Is Windows free now?

Microsoft allows anyone to download Windows 10 for free and install it without a product key.

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.

Is Windows 11 free now?

How much does it cost to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11? 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.

How long will Windows be free?

Here's the answer, per the FAQ: The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer. This end date will be no sooner than October 5, 2022.

Is Windows 10 free?

You can get Windows 10 Home (opens in new tab) or Windows 11 Home for $139 (opens in new tab). And you can get Windows 10 Pro (opens in new tab) or Windows 11 Pro for $199 (opens in new tab). You can get these either as downloads or on USB drives.

Why Windows is FREE Now

Will Windows 10 be free forever?

5. The free upgrades will continue into 2022. If you're still running Windows 7 but want to upgrade to Windows 11, you'll first need to upgrade to Windows 10 to be eligible.

How long can I use Windows 10 for free?

You can use an unactivated Windows 10 for one month after installation without any restrictions. Once the one-month grace period expires, you'll need to activate the OS with a product key to avoid using Windows 10 with limited features.

Why is Microsoft giving away Windows 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 become free?

Why is Microsoft giving Windows 10 for free? The company wants to get the new software on as many devices as possible. Microsoft needs a large pool of users to convince independent programmers that it's worth their time to build useful or entertaining apps for Windows 10 devices.

When did Windows stop being free?

On July 29, 2016, Microsoft officially ended the Get Windows 10 program, which offered free Windows 10 upgrades to anyone currently running a supported earlier version of Windows.

How to install Windows 11 without paying?

On your Windows 10 PC, head into Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Check for updates. If the free Windows 11 upgrade is available, you'll see an option to download and install.

How much does a Windows 11 license cost?

If you want to buy a license by itself, the Windows 11 Home edition will cost $139.99, while Pro will cost $199.99. However, most laptops will just come with either one preinstalled. If you have Windows 11 Home and you want to upgrade to Pro, that will cost you $99.99.

How long do I have to upgrade to Windows 11 for free?

How long will the free upgrade offer last? "The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer. This end date will be no sooner than October 5, 2022."

Can you still buy Windows 10 license key?

If you want to build a Windows 10 computer, you should hurry up since Microsoft will stop selling product keys on January 31. Microsoft will stop selling Windows 10 licenses on January 31, 2023.

Can you still buy Windows 10 keys?

Microsoft has set January 31, 2023, as the last day Windows 10 license keys are offered for sale. After that, you cannot purchase Windows 10 Home, Pro, and Workstation through the Microsoft website.

Will Windows 10 stop working 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 do I permanently activate Windows 10 for free?

After you enter into Windows 10 Command Prompt, you can copy and paste this command line: slmgr.vbs /upk, in the Command Prompt window. Hit Enter to execute the command. Step 3. Next you can copy and paste this command line and hit Enter to install the Windows 10 product key: slmgr /ipk <Windows 10 activation key>.

What happens if you don't buy Windows?

Lack of Security Updates

While Microsoft does make updates available to non-activated Windows, free users often don't receive security updates. This means unlicensed users will always be at risk of viruses or hackers infiltrating their systems.

Why is buying Windows so expensive?

Typically, construction materials like old windows cannot be disposed of in regular garbage dumps or even at some landfills. Instead, your installation crew must dispose of them at private dumps. The cost of disposing of your old windows is an additional reason why your new windows cost so much.

Is Microsoft discontinuing Windows?

Go here to learn more. Microsoft will continue to support at least one Windows 10 release until October 14, 2025.

What happens if I don't activate Windows 11?

Yes, you can use Windows 10 and 11 without activating, it just will not be able to be personalized with desktop backgrounds, colors and other items under Personalization settings.

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.

What happens when Windows 10 expires?

Once the license expires, Windows will reboot automatically about every three hours and anything you're working on when it reboots will be lost. After two weeks longer, Windows will stop booting at all. AT that point, you'll need to purchase another license and reinstall Windows.

Do you have to pay for Windows every year?

Hi, I'm Anwille, an Independent Advisor. You only need to pay once for Windows 10 pro license.

What to do when Microsoft license expires?