People who assistive technologies still quality for the free upgrade, though Microsoft doesn't ask for any evidence that you actually use such tools
Microsoft hasn't yet closed
the door all the way for those in search of a Windows 10 freebie.
You
can still get your hands on a no-cost upgrade to Windows 10 by turning to a
page for people who use assistive technologies.
Windows
10 had been a free upgrade to Windows 7 and 8.1 users. But that deal ended
Friday, at least for most people.
You
qualify for the free upgrade if you use assistive technologies, which include such features as a
magnifier to better see the screen, a narrator to read text aloud, keyboard
shortcuts and an on-screen keyboard. Such tech is "designed to provide
additional accessibility to individuals who have physical or cognitive
difficulties, impairments, and disabilities," according to Microsoft.
Following
the trials and tribulations of Windows 8, Microsoft has been working hard to
coax people to jump to Windows 10. The free upgrade offer for users of Windows
7 and 8.1 was a huge part of the company's strategy to push Windows 10. But as
of Friday, people must now pay $119 for the Home edition or $199 for the Pro
edition -- with the exception of assistive tech users.
Here's
how to get the upgrade at no charge:
From
your Windows 7 or 8.1 devices, go to the webpage entitled " Windows 10 freeupgrade for customers who use assistive technologies."
Click on the Upgrade now button. Run the executable file to install the
upgrade.
Microsoft
then displays a series of screens that take you step by step through the set-up
process. Follow the screens until Windows 10 is comfortably nestled into your
device.
At no point during the upgrade does Microsoft ask for proof that you actually
use any of the assistive technologies. So the upgrade seems to be accessible to
any Windows 7 or 8.1 user who still wants to get Windows 10 for free.
Apparently, you can let your conscience be your guide, though Microsoft hopes
otherwise.
"As we shared earlier,
we've extended the free upgrade offer for those who use assistive
technology," a Microsoft spokeswoman told CNET. "That said, it is not
intended to be a workaround for people who don't use assistive technology and
who missed the deadline for the free offer."
Microsoft
has not announced a deadline for the free offer for users of assistive
technologies, so those of you who still want Windows 10 should grab the freebie
while it lasts.
See Also :
See Also :
