Relaxed Windows 10 Activations Rules Makes It Easier To Claim Free Upgrades

However, Microsoft is now making it easier for customers to take advantage of the free upgrade to Windows 10 by taking out one of the biggest speed bumps during the upgrade process for those wanting to perform a clean install. Previously, customers wanting to take advantage of the free upgrade to Windows 10 and perform a clean install had to first install Windows 7 or Window 8, and then upgrade to Windows 10.

This is no longer necessary thanks to new activation rules that are in place thanks to the big November Update for Windows 10 that was pushed out last week. Purists can now perform a clean install of Windows 10 by entering a valid Windows 7 or Windows 8 product key either during the initial setup process or after the operating system has been installed.

If you choose to wait until after Windows 10 has been installed, you simply must navigate to Settings > Update & security > Activation > Change Product Key, after which you’ll be presented with the option to enter in a valid Windows 7 or Windows 8.x product key. Once the product key is entered, you’re granted a “digital entitlement” to a completely legit copy of Windows 10.

This is definitely a positive development for Windows 10 and makes the upgrade process more streamlined and transparent for users. We would have preferred that Microsoft has allowed customers to upgrade in this manner from day one, bug beggars can’t be choosers and we welcome this development.