Compared to Mac owners, who receive operating system updates for free, Windows users have to pay for a new version of the OS. The latest version, Windows 10, although it was released years ago, is still not used by every Windows user out there. The main reason is that they have to pay for it. In this article, we’ll show you how to get Windows 10 for free or, at least, cheap.
Of course, a new desktop or laptop computer will surely come with Windows 10, but the price for it is probably included in the amount you paid. However, there are some tricks to get Windows 10 for free. Here is a list of the most efficient ways.
How To Get Windows 10 For FREE
Run Windows 10 without activating it
You can install Windows 10 for free, but you need a key to activate it. However, you can keep it non-activated. You will be able to enjoy the majority of features, but you will not be able to personalize your desktop, and Microsoft will continuously notify you that you need to activate your OS. Apart from these downsides, we think this is a pretty good deal. Your system will still receive updates.
Upgrade from an older Windows version
When Windows 10 was first launched, Microsoft announced that users of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 could update to the latest version for free. The company does not discuss this promotion anymore, but it still works for some people, so it’s worth giving it a try. All you need to do is run Windows Update and see if you’re offered the Windows 10 update.
Additionally, you can download the installer from here and choose ‘Upgrade This PC’ when prompted. Remember that you must have a licensed version of Windows 7 or 8 already installed on your PC.
Use a student or alumni email account
If you prove that you are a student via the OnTheHub service that Microsoft is linked to, you may be offered Windows 10 Education. This version is pretty similar to the standard Windows 10.
Buy a cheap Windows 10 OEM key
The internet is filled with offers for extremely affordable OEM keys for Windows 10. However, there are a few downsides to this method. First of all, you could receive a key that has already been used. Secondly, you will only be able to use the key once, for only one machine. If you decide to change your PC, or even if you change some vital parts of it, like the motherboard, the key will no longer work. Besides, the key might work for some time, but Windows might cancel it at some point if you get flagged.
In conclusions, these are all the methods you can use to get Windows 10 for free.
Dorothy has been a journalist for ten years and has been working with the Tech News Watch staff since the beginning of the news site. Her main contribution to Tech News Watch are mobile, IT and science news, with a focus on software updates and great outer space discoveries.