Best way to get windows 10: How to get Windows 10

12 января, 2023

12 Best Places To Buy Windows 10 Keys (Windows 11 Included)

Windows 10 is undoubtedly one of Microsoft’s best OSs yet. Not only is it stable, but it also comes with a host of new features like Windows Hello, Dark Mode, and advanced security. To access these features, you’ll need to activate your Windows 10, meaning a product key will be necessary, so where are the best places to buy Windows 10 Keys?

Table of Contents

  • Microsoft
  • Digital Product Key
  • Amazon
  • Kinguin
  • Newegg
  • Walmart
  • Keysoff
  • Buykeys.com
  • RoyalCDKeys
  • Microcenter
  • TigerDirect
  • On the Hub
  • Best websites to buy Windows 10 keys
  • FAQs About Windows 10 keys

    • Should I Activate Windows 10?
    • Are Cheap Windows 10 Product Keys Legal?
    • What Happens if I Buy Illegal Windows 10 Keys?
  • Wrapping Up

The best place to buy Windows 10 keys is through the official Microsoft website. However, you can also buy from other trusted websites like eBay, Amazon, Walmart, Newegg, KeysOff, and Kinguin. Don’t forget to check user reviews before buying a Windows 10 key online!

If you’re still reading, chances are you want to activate your Windows 10 and make the most of the OS.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Read on as we examine some of the best places to buy Windows 10 keys. 

Microsoft

Microsoft is hands down the best place to buy Windows 10 keys. Purchasing product keys from the official website gives you the peace of mind that you’re buying a perfectly legal product that won’t have any issues in the future. 

While the Microsoft website doesn’t allow you to purchase a product key independently, you can still acquire a product key by buying the different Windows 10 packages.

Windows 10 Home is best for household and personal use, licensed for one PC. Windows 10 Pro is perfect for small businesses and users in need of enhanced functionality, while Windows 10 Pro for Workstations — as the name suggests — is perfect for advanced users and businesses.  

Investing in any of the above products will give you a product key that you can find in the email (confirmation) sent after purchasing Windows.

Or, you can find the product key in the packaging box your OS came in. 

Digital Product Key

Digital Product Key is among the few trusted websites that deal with product keys.

The website sells various digital products and software ranging from operating systems, office suites, packs, antiviruses and security software, and graphic design products.  

You’re also likely to find Windows 10 products at a lower price when buying from Digital Product Key.

However, the good thing is that Digital Product Key deals with legitimate products, meaning you won’t suffer any losses when purchasing directly from the site. 

Another great feature of Digital Product Key is its live customer chat function and phone support.

The active support means you can track your order or make any inquiries about Windows 10 product keys without having to wait for ages to get a response.

The site also has a software blog that helps users learn a thing or two about making the most of their devices and software. 

Amazon

Windows 10 Home

DVD Only

View On Amazon

Windows 11 Home

Digital Download or USB

View On Amazon

Amazon is also a great place to buy Windows 10 or 11 keys. All you’ll need is to head on to the site and search for Windows 10 or 11 Home.

You’ll spot several products sold by the official Windows store. However, to avoid making a wrong purchase, paying close attention to the product and its features is crucial. 

Amazon allows you to buy Microsoft Windows 10 Home as a DVD, or as a USB that’ll ship to your location. Unfortunately, finding just the digital download copy of Windows 10 Home these days seems to be a bit of a challenge.

It is similar in comparison when considering Windows 11 Home. The main difference is that a USB version or digital download are obtainable and popular choices.

According to Amazon reviews, the USB version is a lot easier to install than the DVD version.

Just because Amazon is a trusted e-commerce site, that doesn’t mean you let your guard down when buying products on the platform.

Pay close attention when purchasing software like Windows 10 to ensure you buy from trustworthy sellers. 

And since some software can have identical names and titles, don’t forget to closely check the name to make sure you don’t walk away with the wrong software!

Kinguin

Are you looking to buy Windows 10 Keys on a budget? If so, you might consider giving Kinguin a try for Windows 10 and 11 Home product keys.

Kinguin is a marketplace where you can find software, game keys, time cards, and Windows keys at relatively discounted prices. 

Point to note, though: Kinguin isn’t the main seller. Instead, when buying from Kinguin, you’ll be dealing with the owners or people willing to sell their respective keys.

Working with independent merchants on a reasonably controversial marketplace can prove risky, especially if you don’t have any experience buying Windows 10 keys online.  

When buying Windows 10 keys from Kinguin, go for the highest-rated merchants. Past and present clients will rate sellers on the platform, helping to increase the site’s overall trustworthiness.

Instead of going for the sellers with the cheapest products, go for positive reviews from satisfied clients. 

To reduce the risk of purchasing products and software that don’t work, Kinguin allows its clients to join the Kinguin Buyer Protection program, ensuring you get a refund in the case of shady business. 

Most clients appear satisfied with buying Windows 10 keys from Kinguin. However, the reviews shouldn’t divert your attention from the bigger picture: buying from a trusted source.

Disclaimer: Kinguin services are restricted in some locations. Verify that you can activate the software or keys from your country before buying!

Newegg

Windows 10 Home

View On Newegg

It’s hard to talk about online marketplaces for PC components and software without mentioning Newegg.

Formed in 2001, Newegg has established itself as one of the best tech-focused e-retailers in North America and worldwide.  

Newegg sells Microsoft products like Windows 10 Home at relatively lower prices than you’d find on the official Microsoft website.

Even better, the site regularly updates its prices, allowing customers to buy software and PC parts at considerably low prices. 

While the price cuts won’t be as significant compared to when buying to marketplaces like Kinguin, Newegg allows clients to reduce costs through discounts and promo codes.

Newegg also offers free shipping to clients in the US, which can cut your costs even further.

You’ll receive the activation key upon purchasing the product. On most occasions, the code will be super tiny and strategically located under the ‘scratch off’ sticker.

You can easily scratch off the product key on your package, so it’s best to scratch slowly and carefully. 

Walmart

You can also buy Windows 10 Home or Pro on the Walmart website.

One advantage of buying at Walmart is you’ll be eligible for free shipping, and you can buy the product at slightly lower prices than buying directly from Microsoft. 

Based on client reviews, you’ll find the key on the Windows 10 product package. Remember to scratch gently to reveal the code.

Walmart also gives you access to a host of other genuine Windows products, making it a great option if you want to buy legit Windows 10 keys without having to pay the full price on the Microsoft website. 

Keysoff

If you’re looking to buy Windows 10 keys at the lowest possible prices, then perhaps you should give Keysoff a shot. The site deals with PC software and Steam, Origin, Battle.net, and Epic games.

You can also find amazing product key deals on the site, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

Keysoff promises to deliver product keys to clients via email within 24 hours. The keys are valid for both 32-bit and 64-bit versions but won’t work for Mac. You can only use the key on one PC.

When buying from Keysoff, be sure to provide your correct email address. You might also need to check the junk mail or spam folder if the keys don’t appear in your normal inbox within a day.

Due to the insane price cuts, finding Windows 10 keys on Keysoff might prove challenging. 

The site has a positive rating on Trustpilot, meaning the chances of being conned from your hard-earned cash are low. However, some clients complain that the keys didn’t work for long.

So, when buying from the site, be prepared that the product key might or might not work as expected. 

Buykeys.com

Buykeys.com is among the few stores that deal exclusively with digital products. As such, you can get various product keys for games and software, including operating systems, antivirus, and office suite. 

One advantage of buying Windows 10 keys at Buykeys.com is the fairly low prices. The keys are legitimate and affordable, making the online store a great option if you’re looking to buy on a budget.  

Buykeys.com also has positive reviews on Trustpilot, meaning it’s a safe marketplace to invest your hard-earned cash.

Another advantage of buying on the website is its impressively fast customer support team committed to helping clients resolve any pending issues. 

And to attract clients, Buykeys.com usually offers discounts on its products, allowing you to purchase digital products like Windows 10 keys at affordable prices. 

RoyalCDKeys

RoyalCDKeys is a software marketplace that allows clients to purchase software and game keys at significantly subsidized prices.

While the prices are unbelievably affordable, the site has maintained a positive reputation as a trusted dealer. 

The license keys sold on the site won’t work when looking to upgrade Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro. RoyalCDKeys also has positive reviews on Trustpilot, implying it sells legitimate products most of the time. 

And as is the case with most third-party software providers, Microsoft doesn’t recognize the RoyalCDKeys as a Windows 10 genuine merchant.

That means you’ll be on your own if the keys fail to work or become dysfunctional over time.

The good thing with RoyalCDKeys is they’re responsive, especially when contacted by clients about complications or dysfunctional keys. 

Microcenter

Microcenter is another legitimate online store to purchase legitimate Windows 10 for your PC.

The website exclusively deals with tech, computer, and software-related products, making it a great place to hunt for affordable Windows 10 Home or Pro product keys. 

Similar to other genuine Microsoft merchants, you’ll get your Windows 10 keys on your packaging.

So, scratch gently to avoid removing the tiny product key figures. Microcenter allows clients to purchase a maximum of ten keys per household, which is a great way to limit further reselling. 

TigerDirect

Tigerdirect is another great place to purchase Windows 10 and get a product key for activation.

While the prices aren’t as affordable as you’ll find on several other sites, Tigerdirect is still cheaper than Microsoft.

That means you can ship via TigerDirect if you find buying directly from Windows to be expensive. 

Tigerdirect is a lot faster than other sites when it comes to shipping.

And although you won’t get massive discounts on the site, the knowledge that you’ll be buying legitimate Windows 10 keys should give you peace of mind.  

Besides fast shipping, Tigerdirect also stands out due to its highly responsive support team.

Clients who’ve bought from the site claim the support team is dedicated to resolving client issues in the shortest time possible. 

On the Hub

On the Hub has partnered with hundreds of schools, universities, and colleges from various countries to make Microsoft products and a host of other products available to students.

However, only students with valid school IDs and institution email addresses are eligible for the discounts provided on the site. 

To make the most of the offers on the site, you’ll first need to key in your country, state or province, and school.

This information will allow the system to determine the deals and offers you’re eligible for based on your school’s agreement with On The Hub. 

Although not suitable for everyone, On The Hub is an excellent website for students looking to purchase or get Windows 10 keys for free.

If you’re a student, then you might want to consider trying out On The Hub if your institution is registered as an academic partner.

Best websites to buy Windows 10 keys

With so many online vendors, buying legitimate Windows 10 keys can prove daunting. There’s the risk of buying previously used keys or those purchased by fraudulent means.

As a result, it’s crucial to do your due diligence before settling for a particular merchant. 

The best (and safest) place to buy Windows 10 keys is on the official Microsoft website. Buying from the official site means you’ll receive genuine and brand-new Windows 10 keys.

Moreover, in case of any issues down the line, you can easily contact Microsoft support.  

There’s also tons of information on the Microsoft website that can come in handy when looking to buy Windows 10 and other software. 

However, buying from the official Microsoft store might not be ideal for people looking to activate Windows on a budget.

This is where third-party sellers like Amazon, Newegg, and Microcenter come in.

These websites usually sell Windows 10 at slightly lower prices than Microsoft.

The best part about dealing with trusted sellers is they sell genuine Windows, recognized by Microsoft as legitimate sellers. 

However, if you want to save as much cash as you can, then you might try third-party merchants on marketplaces like Kinguin, Keysoff, and RoyalCdkeys.

Please note that while you might find Windows 10 listed at unbelievably low prices, the chances of buying used or illegally acquired keys are high.

So you’ll need to examine the seller’s profile and check customer reviews to determine whether to buy the cheap keys.  

FAQs About Windows 10 keys

Should I Activate Windows 10?

Using a free Windows 10 comes with its limitations. Users can’t access features like Windows Hello, Focus Assist, and dark mode with the free version.

Additionally, freemium versions have limited customization options.

While it’s unnecessary to activate Windows 10, doing so will give you access to advanced features, making a considerable difference for professionals. 

Are Cheap Windows 10 Product Keys Legal?

Not all cheap Windows 10 product keys are illegal.

Most cheap Windows 10 keys are sold to organizations at discounted prices, which reduces their overall cost when sold to third parties.

However, some cheaply sold keys are obtained illegally, such as credit card fraud. 

As a result, only buy cheap Windows 10 keys from trusted dealers. Buying an illegal product key means you’ll incur losses later down the line if Microsoft flags your activation key as illegal.  

What Happens if I Buy Illegal Windows 10 Keys?

Although illegally acquired Windows 10 keys might work for a while, chances are they’ll stop working once Microsoft catches up.

That means you’ll have to purchase the keys again if you want to activate Windows 10, which can be frustrating, especially if you paid top dollar for the keys.

Some cheap keys come packed with malware, which, again, highlights the need to do your due diligence before buying from an online merchant. 

Wrapping Up

As we’ve established throughout the article, you can easily buy Windows 10 keys from various websites.

Buying from the official Microsoft website is highly recommended as it guarantees you’ll get a genuine, never-used product.

However, you can also buy Windows 10 keys from third-party sellers as they’re usually cheaper than Microsoft by a couple of dollars.

Remember to practice caution when buying from merchants selling at meager prices as they’re likely to be used or obtained illegally.

Checking a seller’s profile and customer reviews is a sure way to confirm legitimacy.

Marlo has always been obsessed with computers his whole life. After working for 25 years in the computer and electronics field, he now enjoys writing about computers to help others. Most of his time is spent in front of his computer or other technology to continue to learn more.

How to download Windows 10 for free

When Windows 10 first arrived, nabbing a free upgrade was as simple as clicking the Get Windows 10 notification prompt. Things are a bit different now, however, especially with the new free upgrade to Windows 11 being around.

In addition to that, Microsoft no longer supports Windows 7, which means there’s no more technical support, security updates, or bug-squashing. In other words, Windows 7 is now unsafe to use, making this an excellent time to switch to Windows 10 or, switch to Windows 10.

Contents

  • With product keys and digital licenses
  • Using the Windows 10 Media Creation tool
  • Other methods for getting Windows 10
  • Upgrade from Windows 7
  • Download Windows 10 without activating
  • Buy a third-party Windows 10 key

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

15 minutes

What You Need

Unfortunately, the original free upgrade period to Windows 10 ended years ago, and the workaround to get Windows 10 for free with Assistive Technologies ended not long after that. No need to worry, though — there are still ways to get Microsoft’s latest operating system without paying for a new license or breaking any rules.

With product keys and digital licenses

It would be best to have a valid product key or a digital license to get a free upgrade. What’s the difference? When you purchase an operating system from Microsoft or any retailer, it comes with a product key to unlock it. It’s printed and included in the packaging, emailed to you, or stored in the cloud, which is usually the case for system builders.

What is a digital license?

A digital license connects your installed Windows platform to a key embedded in prebuilt systems from Acer, Dell, HP, and so on. For a long time, these manufacturers printed product keys on labels stuck on PCs or printed and inserted them into product packaging. Microsoft’s product keys typically only work once, but hackers sometimes find workarounds to use the same key on multiple PCs.

That led Microsoft and manufacturers to introduce digital licenses in Windows 8 as an antipiracy measure, so end users aren’t installing the platform on additional machines. However, Microsoft also moved Windows 7 over to this method. This license becomes locked to your Microsoft account.

If you legitimately purchased and no longer use these older versions, Microsoft’s Windows 10 activation servers will accept Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 keys on your PC.

What if I can’t find my key?

However, if you’re upgrading from Windows 7 and can’t find the key, you can try signing in to your Microsoft account and checking past downloads to see if your product key is there. Sites like Amazon also keep a record of purchased downloads, but these rarely include the product key itself, though it may help narrow down where it could be.

Finally, you can download Windows 10 and perform a clean install. It will then pull the valid Windows 8/8.1 license key from your prebuilt system’s motherboard and move on. In all other cases, you must supply an authentic, genuine product key during the setup process, or you can do it later by visiting Settings > Update & security > Activation.

If you don’t have a valid Windows 7 license key, you must follow our other guide about how to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

Arif Bacchus/Digital Trends

Using the Windows 10 Media Creation tool

Despite officially ending the free update promotion in mid-2016, Microsoft quietly keeps this option available so all Windows PC owners can run the latest version. Again, unless you have a valid digital license or product key to get a free upgrade, you will be required to pay for a new Windows 10 Home product key.

Step 1: Your first step in acquiring a free Windows 10 upgrade is to visit Microsoft’s download Windows 10 webpage.

Step 2: Select the Download tool now button.

You’ll see MediaCreationTool21h2.exe download onto your PC, which shouldn’t take longer than a minute to occur. Disconnect any unnecessary accessories to help reduce the chance of errors.

Step 3: Launch the Media Creation Tool.

Step 4: Once it is downloaded, open it, and accept Microsoft’s terms.

As shown above, you have two options: Upgrade the current PC, or create installation media that will either upgrade another PC or perform a clean install on the current PC. However, in both cases, the tool will temporarily download a disk image of Windows 10, so be sure you have enough space for the file — around 4GB, at least.

Step 5: Select the Upgrade this PC now option and follow the prompts. The tool will scan your computer to see if it’s compatible and may present a list of problematic programs or hardware that could stall the upgrade. If needed, uninstall programs to address the installer’s concerns.

Step 6: With all issues resolved, the installer will try to port over all the data it can. Keep in mind, however, the vast gap between Windows 7 and Windows 10 in terms of the software you use. If you’re ditching Windows 7 after using it for many years, you probably have a lot of data stored in files and apps. We can’t guarantee that all files and apps will be compatible with Windows 10, and some may stop working.

Step 7: It’s essential to be aware of this and prepare before upgrading. Back up or convert any crucial data before you continue.

Step 8: Finish installation.

Step 9: As the installer progresses, your PC will restart a few times. As part of the process, it will pull your existing digital license from your hardware during the setup — you won’t need to activate it. If prompted for a valid product key, enter it now or do so later by visiting Settings > Update & security > Activation.

Keep in mind that this won’t work for Windows XP or Windows Vista, as these versions of Windows never qualified for the free Windows 10 upgrade.

Step 10: You’ll also receive the same flavor of Windows that first shipped with your PC — Home, Pro, Enterprise, or Education. If you’d rather use Windows 10 Pro instead of the Windows 10 Home update, you must purchase a new product key.

Arif Bacchus/Digital Trends

Other methods for getting Windows 10

The above method is the best way to get Windows 10 for free — at least for now. There are other ways you can get Windows 10 if you need it, including free and low-cost options that may be worth exploring.

Upgrade from Windows 7

Buy a copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft. Please read our guide on how to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Note that if you’re a student, or work at a large organization, you might be eligible for free or discounted Windows. Microsoft has more on that in a support page.

Download Windows 10 without activating

Technically, you can download Windows 10 from Microsoft and not activate it, which means you don’t pay for it. It turns out this is safer than it sounds because Microsoft is pretty lax about enforcing activation. Your copy of Windows shouldn’t shut down, but some limitations kick in after your 30-day evaluation:

  • An Activate Windows watermark appears in the bottom-right corner.
  • A Windows Isn’t Activated, Activate Windows Now notification appears in settings.
  • Personalization features such as changing the wallpaper and accent colors are disabled.
  • Updates may discontinue in the future.
  • Various apps and features stop working.
  • You’ll receive daily notifications to activate.
  • No technical support.

We want to stress that using an unactivated version of Windows 10 is not permitted by Microsoft. Although it may appear like a fantastic steal (sounds about right), in reality, you’re breaking the rules and defying Microsoft’s licensing agreement. Microsoft would be completely within its rights to pursue legal damages against anyone using the Windows 10 OS unactivated, though they haven’t done so yet as far as we know. Better safe than sorry. In the end, if Microsoft wanted to stop people from using these versions, they could do it.

Buy a third-party Windows 10 key

You can find third-party vendors who sell Windows 10 manufacturer keys at a bargain. Going through these companies enables you to purchase the keys at half (or even lower) of the full Microsoft price. While it may sound like a scam, you can find reliable vendors who just happen to have a good price, but you need to stay on your toes. What customers need to do is hunt for trustworthy key vendors who offer incredible bargains. Easier said than done, though.

PCDestination has them for $45. But overall, we still suggest shopping around.

As you can guess, it is very much possible to still upgrade and get Windows 10 for free in 2022. You just need to follow our methods covered above — from using your existing Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 product key or even getting a license through work or school at no cost. Our tips and tricks are in line with Microsoft’s terms, too.

This means you don’t have to worry about if it is legal to get Windows 10 for free. And, if you’re worried about if you can upgrade to Windows 11 if you already got WIndows 10 for free, well, it’s just as easy and painless. Your upgrade to Windows 10 will give you a digital entitlement to Windows, which means if your hardware fits Microsoft’s requirements to run Windows 11, you can download Windows 11 at any time for no extra cost.

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How to get Windows 10 for free and legally

When Windows 10 was first released in 2015, you could get a free upgrade with the click of a button. Now this method is somewhat more complicated, but no need to worry. There are a few more ways to get the latest version of Windows 10 for free without having to pay for a license or break the rules.

Step 1: Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

Although Microsoft officially ended the Windows 10 free upgrade date in mid-2016, the upgrade actually continues to work. At the end of 2019This free method is by far the best option for those who already have the official version of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 (most versions) installed. If you go this route, you won’t have to pay $139 for a key, and you’ll keep all your data from Windows (but it’s still better to make a backup, of course).

First, go to the Microsoft website to download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool for free. This should not take more than 2 minutes. While you are waiting, disable any unnecessary applications to reduce the chance of errors.

Step 2: run the installer

Once downloaded, run the installer. Then, according to the classics, you need to accept the conditions and select «upgrade this computer now.» Then follow the instructions. Windows 10 will download to your computer and check for compatibility.

You may then be presented with a list of problematic programs or hardware that may be delaying updates. You will have to remove these programs to solve problems.

Step 3: Complete Installation

Your computer will restart several times during the installation process. In the process, it will extract the existing product key from your hardware. If your version of Windows is legally activated, no additional activation keys are required.

However, please note that this will not work for Windows XP or Windows Vista, as those versions of Windows were never eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10. your PC is Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise, or Education. You cannot change them with this method. To upgrade to a different version, you will need to buy Windows again.

While this is the easiest way to get Windows 10 for free, there are a few others worth knowing too.

Free student edition

Microsoft is offering a student discount on Windows 10. In fact, eligible students can usually get it for free, and teachers who work at a qualifying school can download Windows 10 Education for a small fee. fee. Check if your educational institution is eligible and download Windows from the Microsoft Education Portal. If you are a recent graduate, see if you can log in with your alumni or institution email.

Download Windows 10 and don’t activate it

Technically, you can download Windows 10 from Microsoft (not from the app store) and just not activate it, and therefore not pay. It’s actually safer than it looks, because Microsoft doesn’t care that much about activation. Your version of Windows should be preserved, and you will most likely be able to continue using your applications.

However, there are limitations. Microsoft will constantly remind you to activate Windows 10 every time you sign in. You will not be able to personalize your computer, such as by changing colors, until you activate it. Also in this case you will not receive technical support. However, this is a good opportunity to get a lot of Windows 10 features for free. Although there is no guarantee that Microsoft won’t fix this loophole in the future.

How to get Windows 10 for free in 2018

The free upgrade to Windows 10 ended July 29, 2016, according to Microsoft, and the upgrade option for people with disabilities ends at the end of 2017. This means that if Windows 7 or 8.1 is installed on your computer and you haven’t upgraded on the specified date, having decided not to upgrade to Windows 10, then, officially, in the future you will need to buy a new OS if you want to install it on your computer (we are talking about the licensed version, of course). However, there is a way around this limitation in 2018 as well.

On the one hand, the decision not to receive an update, but to stay on the current version of the operating system for someone can be quite balanced and justified. On the other hand, you can imagine a situation where you can regret not updating for free. An example of such a situation: you have a powerful enough computer and you play games, but “sit” on Windows 7, and a year later you find that all newly released games are designed for DirectX 12 in Windows 10, which is not supported in 7-ke.

Windows 10 Free Upgrade 2018

The upgrade path for users with disabilities described later in this guide was discontinued by Microsoft at the end of 2017 and no longer works. However, the options to upgrade to Windows 10 for free, if you haven’t upgraded yet, still remain.

There are two ways to install licensed Windows 10 as of 2018

  1. Use a legal key (including OEM) from Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 during a clean installation from a USB flash drive or disk (see Installing Windows 10 from a USB flash drive) — the system will install and be automatically activated after connecting to the Internet. To view the OEM key wired in UEFI on laptops with 8 preinstalled, you can use the ShowKeyPlus program (and the 7 key is indicated on a sticker on the laptop or computer case, but the same program will do), see How to find out the Windows 10 key ( methods are also suitable for previous operating systems).
  2. If you previously upgraded to Windows 10 on your current computer or laptop, and then uninstalled it and installed the previous version of the OS, then your equipment is assigned a digital license for Windows 10 and you can install it again at any time: just click on the item “I have no product key”, select the same edition of the OS (home, professional) that you received by updating, install the OS and, after connecting to the Internet, it will be activated automatically. See Activating Windows 10.

In extreme cases, you can choose not to activate the system at all — it will be almost fully functional (with the exception of some parameters) or, for example, use the free trial version of Windows 10 Enterprise for 90 days.

Windows 10 Free Upgrade for Users with Disabilities

2018 Update: This method no longer works. At the end of the main free update program, a new page appeared on the official Microsoft website — it tells that users who use accessibility features can still upgrade for free. At the same time, no disability check is carried out, the only thing is that by clicking the «Update Now» button, you confirm that you are the user who needs special features of the system (by the way, the On-Screen Keyboard is also a special feature and it comes in handy for many). At the same time, as reported, this update will be available indefinitely.

After clicking the button, an executable file is loaded to start the update (it is required that a licensed version of one of the previous systems is installed on the computer). At the same time, the bootable system is a normal one, special features are turned on manually by the user if necessary. The address of the official upgrade page: https://microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade (It is not known how long this upgrade feature will work. If something changes, please let me know in the comments).

Additional information: If you received a Windows 10 update before July 29, but then deleted this OS, then you can perform a clean installation of Windows 10 on the same computer, and when prompted for a key during installation, click «I don’t have key» — the system is activated automatically when connected to the Internet.

The method described below is now obsolete and was only applicable until the end of the update program.

Free installation of Windows 10 after completing the Microsoft 9 Update program0051

To begin with, I note that I can not guarantee the performance of this method, since at the moment it will not be possible to check this. However, there is every reason to believe that he is a worker, provided that at the time when you are reading this article, it has not yet arrived on July 29, 2016.

The essence of the method is as follows:

  1. Upgrading to Windows 10, waiting for activation.
  2. Rolling back to the previous system, see How to return Windows 8 or 7 after upgrading to Windows 10. On this step, I recommend that you also read the end of the current instructions with additional useful information.

What happens in this case: with a free update, activation is assigned to the current hardware (digital entitlement), which I wrote about earlier in the article Activating Windows 10.

on the same computer or laptop, including without entering a key (click «I don’t have a key» in the installer) with subsequent automatic activation when connected to the Internet.

At the same time, there is no information that the specified binding is limited in time. Hence the assumption that if you perform the «Update» — «Rollback» cycle, then when necessary, you can install Windows 10 in an activated edition (Home, Professional) on the same computer at any time, even after the free upgrade period has expired .

I hope that the essence of the method is clear and, perhaps, for some of the readers, the method will be useful. Unless I can recommend it to users for whom the theoretically possible need to reinstall the OS manually (rollback does not always work as expected) is a great difficulty.

Additional Information

Since rolling back from Windows 10 to previous operating systems using the built-in system tools does not always work smoothly, a better option (or as a safety net) may be to either create a full backup of the current version of Windows, for example, using the instruction Backup Windows 10 (methods also work for other versions of the OS), or temporary cloning of the system disk to another disk (How to transfer Windows to another disk or SSD) with subsequent recovery.