How to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free

Editor’s note, October 2023: Microsoft originally announced that Windows 10 would be a free upgrade from Windows 7 for the first year only. That was back in 2015, yet the company wound up accepting Windows 7 keys for free Windows 10 and even Windows 11 upgrades for over eight years. But you can no longer do this — Microsoft finally closed the loophole this week.

This has been one of the most popular How To guides we’ve ever written, so we’re leaving it below for posterity.

Original story continues:

Microsoft’s free upgrade offer for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users ended a few years ago, but you can still technically upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge. While Microsoft has removed the special upgrade offer sites, the company continues to activate Windows 10 licenses for people who upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. That may even mean you’ll be able to upgrade to Windows 11 for free as well — here’s how the free Windows 11 upgrade works.

The most important thing to remember is that the Windows 7 to Windows 10 upgrade could wipe your settings and apps. There’s an option to keep your files and personal data, but because of differences between Windows 10 and Windows 7, it’s not always possible to keep all of your existing apps. Make sure you’ve noted what apps you use regularly so you can easily obtain them by downloading the installers again. Windows 8.1 can also be upgraded the same way, but without needing to wipe your apps and settings.

Here’s how to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10:

Windows 7 upgrade prompt Microsoft

Update October 7th, 2021: Added links to the free upgrade path from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Update October 11th, 2023: Added new editor’s note confirming the loophole has closed.

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