With Windows 7 fast approaching end of life, the remaining hundreds of millions of users still on that OS should seriously be considering an alternative. There's Windows 8, Windows 10, Linux, or even the Mac route if you're feeling up for extreme change. Remaining on Windows 7 is a terrible idea, because after January 14 you will no longer be protected from any new vulnerabilities that are discovered, and over time, even apps will stop supporting Windows 7 as well.
I think it's wise for most Windows 7 users to switch to Windows 10 at this point. While many Windows 7 PCs on the market today likely won't run well with Windows 10, there are plenty out there today that would. So, I wonder, would those users be willing to take advantage of another free Windows 10 upgrade window? Microsoft pushed Windows 10 hard at launch in 2015, offering it free of charge on the desktops of millions of people.
Would you take another free Windows 10 upgrade offer?
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The upgrade window was limited, however, and after many months the free upgrade went away. Microsoft already said it won't be opening the free upgrade window again, meaning if Windows 7 users want to upgrade to Windows 10, they will have to pay for a full license to update. Many Windows 7 users at the time were extremely unhappy that Microsoft was pushing Windows 10 so hard with popups that wouldn't go away and System Tray icons that remained in place permanently. Intel proset wireless software delete.
If Microsoft were to offer Windows 10 again, it'd have to be way less forceful about the whole thing. A single popup, detailing that Windows 7 is running out of time, and that Microsoft is graciously offering its hand to help once again with a free upgrade to Windows 10. If the user rejects it, that offer goes away and is gone forever. If you're running Windows 7, would you be willing to take advantage of another free Windows 10 upgrade window, assuming your PC could handle it?
If you choose to remain on Windows 7, your PC becomes a huge target and security risk after January 14. I think there will still be millions of Windows 7 users after support ends, and I'm sure attackers will want to take advantage of that. On Windows 10, heck, even on Windows 8, you'll be safe from that. According to Net Market Share, Windows 7 still accounts for 40 percent of the PC market, with Windows 10 on around 37 percent of PCs. Microsoft has already publicly stated that Windows 10 is in use on 800 million devices, meaning there are hundreds of millions still on Windows 7.
It's a great time to upgrade
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Editors' note, Nov. 3, 2017: This story was updated to specify that the free upgrade for those seeking assistive technologies will expire Dec. 31. After that, all users will need to pay for the Windows 10 upgrade, which starts at $119.
Microsoft hasn't yet closed the door all the way for those in search of a Windows 10 freebie.
Until Dec. 31, you can get your hands on a no-cost upgrade to Windows 10 through an exception made for those who seek assistive technologies.
You qualify for the free upgrade if you use assistive technologies, which include such features as a magnifier to better see the screen, a narrator to read text aloud, keyboard shortcuts and an on-screen keyboard. Such tech is 'designed to provide additional accessibility to individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities,' according to Microsoft.
Following the trials and tribulations of Windows 8, Microsoft has been working hard to coax people to jump to Windows 10. The free upgrade offer for users of Windows 7 and 8.1 was a huge part of the company's strategy to push Windows 10. That freebie has since expired and people must now pay $119 for the Home edition or $199 for the Pro edition -- with the exception of assistive tech users.
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Here's how to get the upgrade at no charge:
From a Windows 7 or 8.1 device, go to the webpage entitled 'Windows 10 free upgrade for customers who use assistive technologies.' Click on the Upgrade now button. Run the executable file to install the upgrade.
Microsoft then displays a series of screens that take you step by step through the setup process. Follow the screens until Windows 10 is comfortably nestled into your device.
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Microsoft Windows 10 Free For Windows 7 Users
At no point during the upgrade does Microsoft ask for proof that you actually use any of the assistive technologies. So the upgrade could be accessible to any Windows 7 or 8.1 user who still wants to get Windows 10 for free.
'As we shared earlier, we've extended the free upgrade offer for those who use assistive technology,' a Microsoft spokeswoman told CNET. 'That said, it is not intended to be a workaround for people who don't use assistive technology and who missed the deadline for the free offer.'
Is Windows 10 Still Free For Windows 7 Users
The deadline for the free offer for users of assistive technologies, is Dec. 31, 2017.
Is Windows 10 Free For Windows 7 Users
Update, 9:15 a.m. PT: Adds comment from Microsoft.