How to get Windows 10 for free the legal way

Microsoft is allowing users with Windows 7 to upgrade their operating system to Windows 10 for free. Here's how to do it

If your PC still has Windows 7 or an even older version of Microsoft's operating system, then you're using it at your own risk: official support expired months ago and Windows Update no longer downloads any security updates to protect your computer.

And what's even worse is that you're using an old operating system when you could download Windows 10 for free and install it without risking anything. Because there is a way to get Windows 10 without paying for it, directly from Microsoft's website, in 100% original version. Microsoft knows this very well, but has been pretending for months that it hasn't noticed and letting users get a completely legal and working copy of Windows 10. Probably to speed up the transition from the old OS to the new one, since maintaining support for the old OS is a cost for Microsoft. Here's how to get your copy of Windows 10 for free.

Free Windows 10: where to download

It may sound crazy, but your free copy of Windows 10 is waiting for you... on Microsoft's website, where years ago a page was posted to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free. In theory it was a limited time offer, but the page is still there: at this address. You just have to click on this link and then choose to download the Windows 10 Installation Media Tool. Then you'll have to run it and choose to create a Windows installation disc. At this point you'll have to boot the installation disc and install Windows normally. At the end of the installation, the tool will connect to the Internet to perform the Windows 10 digital license activation procedure.

Windows 10: which version

Before running the tool and installing Windows 10 for free, however, you have to consider one important thing: if you currently have Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 Home you'll get a copy of Windows 10 Home at the end of the procedure, while if you already have Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 Pro you'll get Windows 10 Pro. It is not possible, therefore, to get Windows 10 Pro for free if you don't already have the Pro version of a previous Microsoft operating system. A small limitation, compared to a great advantage that you should take advantage of right away.