If you are still using Windows 7 on your PC, there is some important news for you. Microsoft is ending support for the OS on all computers and laptops. The action is taking place as the company is planning to focus more on Windows 10 going in the new decade. The support for Windows 7 will end on January 14, 2020. This means that the US tech giant will no longer be issuing patches or fixes for it, unless in very extreme circumstances.
Microsoft made a commitment to provide 10 years of product support for Windows 7 when it was released on October 22, 2009. When this 10-year period ends, Microsoft will discontinue Windows 7 support so that we can focus our investment on supporting newer technologies and great new experiences. The specific end of support day for Windows 7 will be January 14, 2020. After that, technical assistance and software updates from Windows Update that help protect your PC will no longer be available for the product. Microsoft strongly recommends that you move to Windows 10 sometime before January 2020 to avoid a situation where you need service or support that is no longer available.
While Microsoft does not talk about providing a free upgrade to Windows 10, rather urges users to purchase the new version, users can still switch to Windows 10 for free. Of course, you need to have a legit licensed copy of Windows 7 running on your PC. Here’s how you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free:
Step 1: Visit the Windows 10 download page.
Step 2: On the page, click on ‘Download Tool now’ and download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
Step 3: Now, run the Media Creation Tool and accept the license terms.
Step 4: Next, select ‘Upgrade this PC now’ and click on ‘Next’.
Step 5: Click on ‘Keep personal files and apps’ and then click ‘Continue’.
Step 6: Once the Install option will be clicked, Windows 10 will begin to be installed. However, this will require some time.
Step 7: Once the Windows 10 finishes installing, users need to connect to the internet and open Settings > Windows Update > Activation and the computer/laptop will be activated with a digital license.
Please note, this upgrade will not work if you have an unlicensed copy on Windows 7