The free upgrade offer for Windows 10 ends December 31, 2017

Back in 2015, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would be a free upgrade to users of Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1, the first such deal in the history of the company. The deal came with no caveats, something that perhaps helped Windows 10 achieve a staggering adoption rate of 29.26% over the last two years.

Windows 10 is Microsoft’s first operating system being offered as a service and while Microsoft stopped offering the free Windows 10 upgrade a couple of months ago, some could still download the same by making use of the “assistive technologies” exception.

Microsoft has now announced that this exception will end come December 31, 2017. Microsoft already extended the offer to individuals who use “assistive technologies.” This is how a Microsoft Spokesperson had explained the terms:

We are not restricting the free upgrade offer to specific assistive technologies. If you use assistive technology on Windows, you are eligible for the free upgrade offer. 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.

Earlier, the Microsoft page under the FA heading said: “We will make a public announcement prior to ending the offer.” But now, the page is edited: “The accessibility upgrade offer expires on December 31, 2017.”

The changes are also reflected on the Upgrade to Windows 10 FAQ page which now includes the expiration date for the offer.

That said, the changes will only affect a few. Those genuinely using the accessibility options still have more than a month to upgrade to Windows 10. It is quite likely that the Enterprises have already updated to the latest build.

Starting next year, Windows 10 Home will start at $119.