How to Get Windows 10 ~ Free

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The long wait is almost over: Come Wednesday July 29, Windows 10, Microsoft’s newest operating system will hit the streets. And you can reserve your free copy right now.

Microsoft is giving away Windows 10 free for most Windows Users. What’s more, it’s a permanent upgrade: once you install Windows 10, Microsoft will provide updates for free for the lifetime of that PC or device.

The new operating system will be free for users of Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. Windows Phone owners will also get Windows 10 free. After you make your reservation, your computer will automatically pre-load Windows 10 in bits and pieces, even before the launch date. It will also upgrade automatically to the full Windows 10 bundle when it is launched on July 10. How? Via Windows Update.

Which Windows 10 Edition Will you Qualify For?

Windows 10 Home.

If you currently use one of the editions below, you’ll get a free upgrade to Windows 10 Home.

  • Windows 7 Starter
  • Windows 7 Home Basic
  • Windows 7 Home Premium
  • Windows 8.1

Windows 10 Pro

You’ll get a free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro if you are running one of these editions below:

  • Windows 7 Professional
  • Windows 7 Ultimate
  • Windows 8.1 Pro

How to Get Windows 10 Free

Get Windows 10 Pop up

Microsoft is sending out notifications to all Windows 7 and 8 users to reserve their copy of Windows 10. In one of its recent updates (Update KB3035583), it added a Windows 10 pop-up to your system tray that prompts you to “Reserve Your Free Copy” of the new operating system.

When you click on the pop-up, it will launch the reservation process. However, if you do not see the pop up notification, you can reserve you copy by following the steps outlined below.

Get Windows 10 Icon

 

  1. Peek at the bottom right corner of your screen for a small, new icon displaying the Windows logo. When you hover over the icon, you’ll receive a popup message that reads: “Get Windows 10.”
  2. Click on the icon. It will pop up six screens that explain how the free upgrade works. Scroll through the different screens of the Get Windows 10 window if you want to read more about the new Windows.
  3. Click on the button to “Reserve your free upgrade now.” This takes you to the reservation screen.
  4. Enter your email address so that you will receive notification on July 29, when Windows 10 is launched. The notification will enable you to schedule the specific time when you want the upgrade to be installed. Select a time that suits you.
  5. Click the Send Confirmation button. Close the Get Windows 10 window. And you’re done!

Get Windows 10 Wizard

How to Remove the Get Windows 10 Upgrade Popup

If you want to stop Windows nagging you with the upgrade pop up, you can easily get rid of it. Here’s how:

  1. Navigate to your Control Panel:
    Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Installed Updates
  2. Find the KB3035583 windows update. It was released in June, 2015
  3. Select the KB3035583 update and right click on it
  4. Click to un-install the update

What Happens on July 29, 2015?

By reserving your free copy of Windows 10, this will add your computer to the upgrade queue to automatically upgrade it come July 29.

When the Windows 10 upgrade is launched on July 10, it will automatically be downloaded to your computer via Windows Update. You will receive a notification once this download is complete. The notice will prompt you to choose whether you want to install the upgrade immediately or schedule a time that is more convenient for you.

Your Turn:
Will you take the free Windows 10 upgrade?

Dee Dill
Dee Dill has an avid, active interest in natural remedies, and has written numerous alternative health articles and eBooks for various websites. She is a self-professed armchair herbalist, and authored the book: My Little Black Book of Herbal Teas, available on E.com/shop/RXcipes. She also writes for www.RXcipes.com, an alternative health website.