Joinsubscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Microsoft allows anyone to download Windows 10 for free and install it without a product key. And you can even pay to upgrade to a licensed copy of Windows 10 after you install it.
Just begin the installation process and install Windows 10 like you normally would. You may be asked to enter a product key later in the process, too—if you are, just look for a similar small link to skip that screen. Whatever version you choose, Windows 10 will install normally. These days, Windows just complains windows 10 product key not long enough free download you in a few minor, cosmetic ways.
Eventually, Windows will start nagging you a tiny bit. Activate Windows now. You can still change your wallpaper in other ways, however. Aside from these basic limitations, your Windows 10 system will continue to work forever. The only thing that could change this is a Windows 10 update, but Microsoft has become increasingly lenient since Windows 7. In the Store, you can purchase an official Windows license that will activate your PC.
This is a digital purchase, and it will immediately cause your current Windows installation to become activated. This option may not be available in all countries. The prices here are for the US version of the Windows Store. Microsoft charges different prices in different countries and currencies. Windows 7, 8, and 8. Windows Mac iPhone Android. Smarthome Office Security Linux. The Best Tech Newsletter Anywhere Joinsubscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles.
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Sites like Amazon also keep a record of purchased downloads, but these rarely include the product key itself, though it may help narrow down where it could be. Finally, you can download Windows 10 and perform a clean install.
Despite officially ending the free update promotion in mid, Microsoft quietly keeps this option available so all Windows PC owners can run the latest version.
Again, unless you have a valid digital license or product key to get a free upgrade, you will be required to pay for a new Windows 10 Home product key.
Then, select the Download Tool Now button. Disconnect any unnecessary accessories to help reduce the chance of errors. As shown above, you have two options: Upgrade the current PC, or create media that will either upgrade another PC or perform a clean install on the current PC. However, in both cases, the tool will temporarily download a disk image of Windows 10, so be sure you have enough space for the file — around 4GB, at least.
With all issues resolved, the installer will try to port over all the data it can. Keep in mind, however, the vast gap between Windows 7 and Windows 10 in terms of the software you use.
Back up or convert any crucial data before you continue. As the installer progresses, your PC will restart a few times. The above method is the best way to get Windows 10 for free — at least for now.
There are other ways you can get Windows 10 if you need it, including free and low-cost options that may be worth exploring. Buy a copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft. Please read our guide on how to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows It turns out this is safer than it sounds because Microsoft is pretty lax about enforcing activation. We want to stress that using an unactivated version of Windows 10 is not permitted by Microsoft. Better safe than sorry.
In the end, if Microsoft wanted to stop people from using these versions, they could do it. You can find third-party vendors who sell Windows 10 manufacturer keys at a bargain. This option may not be available in all countries. The prices here are for the US version of the Windows Store.
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