Support for Windows 7 ended more than a year ago, and Microsoft wants holdouts to upgrade to Windows 10 to keep devices running securely and smoothly -- particularly before Windows 11 arrives during the holiday season. Windows 11 will be available as a free upgrade -- but only if you're a Windows 10 user already.

Here's how you'll download Windows 11 when it's available, and how to check if your computer will be compatible with the new operating system. But you don't necessarily have to shell out the cash: A free upgrade offer from Microsoft that technically ended in still works for many people. With the potential new version of Windows right around the corner, now may be a good time to make sure you're on the latest version to make any future updates easier. When Windows 10 was first released in July , Microsoft offered an unprecedented free upgrade offer for Windows 7, 8 and 8.

As of June , readers are still emailing me and commenting below, saying that it's worked for them as well. Read more: Windows 10 tips: How to take screenshots, find the secret Start menu and more. Windows 7 users who don't upgrade to the new version will no longer be able to get Microsoft's security updates or fixes, or technical support for any issues, leaving your computer at greater risk from viruses and malware. While Windows 10 users have experienced a number of bugs over the years, upgrading remains the best option for keeping your computer safe , analysts say.

And more people seem to be making the move: Windows 10 now has more than 1. Just note that, now that Windows 11 is coming, support for Windows 10 will end in Here's how to get Windows 10 for free, if you're currently running a licensed and activated copy of Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8. Go to the Download Windows 10 website. Under Create Windows 10 installation media , click Download tool now and Run. If you're upgrading a different machine, choose Create installation media for another PC , and save the installation files.

It should be noted that if you have a Windows 7 or 8 Home license, you can only update to Windows 10 Home, while Windows 7 or 8 Pro can only be updated to Windows 10 Pro. The upgrade is not available for Windows Enterprise. Other users may experience blocks as well , depending on your machine. This upgrade using the media creation tool isn't meant for the general consumer, but it works for many nonetheless. To get the best Windows 10 experience and take advantage of features like passwordless sign-on through Windows Hello , you'll want to purchase a new Windows 10 PC or one released after July with all the hardware upgrades.

If you're a student or university faculty member, you may also be able to download Windows 10 for free search for your school's software offerings here. For more, check out the best antivirus protection of for Windows 10 , six security changes all Windows 10 users need to make and everything to know about the Windows 10 May update , and three new features from the Windows 10 October update and how to use them.

You can also get Microsoft Office online free , too. Replay Video. Skip Ad. Load Error. How to take Windows 10 screenshots. CNET See more videos. Click to expand. Windows 10 fall update: Here's what's new. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Found the story interesting? Like us on Facebook to see similar stories. I'm already a fan, don't show this again. Send MSN Feedback.

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