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AskCyber Home » News » cyber security » Windows 10 Free Download – How to Get a Free Upgrade

Windows 10 Free Download – How to Get a Free Upgrade

2020-01-15 by Michelle

Windows 10 Free Download

Windows 10 Free Download – Update to Windows 10 Free on Computers and Phones – Windows 7 is No Longer Supported

A Windows 10 Free Download is still available. If you just heard the news that Microsoft has sunset its ten-year-old Windows 7 operating system and want to upgrade, there is a convenient download page. If you don’t upgrade from Windows 7 to 10 then you leave your computer vulnerable to hackers, malware attacks, and other security vulnerabilities. Microsoft will no longer issue security patches and upgrades for computers running Windows 7 machines. In the notice, the company also recommends that Windows 7 buy new computers to get the best user experience from Windows 10.

Windows 7 was originally released in 2009 and is still very popular. About twenty-five percent of all internet users are estimated to still be running it. Microsoft has supported the operating system for 10 years.

What Does End of Windows 7 Support Mean?

Microsoft announced that they will no longer support a user favorite operating system, Windows 7. The last day for technical support was January 14, 2020. Although computers running Windows 7 will still run, there will be no security patches and technical support. However, third-party vendors may still opt to sell hardware and support contracts. Microsoft recommends upgrading or buying a new computer since most machines running Windows 7 are five years old or more.

For Windows 7 Microsoft Will Not Offer

  • Technical support for any issues
  • Software updates
  • Security updates or patches

A Windows 10 upgrade means that you’ll be able to log on to your new laptop or computer without using a password. Windows 10 machines can use biometric login including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, by enabling a new feature called Windows Hello. Biometric login is the most secure way to access apps, laptops, or any other hardware. No password is necessary. It’s is difficult to create and remember a unique password for every append account. Weak passwords can be easily hacked, and many people use the same password across multiple devices, apps, and online accounts. If a hacker steals one password in a data breach, they can use that to hack into other accounts.

Can I Still Use Windows 7 After 2020?

Windows 7 will still work on your computer after the 2020 end of support deadline. Microsoft is not recommending that users update Windows 7 to Windows 10. People who are still running Windows 7 probably are using at desktop or laptop computer that’s more than 5 years old. While you could upgrade to Windows 10 for free, you’re probably better off buying a new computer that comes with Windows 10 preinstalled.

Microsoft recommends that people who update windows 7 to windows 10 purchase a new computer that can utilize the new operating new system’s features. The corporate announcement states, “For most Windows 7 users, moving to a new device with Windows 10 will be the recommended path forward. Todays PCs are faster, lightweight yet powerful, and more secure, with an average price that’s considerably less than that of the average PC eight years ago.”

Newer hardware also supports security features, like fingerprint scans and facial recognition, as well as faster hardware that will give you the optimum Windows 10 experience.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Windows 10?

A Microsoft windows 10 upgrade is available in three versions. Windows 10 home costs $139, Windows 10 Pro starts at $199 and Windows 10 Pro for Workstation starts at $309. Each license is for one PC. Windows 10 can also be installed on a Mac computer using the home and pro versions. It’s cheaper to upgrade to a new laptop. This Lenovo Tablet with Android 9 Pie is one sale for only $119. If not, then you may need a new hard drive for the Windows 10 Free Download.

Update Computer – Why Are Security Updates So Important?

Upgrading remains the best option for keeping your computer secure from hackers. One of the most well-known cyberattacks, WannaCry malware infected over 200,000 Windows machines in Europe. The malware was a ransomware that locked up computers and demanded 300 in Bitcoin to release control of the computer to its owner. WannaCry is a ransomware that was written from hacking tools stolen from the US National Security Agency. The ransomware only infected Microsoft Windows computers that had not been kept up to date with security patches.

Windows 10 Requirements

Windows 10 hardware requirements for new computers include a computer with a 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster compatible processor or System on a Chip (SoC). Windows 10 hardware requirements need 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM for 32-bit mode or 2 GB of RAM for 64-bit mode. Windows 10 is a large download so your hard drive should be 32GB or larger hard disk. There are many new image features, so Windows 10 requirements include graphics cards that are compatible with DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver. The display must have a resolution of at least 800×600.

Windows 10 for Phone Installation

Windows 10 for a Phone can only be installed on Microsoft Lumia models. Phones running the Windows Phone 8.1 GDR1 QFE8 or better can be upgraded.

Can You Still Upgrade to Windows 10 For Free?

To upgrade to Windows 10 for free, go to the Windows 10 Download page, users can upgrade their PC at no extra cost. This applies to computers that are running a licensed copy of Windows 7 or 8. If you have a Windows 7 or 8 Home version, you can only upgrade to Windows 10 Home. If you have Windows 7 or 8 Pro, you can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.

To get a Windows 10 Free Download it takes a few extra steps and the process is not for the average computer user. This works if you’re currently have a licensed copy of Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Home or Pro. If you’re reinstalling it, you don’t need to enter a product key.

You need an internet connection to run the installation and you need to be an administrator to run this tool.

  1. Go to the Download Windows 10 website https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
  2. Under Create Windows 10 installation media at the top of the page, click the Download tool now button
  3. Select Run
  4. Choose Upgrade this PC now
  5. Select Next
  6. Follow the directions on the screen

After the Windows 10 upgrade is finished find , go to Settings Update & Security > Activation, and you should see a digital license for Windows 10.

Filed Under: cyber security Tagged With: tutorial, Windows, Windows 10

About Michelle

Michelle writes about cyber security, data privacy focusing on social media privacy as well as how to protect your IoT devices. She has worked in internet technology for over 20 years and owns METRONY, LLC. Michelle earned a B.S. in Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Michelle published a guide to Cyber Security for Business Travelers


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