Earlier this week, we reported that Microsoft is still offering free Windows 10 upgrades past the official deadline for those that say they're using assistive technologies. It turns out there's another way to get a free Windows 10 upgrade, and it could be much simpler for some users.

ZDNet is reporting that Windows 10 is still accepting valid Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 product keys, regardless of whether that product key has been linked to a Windows 10 upgrade or install in the past. Just enter the key into the Windows installer, or later in the operating system, and Windows 10 will legitimately activate.

This goes against the word coming from Microsoft, who are saying that any Windows 10 installations past the July 29th deadline will require a Windows 10 key. However, the reality is that you don't need to fork out $120 for a Windows 10 license, as the OS will still activate using an old Windows 7 or 8 license.

There is a strong chance that Microsoft will close this activation loophole soon, so any users that want to upgrade to Windows 10 (and still have their old Windows 7 or 8 product key) should do so sooner rather than later.

It should be noted that this activation loophole will not work with freshly built systems. Those with a new computer that has never had any version of Windows installed on it will still need to purchase a Windows 10 license to legally install the OS.