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How To Get Windows 10 For Free If You’re Running Windows Vista or XP

Updated Jun 21st, 2015 1:59AM EDT
Windows 10 Free
Image: Microsoft

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Microsoft over the weekend relayed some good news for folks running older versions of Windows. It turns out that there will be a way for people still running Windows XP or Windows Vista to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. Previously, it was believed that only Windows 7 and Windows 8 users would be eligible for the free upgrade.

Here’s how it all works.

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In a recent post on its Windows Blog, Microsoft effectively writes that users running Windows preview builds as part of the Windows Insider Program will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free. This is certainly welcome news for DIY types looking to run a clean install without having to fork over either $109 for Windows 10 Home or $149 for Windows 10 Professional.

WinBeta writes:

Microsoft has claimed in the past that users upgrading from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will receive Windows 10 for free, however that was never the case for Windows Insiders who installed clean. Microsoft consistently said that you would need an existing Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license to get activated on Windows 10, but now that seems to have changed.

To get in on the action, Windows Insider users must be running the most up-to-date preview release of Windows 10 (build 10130). Once the final version of Windows 10 goes live, these users will be able to download and install it for free.

Yoni Heisler Contributing Writer

Yoni Heisler has been writing about Apple and the tech industry at large with over 15 years of experience. A life long expert Mac user and Apple expert, his writing has appeared in Edible Apple, Network World, MacLife, Macworld UK, and TUAW.

When not analyzing the latest happenings with Apple, Yoni enjoys catching Improv shows in Chicago, playing soccer, and cultivating new TV show addictions.