More Win7 to Win10 ‘Free Upgrade’ info

Longtime reader Miles Wolbe send in an information-rich comment to the recent Langa.Com item, Is Windows 10 still free for Windows 7 users?

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

Thanks, Miles!

I think this is a case of “it’s officially unsupported, but Microsoft might turn a situationally blind eye…”.

That’s in keeping with the relaxed approach Microsoft has taken with Win10 upgrades in general: The company really wants to move users off old Windows versions and onto Win10; hardcore enforcement of old-version license/upgrade terms impedes that shift.

On the other hand, Microsoft’s legal department certainly doesn’t want to say “licenses don’t matter anymore!”

So, I think Microsoft is playing both sides at once: The official word is that free Win7-to-Win10 upgrades are not allowed — but if you try it anyway, it just might work. 🙂

Permalink: https://langa.com/?p=3017

COMMENT / QUESTION on THIS ITEM? See the Comment box at bottom of this page!

NEW QUESTION? Ask here!

(Want free notification of new content? Click here!)