Resolved Upgrade from Win 7 Pro to Win 10 with Win 7 key?

I've been looking at various articles on the internet where some people seem to have had success (after the free upgrade period had ended) in upgrading their Win 7 systems to Win 10 for free by using their Win 7 product key when asked for it. The articles say that this leniency by Microsoft was not for any definite period of time after the free offer had ended and could end at any time. Does anyone know if Microsoft is still allowing this to happen or if they've finally closed the door on this generosity? Thanks.

 

My understanding is, if you cannot get the upgrade from a genuine Microsoft source, (e.g., the Microsoft Store), then the upgrade is not an official authorized version. Now I understand there are many sites that claim their links and downloads are official, but I can find no where on Microsoft's site to verify that. So just because something is technically possible, that does not make it right.

As CNET notes here,

My "guess" as to why Microsoft is not making a big fuss about this is because (1) they don't want to draw attention to these unofficial upgrades and (2) they know there are some in the tech press and blogosphere who take every and any opportunity to bash, criticize and blame Microsoft for everything under the sun. I mean Microsoft still gets blamed for the security mess we are in when in reality, it was the bad guys who put us here, and users who failed to keep their systems updated and properly protected letting the bad guys in.

So Microsoft is tired of being blamed unfairly. I mean everyone had more than a year's notice W10 was coming, then a whole year after that to upgrade for free. That seems pretty fair to me, yet some will always demand more more more.

 

You can still get the free Windows 10 upgrade for free on Microsoft's Accessibility Site. The free Windows 10 upgrade offer may technically be over, but it isn't 100% gone. Microsoft provides a free Windows 10 upgrade to anyone who checks a box saying they use assistive technologies on their computer. See: Windows 10 upgrade for assistive technology users

 

Yes, as noted in that CNET article I linked to above, that offer is for those who need assistive technologies. That is, for individuals who have "physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities" and require additional technologies to safely use their computer.

Microsoft is not asking you have your doctor certify your disabilities. They are going on the honor system and I think that is an honorable approach that should not be abused just because it is technically possible to get away with it without getting caught.

 

Undoubtedy it'll be availed of by many who have no qualms about doing so. Microsoft surely knows that too.

 

Yeah, they know.