Free Windows 10 upgrade from July 29

Microsoft has announced that effective July 29, 2015, users will be able to download Windows 10 across the world for free. The new OS will enable it to work seamlessly across desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile devices.

This is the first time Microsoft is rolling out its new OS for free and to benefit from it you obviously need to be a Windows user. However, only existing users with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will be eligible for the free upgrade.

Also to avail the offer, existing users will have to upgrade to Windows 10 within one year of the launch.

The fine print by Microsoft, however, reads, “Windows 10 Upgrade Offer is valid for qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices, including devices you already own.” What’s a qualified device? Would it mean that users with pirated versions of Windows 7 and 8.1 versions are also eligible for a free upgrade. While initially when Microsoft first announced the Windows 10 O, it was rumoured that the upgrades would be free for pirated versions as well. But according to Microsoft any PC that does not qualify – especially those with pirated versions of the software – will have to pay up $119 for the Home version and $199 for Windows 10 Professional.

Microsoft also warned that some editions are, however, excluded from the offer. “Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1,” are excluded from the free update.

Also, Active Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to Windows 10 enterprise offerings outside of this offer.

Microsoft also notes that some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device and market. “The availability of Windows 10 upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 devices may vary by OEM, mobile operator or carrier.

Eligible users can also reserve their free upgrade through the Get Windows 10 App and by simply clicking on the small Windows icon located at the lower right side of the taskbar. (Windows 8.1) and further clicking on ‘Reserve your free upgrade’ when prompted.

Microsoft will send you a notification as soon as the upgrade becomes officially available for your device.

Microsoft also notes that those PCs that are not compatible to run Windows 10 will not see the Get Windows 10 app immediately (before July 29, 2015.)

"After July 29, 2015, we’ll enable the icon in the system tray. This is to help ensure that you can easily check your PC’s compatibility if you choose," it said in its FAQ section.

Microsoft announced the new Windows 10 in January this year. The new OS  will come with a totally new user interface, start screen, spartan browser, device integration, including Xbox One and brought in its personal assistant Cortana from mobiles to desktops as well.

 Microsoft Windows 10 - top-10 features

 "Windows 10 is a new-generation of Windows designed to empower you to do great things," said Terry Myerson, Executive Vice-President, Microsoft. "Windows 10 starts to deliver on our vision of more personal computing, defined by trust in how we protect and respect your personal information, mobility of the experience across your devices, and natural interactions with your Windows devices, including speech, touch, ink and holograms."

When Microsoft announced the new Windows 8 OS in 2012 it said it was “Windows reimagined,”

Microsoft launches 'new generation' Windows

"Windows 8 is a generational change in the Windows operating system," said then Windows president Steven Sinofsky had said. But the platform failed to take off as expected. Several users were disappointed with the loss of the Start button and not very friendly interface and stuck to Windows 7. Will Windows 10 be able to attract the reluctant users. With just a year’s validity for the free upgrade, and some really cool features Microsoft might indeed succeed this time around.

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