How to upgrade to Windows 10 for free using the Assistive Technologies extension

Although the free upgrade to Windows 10 has ended, users using Assistive Technologies can continue to install the operating system for free after July 29th.

Free Windows 10 Upgrade trick

When Microsoft originally launched Windows 10 also made it available as a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 computers for a year. The one-year promotional offer finally came to an end on July 29th. However, the company recently announced a “free upgrade extension” for those Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users who run the operating system with assistive technologies.

Although the free upgrade offer has ended for the general public, Microsoft has stated that extension is not meant to be workaround or loophole for users who didn’t upgrade for free to Windows 10 during the year promotional offer, even though it’s unclear how the company verifies who is using Assistive Technologies.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to upgrade your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 computer for free to Windows 10 after July 29th using the Assistive Technologies “Windows 10 Upgrader”.

How to upgrade for free to Windows 10 after July 29th

If you now want to upgrade after the promotional free upgrade offer expired and you use accessibility technologies, then here’s what you do:

  1. Go to the Microsoft Accessibility page.

  2. Click the Upgrade Now button to download Windows10Upgrade24074.exe file.

    Windows 10 Upgrade offer

  3. Double-click the Windows 10 Upgrader file that you just downloaded.

  4. Click Accept to agree to the terms.

    Windows 10 Upgrader

  5. The process will now begin downloading the files and automatically begin the Windows 10 installation.

    Download and install Windows 10 for free after july 29

  6. Click Restart now (or Restart later from the left hand side) to complete the upgrade.

    Restart to install Windows 10 upgrade

Microsoft hasn’t still announce a deadline for the upgrade extension, but if you want to use the extension you must hurry, as the company can end this extension at any time.

After upgrading to Windows 10, you’ll be able to receive the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, which is available starting August 2nd. The new update is a major release that brings support for extensions for Microsoft Edge, the new Windows Ink experience for pen support, an updated Start menu, and a lot of other changes and improvements.

It’s important to note that the extension to get the Windows 10 upgrade for free is only meant for people using the operating system with accessibility technologies. If you don’t use these features, you should be paying to get the upgrade the right way.

Source Microsoft via GHacks

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.