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.
As discussed earlier, I evaluated around 30 IBM/Lenovo Thinkpads that our company wanted to refurbish. We planned to distribute them internally or use them for a special event among coworkers. I went through all the necessary steps—some devices activated immediately, others required a W7 upgrade to 10, and a few wouldn’t work at all with Windows 10 activation. Installing Windows 10 on those was challenging because we had to prepare the installation media while bypassing the built-in BIOS key, otherwise the system would revert to the printed serial key.
The confusion stems from the Get Windows 10 app being available on older systems like Windows 7 or 8. Microsoft reserved upgrade rights for Windows 10, allowing free upgrades even after the original offer ended. OEM licenses were also included automatically. The exact timeframe isn't clear, and similar issues exist with re-installations. This explains why some people can upgrade for free while others face difficulties. You'll need to buy Windows 10 if you want it.
Ensure your account is logged in to save activation online. Re-enter the same Microsoft ID and you’ll be reactivated. If not, just use the same activation key—it works like a regular Windows 10 key unless hardware has changed.