This article, originally published in January 2017, has been updated multiple times to reflect the most current information, with the most recent update on January 18, 2025. When Microsoft released Windows 10 in 2015, it offered the new operating system as a free upgrade for users with supported, fully activated versions of Windows 7 or 8.1. The free upgrade offer was initially supposed to last for one year but was extended for over eight years. However, this loophole was closed on September 20, 2023, when Microsoft announced the end of free Windows 10 upgrades.
Since then, some users have reported issues with activation after upgrading their old Windows systems to Windows 10. While most upgrades are successful, the activation process may not complete correctly. Users can still use Windows 10 without activation, but they will have limited customization options and some updates may be unavailable. To activate Windows 10, users need a valid product key for the Home or Pro edition.
While upgrading to Windows 10 is still possible, it may not be worth it for older PCs. Most hardware originally licensed for Windows 7 or 8.x is now quite old, and Windows 10 support is set to end on October 14, 2025. Extended Security Updates can be purchased for an additional year, but upgrading to Windows 11 may require newer hardware that older PCs may not meet.
Before upgrading to Windows 10, users should ensure their current Windows version is activated, check for driver updates, back up data, install BIOS updates, and temporarily uninstall security and system software that may interfere with the upgrade. The upgrade process can be done using the Media Creation Tool from the Windows 10 download page. Users can choose to upgrade directly or create installation media for multiple PCs.
Overall, while upgrading to Windows 10 is still possible, users with older hardware may want to consider the limitations and potential issues before proceeding.