Sort of, yes: Although the official free upgrade period ended literally years ago, it appears that Microsoft is still quietly allowing free upgrades on activated, fully-legit Win7 setups. See Here’s how you can still get a free Windows 10 upgrade | ZDNet.
But I wouldn’t wait, if I were you! Because it’s unofficial, it could go away or change at any time.
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Hi Fred,
Thanks so much for putting tinyapps.org on the map way back in 2001!
It’s been a lot of fun maintaining it over the years.
I’ve been trying (unsuccessfully) to get a definitive answer from Microsoft as to whether these activations are properly licensed.
In the Spiceworks licensing forum, I was told in no uncertain terms that such activations are not properly licensed:
Microsoft’s official stance on using Windows 7 & 8 keys to activate Windows 10?
https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/2215900-microsoft-s-official-stance-on-using-windows-7-8-keys-to-activate-windows-10
and there are comments like these scattered around the web:
“Good for you if your client got through it, I’ve seen ones that didn’t pass a SAM because they upgraded after the cutoff date. Your client just got a less diligent partner.” https://www.reddit.com/r/msp/comments/bk40ph/windows_7_to_windows_10_upgrade_loophole_closed/emf7g3h/
At the same time, there are well-respected websites offering advice like this:
How to get Windows 10 cheap (or even for free)
https://www.pcworld.com/article/3400840/how-to-get-windows-10-cheap-or-even-for-free.html
Yes, You Can Still Clean Install Windows 10 with a Windows 7/8.x Key
https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/142616/yes-can-still-clean-install-windows-10-windows-78-x-key
You Can Still Get Windows 10 for Free With a Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 Key
https://www.howtogeek.com/266072/you-can-still-get-windows-10-for-free-with-a-windows-7-8-or-8.1-key/
I called Microsoft and asked whether such activations were properly licensed; tech support said yes, sales said no – go figure.
I asked Paul Thurrott, who kindly replied, “I’ve asked, and Microsoft won’t comment on this.”
Finally, I’ve emailed Satya for the final word, but shockingly have yet to hear back. 😉
Aloha,
Miles