, permanently. You don't have to pay anything. Even after it's been a year, your Windows 10 installation will continue working and receiving updates as normal.

How much is Windows 10 license?

A Windows 10 Home download license costs $139, while Windows 10 Pro costs $199.99. However, visiting either purchase page reveals a note stating, "January 31, 2023 will be the last day this Windows 10 download is offered for sale.

Is Windows 7 going to end of life?

You will not be able to make any new app purchases or any in-app purchases after January 10, 2023. Installed apps and games will receive publisher updates through June 30, 2023 (or later if support is provided independently by the developer).

Is it legal to buy cheap Windows 10?

Also of note, the only time a discount Windows license is actually illegal is when it was purchased using stolen payment information or generated using crack software, both extremely rare cases. It's up to you whether you care about violating the Terms of Service.

Do I have to buy Office for Windows 10?

You don't, however, absolutely need Microsoft Office. There are some reasons to get it, of course, if it's what you've been trained in using or there is an advanced feature your business needs to survive, but it's worth looking at the alternatives to see if you can save some money.

How are people selling Windows 10 so cheap?

Why Are They So Cheap? The websites selling cheap Windows 10 and Windows 7 keys aren't getting legitimate retail keys straight from Microsoft. Some of these keys just come from other countries where Windows licenses are cheaper. These are referred to as “gray market” keys.

How to downgrade Windows 11 to 10?

Go to Settings > System > Recovery and, under the Advanced Startup heading, click Restart Now. At the Windows 11 recovery menu, choose Use A Device and select your USB drive. When you see the prompt to boot from the USB drive, tap the spacebar to start Windows Setup. Follow the prompts to install Windows 10.

How long will Windows 11 last?

For example, the initial release of Windows 11 came out on Oct. 5, 2021, so it will be supported until Oct. 10, 2023, for Home and Pro editions, or until Oct. 8, 2024, for Enterprise and Education.

How to activate Windows 10 without product key?

If you have a digital license for your device, you can reinstall the same edition of Windows 10 on this device without entering a product key. Make sure that Windows 10 is activated before you try to reinstall it. To find out, select the Start button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Activation .