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Still running Windows 7? Time is running out to upgrade to Windows 10. What to know - msnNOW

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Time is running out to upgrade to Windows 10[1]. Microsoft no longer offers support for Windows 7, and now the company has launched Windows 11. If you're still running an older version of Windows, keep in mind that Windows 11 will only be available as a free upgrade[2] for Windows 10 users, not older versions. Anyone on older operating systems will have to pay to upgrade. (Here's how to download Windows 11[3] and how to check if your computer's compatible[4].) 

background pattern © Getty/SOPA Images

If you're still running Windows 7, you can buy Windows 10 Home[5] on Microsoft's website for $139 (£120, AU$225). But you don't necessarily have to shell out the cash: Over the summer, there was a free Microsoft upgrade offer[6] that worked (it still might). Updating to Windows 10 now will make future updates, like Windows 11, easier. But you can expect to update to Windows 11 soon because support for Windows 10 will end in 2025[7]. 

Read more: Windows 11 review: Familiar but fresh[8]

Windows 7 users who don't upgrade to Windows 10 are already missing out on Microsoft's security updates, bug fixes and technical support. So the best way to protect your computer from viruses[9] is to update it now. We'll show you how to download Windows 10 for free and give you the latest on Windows 11 computer requirements[10] and a common Windows 11 error[11] that Microsoft users are running into. And here's what you can expect before upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11[12]. This story was recently updated. 

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UP NEXT

UP NEXT

Here's how to get Windows 10 for free, if you're currently running a licensed and activated copy of Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 Home or Pro: 

1. Go to the Download Windows 10 website[23]. 

2. Under Create Windows 10 installation media, click Download tool now and Run. 

3. Choose Upgrade this PC now, assuming this is the only PC you're upgrading. (If you're upgrading a different machine, choose Create installation media for another PC, and save the installation files.)

4. Follow the prompts. 

5. When the upgrade is complete, go to Settings Update & Security > Activation, and you should see a digital license for Windows 10. 

a close up of a light: Microsoft is encouraging Windows 7 users to upgrade to Windows 10 now support for the former has ended. Stephen Shankland/CNET © Provided by CNET Microsoft is encouraging Windows 7 users to upgrade to Windows 10 now support for the former has ended. Stephen Shankland/CNET

It should be noted that if you have a Windows 7 or 8 Home license, you can only update to Windows 10 Home, while Windows 7 or 8 Pro can only be updated to Windows 10 Pro. (The upgrade is not available for Windows Enterprise. Other users may experience blocks as well[24], depending on your machine.) This upgrade using the media creation tool isn't meant for the general consumer, but it works for many nonetheless. 

To get the best Windows 10 experience and take advantage of features like passwordless sign-on through Windows Hello[25], you'll want to buy a new Windows 10 PC (or one released after July 2015) with all the hardware upgrades. If you're a student or university faculty member, you may also be able to download Windows 10 for free. (Search for your school's software offerings here[26].)

For more, check out the best antivirus protection of 2021 for Windows 10[27], six security changes all Windows 10 users need to make[28], all of the big differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11[29] and every Windows 10 setting you should disable[30]. You can also get Microsoft Office online free[31], too.

list link / daftar link
  1. ^ upgrade to Windows 10 (www.cnet.com)
  2. ^ available as a free upgrade (www.cnet.com)
  3. ^ how to download Windows 11 (www.cnet.com)
  4. ^ how to check if your computer's compatible (www.cnet.com)
  5. ^ Windows 10 Home (click.linksynergy.com)
  6. ^ free Microsoft upgrade offer (www.zdnet.com)
  7. ^ support for Windows 10 will end in 2025 (www.cnet.com)
  8. ^ Windows 11 review: Familiar but fresh (www.cnet.com)
  9. ^ protect your computer from viruses (www.cnet.com)
  10. ^ Windows 11 computer requirements (www.cnet.com)
  11. ^ common Windows 11 error (www.cnet.com)
  12. ^ upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 (www.cnet.com)
  13. ^ Microsoft's new Surface Pro 8 is the flagship for Windows 11 (www.msn.com)
  14. ^ Microsoft's mighty morphin' Surface Laptop Studio (www.msn.com)
  15. ^ Windows 11: Will Microsoft learn from past mistakes? (www.msn.com)
  16. ^ Live TV streaming services for cord cutters: How to choose the best one for you (www.msn.com)
  17. ^ Alexa's best hidden talent lets you make your own commands (www.msn.com)
  18. ^ Windows 11 review: New OS has us asking, update or wait? (www.msn.com)
  19. ^ Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones review: The best noise canceling so far (www.msn.com)
  20. ^ Microsoft's new Surface Pro 8 is the flagship for Windows 11 (www.msn.com)
  21. ^ Microsoft's mighty morphin' Surface Laptop Studio (www.msn.com)
  22. ^ Windows 11: Will Microsoft learn from past mistakes? (www.msn.com)
  23. ^ Download Windows 10 website (click.linksynergy.com)
  24. ^ may experience blocks as well (www.zdnet.com)
  25. ^ Windows Hello (www.cnet.com)
  26. ^ Search for your school's software offerings here (onthehub.com)
  27. ^ the best antivirus protection of 2021 for Windows 10 (www.cnet.com)
  28. ^ six security changes all Windows 10 users need to make (www.cnet.com)
  29. ^ all of the big differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 (www.cnet.com)
  30. ^ every Windows 10 setting you should disable (www.cnet.com)
  31. ^ get Microsoft Office online free (www.cnet.com)