Windows 10 Continue Free – Wintotal.de

Despite Microsoft’s announcement, that the update is no longer free after the first year after the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft continues to offer this option, even if something hidden.

In reality, in reality only free in the first year

When it comes to the launch of the Windows 10 market, the bet was: for a year, users can update Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 for free at Windows 10, on July 29, 2016 it should be finished. Shortly before the deadline, Microsoft tried to update the oldest systems with sometimes questionable means for Windows 10.

From the deadline, it has become a little more silent around Windows 10 and we have no longer dealt with the topic «Free update to Windows 10».

The old Windows 8 license was the trigger

But then everything went very differently: a good known gave one of his notebooks, which should be used for an older user as a desktop replacement. Only problem: the notebook did not have an operating system. In the bottom there was still an unused Windows 8 license. We then installed Windows 8.1 Pro on the system with the license to have a first base.

So we recalled the Microsoft campaign «Free upgrade at Windows 10 for customers who use auxiliary technologies». With this campaign, Microsoft offers users who rely on Windows help technologies, a free update from Windows to Windows 10. When they study the offer, the application presented exactly what the prerequisites are to legally use the free offer. A note could be the blog post «to make progress on accessibility with the update of the Windows 10 anniversary». In it, Microsoft describes which operational aid have been improved in Windows 10 to facilitate users with different disabilities. Ultimately, we turn to the conclusion that the offer is legally directed to all users who rely on any functions in «facilitated operation» – even if only the enlargement of the screen, the virtual keyboard or the high contrast.

On the page, from Windows 7 or Windows 8.x, an update is possible via the «Windows10upgrade24074.exe» download. This file starts a usual refresher process after downloading, download Windows 10 in advance and then install it through the existing system.

Spicy on the side that the download on the website «Update the course for Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016» Download the «Windows10upgrade28084.exe» under the «Download Now» file. If it is called this file after download in «Windows10upgrade24074.exe», you can update again to Windows 10 for free.

The update behaves identically from the Windows 10 download page if this download «Windows10upgrade9252.exe» in «Windows10upgrade24074.exe».

In an analysis it was discovered that all three files are identical (hash value) and Microsoft has checked the file name only if a license query is made or not.

After installation, the updating of auxiliary technology is therefore normal and the license is linked to the computer, so that in the future it will also be possible to reinstall it without inserting a license.

We cannot say how long Microsoft enables an update. More Windows 10 users should certainly not be an obstacle to the additional Microsoft plans.

Conclusion

The launch of Windows 10 marked a significant moment in Microsoft’s operating system history, with a clear strategy to encourage users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 to upgrade. The company offered a free upgrade for one year, with the deadline set for July 29, 2016. This approach aimed to accelerate the adoption of Windows 10 and unify the user base under a more modern and secure platform, ensuring compatibility with new applications and features.

As the deadline approached, Microsoft employed various strategies to promote the upgrade, some of which were seen as aggressive or controversial by users. These methods, including persistent update prompts and automated installation attempts, sparked debates about user consent and control over their own systems. Despite the mixed reception, the push succeeded in significantly increasing Windows 10 adoption, helping Microsoft establish a stronger market presence and a foundation for future updates.

The transition period also highlighted the challenges of moving large numbers of users from older systems while balancing user experience, security, and technological advancement. Users who delayed the upgrade sometimes faced pressure to update, but those who took advantage of the free period benefited from improved performance, security enhancements, and access to new features introduced in Windows 10.

In conclusion, the Windows 10 launch strategy successfully encouraged widespread adoption through a time-limited free upgrade, though not without controversy regarding update methods. This period demonstrated the importance of balancing innovation with user choice and highlighted Microsoft’s efforts to modernize its operating system ecosystem while maintaining compatibility and security across a diverse user base.