Congratulations on your new computer! You’re probably excited to start exploring the latest features and capabilities of your new device. However, you might be wondering how to get Windows 10 installed on your new computer without breaking the bank. The good news is that there are several ways to get Windows 10 for free, and we’ll guide you through each of them.
Legitimate Ways to Get Windows 10 for Free
Windows 10 Free Upgrade
If you’re upgrading from a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you can get Windows 10 for free through the Microsoft’s free upgrade offer. This offer was initially available until July 29, 2016, but you can still take advantage of it if you have a valid Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license.
To check if you’re eligible for the free upgrade, follow these steps:
- Go to the Windows 10 download page and click on the “Update now” button.
- Run the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and follow the prompts to upgrade your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 installation.
Keep in mind that this offer is only valid for a limited time, so act fast if you want to take advantage of it.
Assistive Technologies
If you use assistive technologies, you may be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft offers a free upgrade to Windows 10 for users who rely on assistive technologies, such as screen readers, magnifiers, or other accessibility features.
To get started, visit the Microsoft Accessibility website and follow the instructions to download the Windows 10 upgrade. You’ll need to provide proof of your assistive technology usage, such as a doctor’s note or a letter from a disability organization.
Free Trials and Evaluations
If you’re not eligible for the free upgrade or assistive technologies offer, you can still try out Windows 10 for free through various free trials and evaluation programs.
Windows 10 Enterprise Evaluation
Microsoft offers a free 90-day evaluation of Windows 10 Enterprise, which is designed for businesses and organizations. This evaluation version is fully functional, allowing you to try out all the features and capabilities of Windows 10 Enterprise.
To get started, visit the Microsoft Evaluation Center and download the Windows 10 Enterprise evaluation. You’ll need to provide a valid email address and agree to the terms and conditions.
Windows 10 Insider Program
Another way to try out Windows 10 for free is by joining the Windows Insider Program. This program allows you to test pre-release versions of Windows 10 and provide feedback to Microsoft.
To join the Windows Insider Program, visit the Windows Insider website and sign up with your Microsoft account. You’ll then be able to download the latest Insider preview build of Windows 10.
Keep in mind that the Insider Program is designed for developers and advanced users, so you may encounter bugs and other issues with the pre-release software.
Refurbished and Open-Box Laptops
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, you might be able to score a refurbished or open-box unit with Windows 10 pre-installed at a discounted price.
Refurbished laptops are previously used devices that have been inspected and repaired to meet manufacturer standards. They often come with a warranty and can be a cost-effective way to get a laptop with Windows 10.
Open-box laptops, on the other hand, are brand-new devices that have been returned to the manufacturer or retailer due to minor cosmetic damage or other issues. They are often sold at a discounted price and may come with a warranty.
When purchasing a refurbished or open-box laptop, make sure to check the warranty and return policy before making a purchase.
Discounts and Promotions
Keep an eye on Microsoft’s website and authorized resellers for discounts and promotions on Windows 10 licenses. During holiday seasons or special events, you might be able to snag a discounted Windows 10 license or a bundle deal that includes a free license with the purchase of a new laptop or desktop.
For example, Microsoft often offers discounts on Windows 10 licenses for students, military personnel, and seniors. You can check the Microsoft Store website for available discounts and promotions.
Beware of Scams and Pirated Copies
While there are legitimate ways to get Windows 10 for free or at a discounted price, beware of scams and pirated copies that can put your computer and personal data at risk.
Never download Windows 10 from unofficial sources, as they may contain malware or viruses that can compromise your system. Additionally, be cautious of too-good-to-be-true deals that offer Windows 10 licenses at extremely low prices.
Always purchase Windows 10 licenses from authorized resellers or the Microsoft Store to ensure you get a genuine copy. If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a Windows 10 license, contact Microsoft support or the reseller for assistance.
Conclusion
Getting Windows 10 for free on your new computer is possible, but it requires some research and patience. From taking advantage of Microsoft’s free upgrade offer to joining the Windows Insider Program, there are several legitimate ways to get Windows 10 without breaking the bank.
Remember to avoid scams and pirated copies, and always purchase Windows 10 licenses from authorized resellers or the Microsoft Store. By following these tips, you can unlock the power of Windows 10 and start exploring the latest features and capabilities of your new computer.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 Free Upgrade | Upgrade from genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 installation |
| Assistive Technologies | Free upgrade for users who rely on assistive technologies |
| Windows 10 Enterprise Evaluation | 90-day evaluation of Windows 10 Enterprise for businesses and organizations |
| Windows 10 Insider Program | Try out pre-release versions of Windows 10 and provide feedback to Microsoft |
| Refurbished and Open-Box Laptops | Purchase refurbished or open-box laptops with Windows 10 pre-installed at a discounted price |
| Discounts and Promotions | Keep an eye on Microsoft’s website and authorized resellers for discounts and promotions on Windows 10 licenses |
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive guide on how to get Windows 10 for free on your new computer. Remember to always prioritize your computer’s security and safety by avoiding scams and pirated copies. Happy computing!
What are the requirements to get Windows 10 for free?
To get Windows 10 for free, you need to have a genuine copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 installed on your computer. Additionally, your device must meet the system requirements for Windows 10, which include a 1GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, and 16GB of free disk space. You also need to ensure that your device is connected to the internet and has a valid Windows license.
It’s worth noting that the free upgrade offer is only available for a limited time, so it’s essential to take advantage of it as soon as possible. Additionally, some features and applications may not work as expected after upgrading to Windows 10, so it’s a good idea to back up your important files and data before proceeding.
How do I check if my computer is eligible for a free upgrade?
To check if your computer is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10, you can use the Get Windows 10 app, which is available in the system tray. The app will check your device’s compatibility and let you know if you’re eligible for the free upgrade. Alternatively, you can check Microsoft’s website for more information on the system requirements and eligibility criteria.
If you’re not sure whether your device meets the system requirements, you can use the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant tool to check your device’s compatibility. This tool will scan your device and provide you with a report on whether your device is ready for the upgrade.
What happens to my files and apps during the upgrade?
During the upgrade process, your files and apps will be preserved, and you’ll be able to access them after the upgrade is complete. However, it’s still a good idea to back up your important files and data before proceeding, just in case something goes wrong during the upgrade process.
Some apps may not be compatible with Windows 10, so you may need to reinstall them or find alternative apps that are compatible with the new operating system. Additionally, some features and settings may be changed or removed during the upgrade, so you may need to reconfigure them after the upgrade is complete.
How long does the upgrade process take?
The upgrade process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the speed of your internet connection and the complexity of the upgrade. It’s essential to ensure that your device is connected to a reliable internet connection and that you have enough battery life or power supply to complete the upgrade.
During the upgrade process, your device will restart several times, and you may see a series of screens displaying the progress of the upgrade. Don’t worry if your device seems to be stuck on a particular screen for a while – this is normal, and the upgrade process will continue once it’s complete.
Can I still get Windows 10 for free if I’ve already upgraded?
If you’ve already upgraded to Windows 10 from a previous version of Windows, you can still get Windows 10 for free on your new computer. However, you’ll need to ensure that you have a valid Windows license for your new device.
You can transfer your Windows license to your new device by using the Windows 10 media creation tool to create a bootable USB drive or ISO file. Then, you can use this media to perform a clean install of Windows 10 on your new device, and you’ll be prompted to enter your product key during the installation process.
What if I encounter problems during the upgrade?
If you encounter any problems during the upgrade process, you can try restarting your device and trying again. If the problem persists, you can seek help from Microsoft’s support team or visit the Windows 10 support page for more information and troubleshooting tips.
In some cases, you may need to perform a clean install of Windows 10 to resolve any issues that arise during the upgrade process. This will erase all your files and apps, so be sure to back up your important data before proceeding.
Can I still use Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 after the free upgrade offer expires?
Yes, you can still use Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 even after the free upgrade offer expires. However, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates and support for these operating systems, which means you’ll be vulnerable to security risks and won’t be able to take advantage of new features and improvements.
If you choose to continue using Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you’ll need to ensure that you have a valid license for your operating system and that you’re using the latest security patches and updates. However, it’s highly recommended that you upgrade to Windows 10 to ensure you have the latest security features and support.