Windows 10 upgrade from Windows 7 for Free on Dell computers
We have a client doing upgrades to Windows 10 from Windows 7 now, past the free upgrade time. However they seem to be upgrading OK and also activating without any issue.
We recommended to replace systems with Windows 10 licenses however the manual upgrade looks like its working fine.
Has anyone else done this?
Can you foresee any issues?
Is it even legal?
I can not find any information out, even from Microsoft direct.
We recommended to replace systems with Windows 10 licenses however the manual upgrade looks like its working fine.
Has anyone else done this?
Can you foresee any issues?
Is it even legal?
I can not find any information out, even from Microsoft direct.
It is a hit and miss. By ms standard the free upgrade was available in one time frame.
These might be OEMs and are entitled for the upgrade because of when they were purchased.
It is hard to answer this question authroritatively.
There was a similar discussion and another expert reflected the above.
I'll try locate the thread and post it here.
These might be OEMs and are entitled for the upgrade because of when they were purchased.
It is hard to answer this question authroritatively.
There was a similar discussion and another expert reflected the above.
I'll try locate the thread and post it here.
I did upgrade on over 20 computers using Windows 7 Key from sticker that came with Windows 7 Dell computers.
As for now all computers are working OK with no issue, over a year and getting last Ms Updates.
If Microsoft still allowing install Fresh Windows 10 on legit computers with OEM Windows 7 key then it must be legal.
As for now all computers are working OK with no issue, over a year and getting last Ms Updates.
If Microsoft still allowing install Fresh Windows 10 on legit computers with OEM Windows 7 key then it must be legal.
Saying it must vevleagl is like saying you can drive anyvody's a car because you found the keys in the ignition. In the real world, possession is not 9/10s of the law, and is grounds for grand theft auto.
Short answer is Microsoft was quite clear in deadlines and such. And the EULA is also quite clear. The fines are steep for privacy, and it doesn't take too much to get caught. Systems calling home. Disgruntled employee opening a case. VL audit for an unrelated product like Office.
Get legal. Stay legal. If you don't have documentation proving every Win10 install is licensed (every OEM ships a legal certificate for any copy they ship) then you should buy a license. Full stop.
Short answer is Microsoft was quite clear in deadlines and such. And the EULA is also quite clear. The fines are steep for privacy, and it doesn't take too much to get caught. Systems calling home. Disgruntled employee opening a case. VL audit for an unrelated product like Office.
Get legal. Stay legal. If you don't have documentation proving every Win10 install is licensed (every OEM ships a legal certificate for any copy they ship) then you should buy a license. Full stop.
Check the entitlement of one of the OEM systems to see whether they were a windows 10 downgrade to 7
you could contact MS and ask to clarify what their position is on this
you could contact MS and ask to clarify what their position is on this
According to MS, you need a Windows 10 Key, but it's not illegal to upgrade without it but it won't activate.
So it appears that if it activates, it's legal
that's what you say - but what does MS say? can be the opposite
I think the chat is with an ms rep. How authoritative that is depends on as noted following the upgrade, Windows 10 activates.
Meaning the product code in the bios is authorized.
Meaning the product code in the bios is authorized.
@nobus
Arnold is correct.
The screenshot is of a chat session with Microsoft Technical Support made today
Arnold is correct.
The screenshot is of a chat session with Microsoft Technical Support made today
That screenshot doesn't say "if it activates, it is legal." The *only* thing it says it isnt illegal to install without a key snf that it won't necessarily activate. Any lawyer would tell you that inferring anything else is dangerous.
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kenfcamp that is the first time i see a clear answer to this Q
i congratulate you for the effort you made to clear this up
i congratulate you for the effort you made to clear this up
ASKER
Thanks to everyone especially kenfcamp for your time.
It just shows how many grey areas there is.
Half the time the MS guys dont know the license laws too.
Have a good evening and thanks everyone again
It just shows how many grey areas there is.
Half the time the MS guys dont know the license laws too.
Have a good evening and thanks everyone again
Technically, it is a YES, but Microsoft can remotely deactivate the licence and your client needs to pay a full price when they demand the payment.
Legally, it is a NO as it has been publicly announced by Microsoft that the free upgrade has expired long ago. When there is a problem with licensing, "Microsoft allows me to do a free upgrade" is not a defense.