When Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would be available as a free upgrade for users of Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1, it probably did not imagine the confusion that would be caused by the statement.
Rumors that began to appear online shortly thereafter claimed that users would have to pay after the first twelve months to continue using the operating system, and that Microsoft would introduce a subscription-like system that uses in Office 365.
Confusion, of course, came from Microsoft's hubs.
In the article we will report what exactly we know and what we would still like to learn from her company, around the “free Windows 10 upgrade.”
We will start with information that has been confirmed by Microsoft and will end with what we do not know yet.
So far we know:
Windows 7, 8.1, and Phone 8.1 customers can upgrade to Windows 10 for free in the first year after the release of the new operating system. Favors are those who have genuine Windows. All others will be able to upgrade but their systems will need activation after the upgrade.
The version of Windows 10 that the company's customers can upgrade for free depends on whether their operating system is upgraded. Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, and Windows 8.1 can be upgraded to Windows 10, Windows 7 Pro and Ultimate and Windows 8.1 Pro can be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro.
Customers who upgraded to Windows 10 in the first year will not be charged after the end of 12 months.
"Our upgrading customers will continue to receive ongoing Windows innovation and security updates for free, for the supported duration lifetime of their device".
Microsoft will charge Windows 10 after the 12 month period when the operating system will be distributed free of charge through retail channels.
This will not affect customers who have used the free upgrade offer but those who do not have an eligible license (the systems we mentioned above). For example, those using Vista and XP will be charged.
What has not revealed to Microsoft?
The value of Window 10 and Window 10 Pro. Microsoft has not yet announced how much it will charge for Window 10 if the system is purchased through retail channels.
It's unclear whether the company will make a bid like it did when Windows 7 and 8 were released or whether it would invoke the free upgrade instead of this time to make a discount.
We do not know if Windows Insider users for Windows 10 will get a copy of the operating system for free as a thank you for participating in the tests.
What does Free Window 10 license mean? For example, is the license associated with a computer transferable? and what happens if the system is to be re-installed?
