** Install it mostly by clicking the Next button, making sure to choose Upgrade when prompted. If you want to clean install, follow our clean install instructions instead. Note: Now that Windows 10 is released, you're going to need a valid Windows license key for 7, 8, or 8.1 in order to perform the upgrade.
Still running Windows 7 or 8? Here's how to install Windows 10 and still get it for free even though the upgrade deadline is long gone.
Windows 10 has already been installed on well over 350 million machines according to Microsoft, but is it on yours? If you're not already running Windows 10, here's how to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. We'll also show you how those already running Windows 10 can install today's Anniversary Update. See also: how to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 10.
In order to help you navigate this page use the links to jump to the section you need:
- How to get Windows 10 Anniversary Update
- How to get Windows 10 now: download and upgrade from Windows 7 or 8.1
- How to get Windows 10 now: Clean install
- Windows 10 troubleshooting
Please note: The free upgrade to Windows 10 offer has now expired, and Windows 10 Home costs £99.99 and Windows 10 Pro £189.99. However, there is still a way you can get Widows 10 for free.
How to get Windows 10 for free
While the free offer has ended for the general public, there is still a way of getting Windows 10 for free. Microsoft has kept the upgrade deal open for users of assertive technologies, at least partly because the Anniversary Update brings quite a few improvements in this area.
The firm has told ZDNet that this isn't meant as a workaround if you didn't upgrade by the 29 July deadline and now want Windows 10. However, as there appears to be no verification as to whether you use any of Windows' assists, it is possible you can still upgrade for free. Follow the link above and click the 'Upgrade Now' button to run an executable file which enables the upgrade to start.
How to get Windows 10 Anniversary Update
To run the Windows 10 Anniversary Update you'll need a PC with 2GB of RAM and 20GB of internal storage (that's for 64-bit, for 32-bit you'll need 16GB). The desktop version will run on devices with screens larger than 7in, while the mobile version works with devices that have screens up to 9in. If your PC is already running Windows 10, it will run the Anniversary Update.
Turn on automatic updates to receive the Anniversary Update (and subsequent updates) by going to Start, Settings, Update and Security and turning on automatic updates.
You can also manually check for the Anniversary Update by going to Start, Settings, Update and Security, Check for Updates.
If you prefer, you can download the Anniversary Update entirely manually. Provided you have at least 4GB of space on a USB drive, portable hard drive or DVD
Choose Create installation media for another PC, then select the language, edition and whether you want 32- or 64-bit. Save the file to a boo-table USB drive or as an ISO; if you choose ISO you can then burn it to disc. Boot up the software and follow the wizard to install the Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
Microsoft has posted a workaround for an issue on a "small number of systems" which freeze after installing the Anniversary Update. The freezes appear to occur only if your apps and data are stored on a separate hard drive to Windows 10 on an SSD. The fix is to the move your apps and data to your SSD in Safe Mode - hence the reason for calling it a workaround. You'll find instructions on how to do this on Microsoft's answers site, and you can subscribe to the thread to get notifications for when a proper fix is announced.
