Good news for anyone wishing to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. When Windows 10 was first released Microsoft offered a free upgrade for all existing Windows owners. This upgrade was convenient in that it was offered through Windows Update, so upgrade was relatively quick and painless. Just walk away from your computer for an hour or so and come back to find Windows 10 installed with all your data and programs still on there.
However, this free upgrade offer was a limited time only, and that offer is no longer an option. But I have good news, anyone with a valid activated copy of Windows can still upgrade Windows 10 for free. The key is you cannot do an in-place upgrade but instead you must perform a fresh install. This is actually my preferred way to upgrade to a new operating system. Here's how you do it:
1. You need your existing Windows license key. This license key might be printed on a sticker attached to your computer. If not, the easiest way to get your product key is to download and run the utility ProduKey.
2. You need to obtain the Windows 10 installation files (ISO image). If you Google for it you can find the download and media creation links direct from Microsoft. Be aware, you cannot upgrade to any version of Windows 10, but you need to keep it in the same edition. So if you currently have Windows 7 Home Premium you can install Windows 10 Home. If you have Windows 7 Professional you can install Windows 10 Professional.
3. Make a complete backup of your current system. Again, this is a fresh install that will erase all your data, so don't forget to back up first!
4. Install Windows 10 onto your computer, be sure to erase the existing copy of Windows and install a fresh copy. If you are prompted for a license key, enter your existing Windows license key. Many newer computers the license key is saved on the motherboard itself - if so, Windows will automatically detect this license key and use it without prompting you.
5. After installation, verify Windows 10 is activated with a "digital license."
6. Reinstall the programs you use and restore your data from the backup.
7. After installation, follow these suggestions to configure Windows 10 so that it's usable.
I have used this technique twice to upgrade older Windows 7 systems to Windows 10. I have not tried Windows 8.x, but I assume it works there as well. However, older Windows XP and Vista license keys may not work since they are technically out of service. Also, I cannot guarantee this technique will always work. Microsoft could stop this at anytime, so proceed with caution.
Update: I can confirm this technique still works as of June 2018. I have also learned that it does work with "Retail" license keys but not "MSDN" license keys. A "retail" license key is one that came with a new PC or a legit copy of Windows purchased separately. "MSDN" license keys are keys used by developers and IT professionals. So as long as Windows came preinstalled on your computer this technique should allow you to upgrade to Windows 10.
