HomeWinBuzzer NewsMicrosoft Removes 'Get Windows 10' App via Update

Microsoft Removes ‘Get Windows 10’ App via Update

Microsoft has rolled out an update that removes the now defunct "Get Windows 10" app, as well as other associated software. Despite this, workarounds are still functional.

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Though 's free offer finished a while ago, the associated “Get Windows 10” wasn't removed until yesterday.

A Microsoft Knowledge Base article reveals a Windows Update that removes the app, alongside other related software. It should be available now through the normal update process.

Update Details

The article also describes the specific software this update replaces, listed below:

  • “KB 3035583 — Update installs Get Windows 10 app in Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 SP1
  • KB 3064683 — Windows 8.1 OOBE modifications to reserve Windows 10
  • KB 3072318 — Update for Windows 8.1 OOBE to upgrade to Windows 10
  • KB 3090045 — Windows Update for reserved devices in Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 SP1
  • KB 3123862 — Updated capabilities to upgrade Windows 8.1 and Windows 7
  • KB 3173040 — Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 SP1 end of free upgrade offer notification
  • KB 3146449 — Updated Internet Explorer 11 capabilities to upgrade Windows 8.1 and Windows 7″

As you can see, it removes almost all traces of the offer. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed this to ZDNet yesterday:

“The Get Windows 10 (GWX) application was designed to make the process easy for existing Windows 7 and 8.1 customers for the one year free upgrade offer which ended July 29th. Beginning on September 20th, the Get Windows 10 app and all other updates related to the Windows 10 free upgrade offer will be removed from Windows 7 and 8.1 customer's devices.”

Free Windows 10 Workarounds

Despite this, you can still take advantage of our previously mentioned workarounds. One method involves downloading the installer from the assistive technologies website.

To do this, you must confirm that you use assistive technologies. Though Microsoft does nothing to verify this currently, be aware that they don't condone the method:

“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.”

Users with a valid Windows 7 or 8.1 product key can also upgrade. Despite the offer ending, entering a key will still result in a fully functional Windows 10.

It's unclear why the company is yet to address these workarounds. However, now that the Get Windows 10 app is gone, Microsoft may make a start on fixes.

You can read the full Knowledge Base article here.

SourceMicrosoft
Ryan Maskell
Ryan Maskellhttps://ryanmaskell.co.uk
Ryan has had a passion for gaming and technology since early childhood. Fusing the skills from his Creative Writing and Publishing degree with profound technical knowledge, he enjoys covering news about Microsoft. As an avid writer, he is also working on his debut novel.

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