Microsoft does not stop with tool for upgrading Windows 7 and 8.1 to 10 for the time being
Microsoft will not stop offering the Media Creation Tool for a while, which will allow users with a valid license on Windows 7 or 8 to upgrade to Windows 10 at no cost. Support for Windows 7 recently ended.
Microsoft has no end date for using the Media Creation Tool, Nu.nl reports. After the upgrade, users will receive security updates and the biannual upgrade of the operating system, which is a fully supported version of the desktop operating system. The software states that the Media Creation Tool requires a Windows 10 license, but a valid Windows license for an older version will also suffice. Contrary to what the name suggests, a USB stick or other medium is not necessary. If you want to keep personal files, you can only upgrade from a running Windows 7 session.
The official offer to all users to upgrade an older version of Windows to Windows 10 for free expired on July 31, 2016. Microsoft has so far made little effort to close all avenues for free upgrades. The company wants as many people as possible to switch to the latest Windows version. Until the beginning of 2018, users could also upgrade via, for example, the Accessibility page.
Microsoft recently ended support for Windows 7, while support for Windows 8.1 will end in 2023. Windows 10 came out in 2015. There have been upgrades twice a year since then. The next one is scheduled for next spring.