Support for Windows 7 has officially ended this January, and it must be expected that Windows 8 and 8.1 will soon have the same fate - no security patches and fixes. To avoid getting trapped with an operating system that will be vulnerable to potential attacks, the only way to go is to make the jump to Windows 10 and it remains free.
This is true for PC users with a legal copy of Windows 7 or 8 (8.1 included) running on their machine. Microsoft will only need the serial numbers of the OS when installing Windows 10, and after they were keyed in, it's good to go. An upgraded PC will be migrated to Windows 10 that will be digitally activated and at no cost at all.
Forbes has a pro tip for those without the mentioned old Windows versions. They can opt to purchase original copies of these operating systems as they are significantly cheaper than the latest version. Then they can install the OS on a PC and upgrade to Windows 10, which again will be for free.
This path to a free Windows 10 experience is still live as of January and CNET said several users have reported that the process proved successful for them.
There is no indication when Microsoft will shut down this route, but it is expected that such a scenario is unlikely. The Windows maker has already made clear that the ultimate goal is to make all PCs powered by Windows 10 so the door will remain open until the last of the holdouts make the jump.
To start the process of getting Windows 10, the first step is to head out to Microsoft's download link here, and from there click the "Download Tool Now" under the "Create Windows 10 Installation Media" and then "Run."
Users wanting to upgrade the machine they are using can simply choose "Upgrade This PC Now" and then follow the installation prompts to go through the whole process. For those upgrading a different PC, choose "Create Installation Media For Another PC" and then save the files.
When the installation has been completed, users can check their digital license via this path, Settings Update & Security > Activation. It should show that the PC has been activated.
Please note that users can clean install Windows 10 with the use of a USB should they decide to reformat later the upgraded PC. Reactivation will be automatic as the hardware has been digitally signed during the free upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10.
On a final note, old Windows versions can only be upgraded to a corresponding version of Windows 10. That means Windows 7 Home will jump only to Windows 10 Home, and the same applies to the Pro version.
