Can I upgrade my windows 8.1 to windows 10 for free?

Microsoft has quietly continued to allow free upgrades from Windows 7 and 8.1 to Windows 10 for users using their assistive technologies. While initially intended for people with disabilities, the loophole is that Microsoft does not check or validate your need for these technologies.

This method uses the official Microsoft Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and will result in a genuinely activated, digital license for Windows 10, tied to your machine's hardware.

Here is the step-by-step guide for upgrading Windows 8.1 to Windows 10:

1. Check Your Activation:
   Ensure your current Windows 8.1 is fully activated and genuine. Go to Settings > Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Activation. It should say "Windows is activated". This is crucial.
2. Download the Media Creation Tool.
3. Run the Tool and Upgrade:
   Run the MediaCreationTool.exe file you just downloaded.
   When prompted, select "Upgrade this PC now" and click Next.
   The tool will download Windows 10. It will automatically select the edition that matches your Windows 8.1 license (almost certainly Windows 10 Home).
   Follow the on-screen instructions. The process is largely automatic and will take a while. Your PC will restart several times.
4. The Key Point: 
   After you upgrade Windows 81 to Windows 10, your PC will automatically activate with a digital license. Microsoft's servers recognize your hardware (more specifically, your motherboard's unique ID) as having been upgraded from a valid Windows 8.1 license. You do not need to enter a product key.