There is a loophole that allows Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 users to obtain the free upgrade of Windows 10. If you recall, the free upgrade offer ended for customers on July 29th after a long year. However, as reported by ZDNet, Windows 10 still activates with a Windows 7 or 8.1 product key, regardless if you have previously upgraded to the operating system before the free offer deadline.
The only thing you have to do is to begin the installation of Windows 10, when prompted simply enter your genuine product key, and Windows 10 will activate.
Keep in mind that this is obviously not Microsoft intention to continue promoting the upgrade. So to answer the question “Is the Windows 10 free upgrade offer still available?” No, it’s not. However, you can still get the free upgrade with this loophole, but expect the company to block users using the method at any time. If you’ve missed the deadline, you can try this, but it may or may not work.
And this isn’t the only way. Recently, the company announced a free upgrade extension for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users who run the operating system with assistive technology. While Microsoft stated that the extension isn’t meant as a workaround or loophole to upgrade for free, anyone with or without Assistive Technology can activate the operating system.
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. Email him at [email protected].