How to Get Windows 10 Free for Customers Who Use Assistive Technology

How to get the free Windows Upgrade

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by Joana Simoes
Joana Simoes is a freelance technology writer who specializes in Microsoft Office, iOS, Windows, and Mac technologies.
Updated October 16, 2019

With Windows 10, Microsoft introduced a way for people using Windows 7 and assistive technologies to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. In 2019, many Windows users are still able to gain access to the Windows 10 free upgrade. So, if you're someone in need of Windows 10 to gain access to more current assistive technologies, you can easily upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10. 

While it's still possible to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free if you're using assistive technologies in Windows 7, the promotion was initially set to expire in 2016, so it's possible the ability to upgrade could go away at any time.

How to Upgrade to Windows 10 for Assistive Technologies

Many users in 2019 are still able to upgrade to Windows 10 by simply using their Windows 7 product key. Here’s what you need to do to Upgrade to Windows 10 for Assistive Technologies:

Before you start any update to Windows, be sure to back up all your files and applications or licenses to a removable hard drive or to the cloud. That way, if something goes wrong, you can restore you data without losing it.

  1. Head to Microsoft's official site to download the Windows Creation tool, then run it on your computer.

  2. Select Upgrade this PC Now.

    Downloading all the necessary Windows 10 files may actually take some time so you may just leave your PC to download it all.

  3. When the download is complete, you'll be asked what you want to carry over from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Your options are:

    • Data only: This copies the data on your computer (files, folders, images, etc) to the new operating system.
    • Data and apps: In addition to the above, this also copies all your apps to the new operating system. However, there may be some apps incompatible with this transfer method, so be sure you have them (or at least the license keys) backed up somewhere.
    • Nothing: This copies none of your data or apps to the new operating system. You're essentially starting with a fresh, new operating system.

    For the most seamless experience, it's recommended you choose Data and apps to carry over as much of your existing data and as many compatible apps as possible. This will ensure you're able to get back up and running quickly when the upgrade is complete.

  4. Select Next to begin the upgrade process.

    Your computer will most likely restart a few times before the process is done and you may be prompted to answer questions to complete the installation.

  5. Once it's done, you should be running Windows 10 with the new Assistive technologies.