Microsoft has announced that it is ending the free upgrade from Windows 7 and 8.1 to Windows 10 by the end of the year.
Technically, the free Windows 10 upgrade for regular users ended way back in July 2016, but Microsoft kept the no-pay option for those who use assistive technologies — particularly features like the magnification of text on-screen and having the text read aloud by a narrator — which are specifically made for people with impaired hearing or sight.
This platform used to be indefinitely free with no end date. However, in a recent announcement, Microsoft finally included a cutoff.
"If you use assistive technologies, you can upgrade to Windows 10 at no cost as Microsoft continues our efforts to improve the Windows 10 experience for people who use these technologies. Please take advantage of this offer before it expires on December 31, 2017," the announcement said.
While this platform was made open for people with disabilities, Microsoft never put a verification process in the system and many who did not really need the said accessibility features were able to freely upgrade to Windows 10 anyway. But all good days come to an end, for this morally dubious route anyway.
There is another way users can get on the Windows 10 wagon, which comes with the new Fall Creators Update. This unofficial route was never announced by Microsoft but it works perfectly well.
Those who still have a valid Windows 7 or Windows 8 product key can use it to install Windows 10. Earlier this week, Thurott.com tried if this feature is still possible two years after it was enabled and it still works.
One only needs to download the Windows 10 setup media for the latest Microsoft operating system version, and then activate it with the unused product key for Windows 7, 8, or 8.1. A step-by-step procedure can be viewed here.
It is important to note, however, that as Microsoft steps up its campaign to curb the free upgrade to Windows 10, this unofficial route may also be closed soon. Best to install the latest OS while a no-pay option is still up.
