Yes, you can still upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free.
Yes, you can still upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free.
I am currently employed at an IT company that specializes in dental offices. We are transitioning old Win7 workstations to newer Win10 systems to meet HIPAA requirements. Our office has been buying fresh Win10 activation keys for these upgrades. As a newcomer, I discovered during a project that we might not always need those keys anymore. Each upgraded machine successfully activated Windows without requiring a new key. My concern is whether purchasing Win10 keys is still necessary in 2019 for upgrading old Win7 computers. I remember Win10 was free for a year upon release, but Microsoft later changed it to a paid upgrade. I haven’t faced any issues upgrading Win7 to 10 or activating the license through Windows. I’m wondering if not having new keys could cause problems for my workplace. Any advice or perspectives would be helpful. Thank you!
Upgrading is completely free. Microsoft designed it so any valid 7/8/8.1 key can turn on Windows 10. However, it’s a one-time activation—once the system is turned on, the key remains linked to that specific machine forever.
I didn't get everything right at first. I had multiple Win 7 machines that couldn't be upgraded to Windows 10 using the provided keys (like IBM/Lenovo Thinkpads with keys built into the BIOS). Only Windows 7 would work after a complete reinstall. Windows 10, whether you upgrade or install fresh, wouldn't activate on those embedded keys. Officially, Microsoft also mentioned that the free upgrade window has ended.
Windows 7 keys still work when upgrading to Windows 10, but not sure if Microsoft would allow it if you get audited. Better off just getting Microsoft E3 licensing for the business and it includes the OS (and a hell of a lot more features!) for the same price as the normal Office 365 E3 license. We've just migrated from 365 E3 to Microsoft E3 recently.
Refer to the previous message if the key wasn't recognized—it might have been taken or another issue occurred since Microsoft officially supports it. The free activation window closed, but those with genuine versions of Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 are still eligible for a free upgrade.
Searching broadly uncovers this article: https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-happe...y-29-2016/ MS noted "no free upgrades anymore to Windows 10 from older Versions" (though accessibility tools may still be an option).