Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

The free Windows 10 upgrade party is over and Microsoft is cleaning up the mess

Microsoft now cleaning up its Windows 10 promotional mess on Windows 7 and 8.1

windows 10 free update promotion file removal dark
For many people using Windows 7 Service Pack 1 and Windows 8.1, Microsoft remained a constant nag for what seemed like forever. The company continuously pushed Windows 10 down their throats like a mother trying to feed her baby a spoonful of mashed peas, popping up constant reminders that customers should upgrade to the latest platform while it is still served up free. Many customers took the bait and grabbed a bite while others have refused, content with the current operating system on their plate.

With Microsoft’s promotion to offer Windows 10 as a free upgrade shuttered to the general consumer as of July 29, the company is now cleaning up the mess it caused on Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1. Consumers can grab an optional update via Windows Update that removes all programs and links related to the free offer, including that blue screen announcing the date when the free offer was to end.

“This update removes the Get Windows 10 app and other software related to the Windows 10 free upgrade offer that expired on July 29, 2016,” the company states. “For a complete list of the software removed by this Windows Update, see the update replacement information.”

When looking at the list of items Microsoft is removing, there is a surprising amount — seven in all. One is an installer for the Get Windows 10 app for Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 SP1 while another is out-of-box-experience modifications for Windows 8.1 for reserving the latest operating system. The update even removes software that allowed users to learn more about Windows 10 and start the upgrade process.

Microsoft considers Windows 10 to be the last version as we know it. The operating system has evolved into a service, a platform that will be continuously updated rather than released as an improved retail package every two or three years. Windows 10 Home costs $120 per copy whereas Windows 10 Pro costs $200. Microsoft’s free deal was essentially a steal for customers who own more than one Windows-based machine. Now those who missed the free ride must shell out cold cash for each device.

Of course, if customers are using assistive technologies, Microsoft has left the door wide open for a free Windows 10 upgrade. Microsoft provides several assistive tools in Windows such as a magnifying glass, a narrator that reads on-screen text out loud, and more. In addition to those tools, Microsoft will also consider customers who use third-party software and hardware that assists them in their everyday computing. Microsoft has yet to announce the offer’s end date for customers using these technologies.

Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users who managed to grab a Windows 10 key during the free upgrade promotion can still use it to move up from their current platform. These keys can be used on new hard drives or drives that are completely wiped, enabling a fresh, clean install. The installer will likely include everything Microsoft has released thus far since Windows 10’s debut in 2015, including Anniversary Update that is still rolling out across the globe.

Editors' Recommendations

Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Microsoft warns that relying on Internet Explorer may cause disruptions
windows 10 june update will kill internet explorer for good poznan  pol may 1 2021 laptop computer displaying logo

Microsoft has announced it will continue end-of-life updates in 2023 for its former browser, Internet Explorer, for older Windows versions.

Despite having ceased IE support on the current Windows 11 operating system version on June 15, Microsoft still allowed the legacy browser to function on many older versions, including Windows 10 Home, Pro, Enterprise, Edu, and IoT.

Read more
Lagging in games? This Windows 11 update might fix the problem
Woman shouting with joy while playing games on a PC.

Microsoft has apparently resolved the gaming issues in the Windows 11 22H2 update, making it safe for anyone that hasn't updated yet to do so now.

The gaming problems were confirmed by Microsoft two weeks into November, following ongoing complaints from Windows gamers that had noticed popular games lagging. A safeguard hold was placed, stopping automatic update alerts but not preventing manual updates.

Read more
It’s not just you: Microsoft confirms Windows 11 is having gaming issues
Acer Predator Orion 7000 sitting on a table.

Microsoft has confirmed that the latest update to Windows 11 is causing performance issues in some games, along with a host of other problems. Stuttering might be noticeable in some apps as well.

Microsoft has put a hold on its Windows 11 22H2 update on devices affected by this issue; however, it is still possible to install the update manually. If you haven’t updated yet, it’s best to wait until you get a notification that an update is available.

Read more