That option installs the most recent version of Windows It typically takes an hour, more or less, depending on your hardware. Having an SSD as your system drive is the best way to speed up the process. If you know you'll want to upgrade to Windows 10 on more than one PC, or if you just want more flexibility in the event that the instant upgrade fails, choose the second option and save the installation files to a USB drive or as an ISO file.
The download takes a little time but when it's complete, you can run the Windows Setup program manually to install Windows 10 on any PC running any supported Windows 10 version sorry, this won't work with PCs running Windows Vista or Windows XP. The exact steps depend on which download option you chose:. Then just follow the prompts to complete the upgrade to Windows All your apps and data files will be available. The digital license is associated with that specific device, which means you can reformat the disk and perform a clean installation of the same edition of Windows 10 anytime.
If you're thinking of upgrading your old system drive to an SSD, perform the upgrade to Windows 10 on the old hardware; after confirming that the new Windows 10 version is properly activated, install the SSD and then either restore from a backup image or boot from the USB flash drive to do a clean install.
You won't need a product key, and activation is automatic. And now the big question: If you avail yourself of this upgrade to Windows 10, is the resulting license valid? The entire "free upgrade" offer was always accompanied by language that was, to put it politely, a bit squishy. And the language around the end of that offer is similarly vague.
That's very odd language. The free upgrade through the Get Windows 10 app ended on July 29, Likewise, the discussion of product keys says a key will be necessary "for this tool to work" not true but doesn't say a word about licensing. And unlike the weaselly "Genuine Windows" label on older upgrades, the activation screens for a Windows 10 upgrade specifically confirm the existence of a "digital license.
The best laptops: Our recommended models for every use case and platform. New year, new laptop? These are the devices that should be at or near the top of your shortlist. Anyway, the free upgrade offer was extended, at least for people who use assistive technologies. The FAQ on a separate page even called it a "free upgrade offer extension" and pointedly noted that it was not limited to specific assistive technologies. I regularly use the Magnifier utility in Windows, which is indisputably an assistive technology.
Of course, I'm not a lawyer, and this column isn't legal advice. But I will say that I am personally confident in the activation status of any PC upgraded using the tool on that page during the eligibility period.
This extension was, I think, a very large nod and a wink, designed to make it easy for those who wanted a Windows 10 upgrade to still get it while placating the OEM partners who were none too happy about the year-long emphasis on upgrades rather than new PC sales. Alas, I say "was," because the extension which was itself extended officially ended on Jan.
The page that formerly ran an Upgrade Assistant now displays a message about the expiration of the offer. The big question now is whether Microsoft will ever turn off the code on its activation servers that dispenses digital licenses after an upgrade from an earlier Windows version.
I've continued to test that scenario, and I can confirm, long after the end of support for Windows 7, that it still works. I continue to hear from readers sharing their experiences.
If you've used this technique on a PC, click my name at the top of this post and use the contact form to let me know how it went for you. Note: This article was originally published in January It has been updated multiple times since then to reflect the most current information.
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You need to be an administrator to run this tool. On the License terms page, if you accept the license terms, select Accept. On the What do you want to do?
Your copy of Windows 10 will automatically activate later using your digital license. Select Change what to keep to set whether you would like to Keep personal files and apps , or Keep personal files only , or choose to keep Nothing during the upgrade.
It might take some time to install Windows 10, and your PC will restart a few times. Before you download the tool make sure you have: An internet connection internet service provider fees may apply. Sufficient data storage available on a computer, USB or external drive for the download.
System requirements. Make sure the PC meets the system requirements for Windows We also recommend going to the PC manufacturer's website for additional info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility. Language in Windows. You'll need to choose the same language when you install Windows Edition of Windows. You should also choose the same edition of Windows. For more info, go to the Volume Licensing Service Center. Microsoft Office products.
If you just purchased a new device that includes Office , we recommend redeeming installing Office before upgrading to Windows For more information, check How to upgrade to Windows 10 on new devices that include Office Using the tool to create installation media: Select Download tool now , and select Run. If you agree to the license terms, select Accept. Any content on the flash drive will be deleted. ISO file. After the file is downloaded, you can go to location where the file is saved, or select Open DVD burner , and follow the instructions to burn the file to a DVD.
After the installation media is created, follow the steps below to use it. Restart your PC. On the Install Windows page, select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and then select Next. Select Install Windows. Right-click the ISO file and select Mount. Double-click the ISO file to view the files within. Double-click setup.
Visit the Windows Insider site to download Insider Preview builds. Other users may experience blocks as well , depending on your machine. This upgrade using the media creation tool isn't meant for the general consumer, but it works for many nonetheless. To get the best Windows 10 experience and take advantage of features like passwordless sign-on through Windows Hello , you'll want to purchase a new Windows 10 PC or one released after July with all the hardware upgrades.
If you're a student or university faculty member, you may also be able to download Windows 10 for free search for your school's software offerings here. For more, check out the best antivirus protection of for Windows 10 , six security changes all Windows 10 users need to make and everything to know about the Windows 10 spring update , and three new features from the Windows 10 October update and how to use them.
You can also get Microsoft Office online free , too. Replay Video. Skip Ad. Load Error. How to take Windows 10 screenshots. CNET See more videos. Click to expand. Windows 10 fall update: Here's what's new. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Found the story interesting? Like us on Facebook to see similar stories.
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