Is it true that Windows 10 may have been stored on my computer when I bought it? I have Aspire E15

Angelman

I was recently told by someone (with questionable reliability) that A) that there was a possibility that Microsoft was offering free upgrades to Windows 10, from 8.1. and B) That 10 may have already somehow been stored in my computer when I bought it so t could be loaded at a later date. Are either of these statements true to any degree ? I have an Aspire E15/ E5-521-23KH with 8.1.

[Edited the thread to add model number to the title]

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/713078/is-it-true-that-windows-10-may-have-been-stored-on-my-computer-when-i-bought-it

Yes, that is correct, some models of the Acer Aspire E5-521 series were available with Windows 10 pre-installed. However, the original release of the E5-521-23KH model came with Windows 8.1, and users had the option to upgrade to Windows 10 later. Note that Microsoft stopped activating W10 upgrades in 2023 so even if you upgrade to W10 you won't be able to activate it. You will have to purchase a W10 license and install that either directly or with a USB installer flash drive and ISO image. Consider migrating to a Windows 11 laptop as W10 will become obsolete next year.

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/713078/is-it-true-that-windows-10-may-have-been-stored-on-my-computer-when-i-bought-it

Yes, that is correct, some models of the Acer Aspire E5-521 series were available with Windows 10 pre-installed. However, the original release of the E5-521-23KH model came with Windows 8.1, and users had the option to upgrade to Windows 10 later. Note that Microsoft stopped activating W10 upgrades in 2023 so even if you upgrade to W10 you won't be able to activate it. You will have to purchase a W10 license and install that either directly or with a USB installer flash drive and ISO image. Consider migrating to a Windows 11 laptop as W10 will become obsolete next year.