Microsoft is offering its new Windows 10 operating system free of charge to current Window users. Most computers in the world are operating on Microsoft or at least run some Microsoft software. What Microsoft wants to do is get everybody using the same version of the Windows operating system. So they are offering it free. Why?
Microsoft is looking at this in terms of money. Its simply cheaper to service one operating system rather than regularly updating multiple operating systems. Microsoft is moving its OS strategy to smaller more frequent upgrades rather than the big OS releases its been doing every few years. Think evolution not revolution.
In addition Microsoft is making an effort to get people using pirated versions of the Windows OS onboard as well but there is a catch. Software pirates using illegal copies of Windows 7 and Windows 8 will be able to upgrade to Windows 10. Now here is the catch; their Windows license will remain invalid after the upgrade process is complete. This means pirates won’t be getting a “free” upgrade to Windows 10. Your stuff is still illegitimate and thus not eligible for patches and upgrades. Sorry, you want it? Pay like the rest of us!
Here are a few things you need to know.
First of all everyone eligible for a free upgrade will see an icon appear on their task bar offering you the free upgrade. Just register your email address and wait for Bill and the boys to tell you when your upgrade is ready.
Now if you’re really old school you may still be running Windows XP or Vista. Windows XP was introduced to the marketplace 13 years ago and Microsoft does not even support this program anymore. So no, you can’t just upgrade to Windows 10 from XP or Vista systems. A clean install will be required, that is if your computer can handle the new OS. Sorry, no free offers for the first year. Not happening.
For users of Windows 8.0, 8.1 and 7, Windows 10 will come as a free upgrade for the first year. Once a device is upgraded to Windows 10, it’ll be supported for the lifetime of the device.
- Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Premium and Windows 8.1 users will be upgraded to Windows 10 Home
- Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate and Windows 8.1 Pro users will be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro
- Windows Phone 8.1 users will be upgraded to Windows 10 Mobile
- Windows Enterprise, Windows RT and Windows 8 users are not eligible for a free upgrade.
Windows users who take advantage of the free upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8 can use Windows 10 as valid license owners indefinitely. Those who don’t get it now for free will likely have to pay for Windows 10 later. Don’t be ridiculous!
For more information about the free Wndows 10 upgrade please see
Is Windows 10 free? Yes and No. An Explainer
