Windows 10 has never really been free. There was a period of time when Microsoft offered free upgrades to Windows 7 and Windows 8. Still, a loophole remains that allows you to get Windows 10 for nothing. Basically, the steps for upgrading to Windows 10 for free from Windows 7 and Windows 8. Internet connection : Some versions of Windows 10 require an internet connection during setup. Check out our pick of the best laptops for inspiration and buying advice on getting a new machine, whatever your budget.
This will also give you the option of keeping your files and apps during the installation process. You can find more detailed instructions on this process here. Enter in your Windows 7 or Windows 8 licence key, and you should soon have a Windows 10 running — for free.
Honolulu shut down its largest water source in Oahu due to contamination of Navy well near Pearl Harbor. ACT launches interest-free loans for electric cars to boost uptake. Load Error. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.
Now would be a good time to make the switch so you can prepare your machine for the Windows 11 upgrade. That trick will be the same one you use if you want to manually upgrade an older machine to Windows 11, though Microsoft doesn't encourage doing this as it may not be eligible for the same updates. Read more : Everything we know about Android apps coming to Windows Some users can download Windows 11 the same way you'd get any new version of Windows.
If available, you'll see Feature update to Windows Click Download and install. Again, note that the Windows 11 rollout will be slow -- it could take months before it's available on your device. New PCs will get the upgrade first, and all compatible devices are expected to receive it by mid, depending on device age and hardware. If the upgrade isn't available to you yet, but you want to upgrade now, you have a few options.
The best and simplest option will be to download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Choose Run after the download to make sure your hardware is compatible. Then Accept and Install to agree to the licensing terms and begin the installation. When the program is finished installing, you'll be prompted to restart your computer. Your PC might restart several times during the process of finishing the installation, so don't be alarmed. Just keep your PC on until everything's done.
If you're not able to use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, you have a couple of backup options, but be warned that these are more complicated.
We seriously advise that you consider waiting for the update to come to your device. If you're certain you want to proceed, you can create Windows 11 installation media or an ISO file. Microsoft's download Windows 11 page has those steps in greater detail. Windows 11 features a streamlined new design, with pastel colors, rounded corners, a new startup sound and overall a more Mac-like look. The Windows Start menu has moved from the bottom left of the screen to the middle, with app icons arranged in the center next to it.
You'll find lots of new desktop tools , like widgets that can give you at-a-glance information, and easier virtual desktop creation. And Android apps will be integrated into Windows and installable from the Microsoft Store -- though that feature won't be available right away.
Check out all of the best Windows 11 features and how to use them. The update marks the first major change to Microsoft's operating system since Windows 10 launched back in Rumors about a major Windows redesign have been circulating for the past year. At the Microsoft Build developers conference on May 25, CEO Satya Nadella said Microsoft was planning "one of the most significant updates of Windows of the past decade," confirming that a major change was on the horizon for the 1.
