Back in 2015, Microsoft allowed users with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 to upgrade their operating system to Windows 10 for free. After some time, the same option was provided for users depending on assistive technology, and this option is still available. The Redmond software giant will end the free offer for assistive technology users by December 31, 2017.
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Assistive technology users are those who are differently-abled and need ease of access features of Windows to interact with a PC better. Special accessibility features built into Windows are extremely helpful for these people because of their handicap.
Microsoft's assistive technologies website shows a special note that Microsoft will be ending the offer by the end of 2017. The text claims:
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.
This means that you can still grab your copy of Windows 10 for free, but this should be done before this Sunday.
Starting next Monday, January 1, 2018 you will have to pay $119.99 for Windows 10 Home or $199.99 for Windows 10 Pro.
Starting with the Windows 10 "November Update" (version 1511), you can enter your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 serial number right in the installer and avoid the upgrade procedure. This will allow you to install and activate the desired build of Windows 10 instantly. After the installation, Windows 10 will verify the product key and convert it into a special digital license. This process is transparent to the end user and makes Windows 10 eligible for all free feature upgrades released in the future.
Microsoft is interested in getting all their users migrated to Windows 10. This is the time to decide if you want to eventually get Windows 10 since you can still get it for free.
For now, you can use this offer, upgrade to Windows 10 temporarily, link the license to your Microsoft account and then downgrade immediately to Windows 7 or 8.
Once your Windows 10 license is linked to your Microsoft account, later if you decide to permanently use Windows 10 and dump your copy of Windows 7 or 8.1, it shouldn't be a problem as you'll only need to sign in to Windows 10 with that Microsoft account and your license should get restored.
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Or you can just download Win10 via the media creation tool, upgrade from that without providing a serial number, then boot to Win10 and input your win7/8/8.1 key and have it activate anyway, upgrading for free. There’s no indication that MS will ever disallow this. They could, of course. But they haven’t yet.
apparently they seem to have extended the deadline according to some reports, but i havent seen anything official from microsoft on this
but i guess if you havent upgraded by now you never will :D
Yep you are right.
The deadline is postponed for 10 days now.