How to Continue Using Software for Free After a Trial Period Expired

If you have encountered the frustration of having a software trial expire and now you face the dilemma of whether to pay to continue using the software or seek alternatives, there are several strategies you can explore to keep using the software without payment. This guide will help you leverage open-source software and the runasdate tool to extend your trial period effectively. By the end of this article, you will know how to use open source equivalents and modify your trial software's date to keep it active.

Find Open Source Alternatives to Commercial Software

One of the most effective ways to continue using software for free is by finding open-source alternatives. Open-source software is freely available and can be used, modified, and distributed under certain conditions. This can be particularly useful if you prefer not to pay for commercial software or if you are looking for more secure, customizable options.

To find open-source alternatives, you can start by visiting websites such as and Here are some popular open-source alternatives you can explore:

LibreOffice - A free and open-source office suite that is a great alternative to Microsoft Office. GIMP - An open-source graphics editor that can replace Adobe Photoshop for many basic tasks. Firefox - An open-source web browser that is free and can be a competitor to Chrome and other commercial browsers. VLC Media Player - A powerful multimedia player that can replace expensive media players like Adobe Premiere.

Using the RunAsDate Command to Extend Your Trial Period

If you have already paid for a software trial and wish to extend it, you can use the runasdate tool. This utility modifies the system date in a way that tricks the software into thinking you have not exceeded the trial period. Here’s how you can do it:

Download and Install RunAsDate: The first step is to download the runasdate tool from a reliable source. You can find it on GitHub or other reputable software repositories. Disable System Restore Points: Some software captures restore points during the trial period, which can reset the trial once you close the software. Disable system restore points to avoid this issue.Modify the System Date: Once you have installed runasdate, open the command prompt as an administrator and run the tool. For example, you might run runasdate /modifydate 01/01/2022 to set the date to January 1, 2022. Run the Software: Launch the software and run the runasdate /restoredate command to restore the system date afterward. Use the Software: Your software should now recognize the modified date and extend your trial period.

Using a Linux Distribution to Keep Software Free

An alternative approach is to use a Linux distribution. All major Linux distributions come with a wide range of open-source software that is free, secure, and easy to use. Popular distributions like Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora offer a variety of programs that can replace most commercial software.

Moreover, Linux distributions often provide a user-friendly experience with minimal set-up required. Here are some steps to follow:

Select a Distribution: Choose a Linux distribution that suits your needs. Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora are good starting points. Install Linux: Download the distribution from the official website and install it on your computer. Install Open-Source Software: Most distributions come with software installation tools that allow you to install open-source alternatives easily. For example, you can use the apt package manager in Ubuntu to install LibreOffice, GIMP, and other software. Migrate Data: If you have existing files, you can use tools like rsync to transfer your data from your Windows or macOS installation to your new Linux system. Enjoy Free Software: With Linux, you can use a wide range of free software and enjoy the benefits of open-source without recurring costs.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for open-source alternatives or tools to extend your software trial period, there are many options available to keep you using the software for free. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can find the right solution to continue using your favorite software without payment. Remember that open-source software and tools provide a sustainable and secure way to work, so consider making the switch to open-source alternatives for a safer and more cost-effective computing experience.