Forum Discussion
Still possible to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 for free?
Hello, I am looking for guidance on upgrading my computer from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. My understanding is that the free upgrade offer has officially ended, but I have read that it might still be ...
As of October 2023, the free upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 officially ended in 2016. However, many users have reported that the upgrade still works unofficially because Microsoft’s activation servers recognize older Windows 8.1 keys or previous upgrades.
Use the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant:
- Download the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant from the official Microsoft website: Microsoft Windows 10 Download
- Run the tool. It will check your system and guide you through the upgrade process.
- If your current Windows 8.1 license is eligible, the tool may allow you to upgrade directly.
- If your device was previously activated with Windows 8.1, Windows 10 often automatically activates after the upgrade, even without a product key.
- If activation fails, you may need to enter a valid product key or contact Microsoft support.
While this method may work if you want to upgrade Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, it’s not guaranteed, as the free upgrade offer is officially discontinued. If you encounter issues, creating bootable media (USB/DVD) and doing a clean install might be necessary, but that involves installation media.