When Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would be available as a free upgrade for Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 users, it probably didn't imagine the confusion the statement would cause.
Rumors that began to appear online shortly after claimed that users would have to pay after the first twelve months to continue using the operating system, and that Microsoft would introduce a system similar to the subscription it uses in Office 365.
The confusion, of course, came from Microsoft's half-truths.
In the article we will report what exactly we know and what we would still like to know from the company, regarding the “free Windows 10 upgrade.”
We'll start with information that has been confirmed by Microsoft and end with what we don't know yet.
To date we know:
The company's customers with Windows 7, 8.1 and Phone 8.1 can upgrade to Windows 10 for free during the first year after the new operating system is released. The beneficiaries are those who have genuine Windows. Everyone else will be able to upgrade, but their systems will need to be activated after the upgrade.
The version of Windows 10 that the company's customers can upgrade to for free depends on whether their operating system is being upgraded. Systems with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium and Windows 8.1 can upgrade to Windows 10, while Windows 7 Pro and Ultimate, and Windows 8.1 Pro can upgrade to Windows 10 Pro.
The company's customers who upgraded to Windows 10 during the first year will not be charged after the end of the 12 months.
"Our customers who upgrade will continue to receive ongoing Windows innovation and security updates for free, for the supported lifetime of their device.".
Microsoft will charge for Windows 10 after the twelve-month period during which the operating system will be distributed for free through retail channels.
This will not affect customers who 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 hasn't Microsoft revealed?
The price of Windows 10 and Windows 10 Pro. Microsoft has not yet announced how much it will charge for Windows 10, if the system is purchased through retail channels.
It's unclear whether the company will not make an offer like it did when Windows 7 and 8 were released, or whether it will invoke the free upgrade instead this time to avoid making a discount.
We don't know if Windows Insider program users for Windows 10 will get a copy of the operating system for free as a thank you for participating in the testing.
What does a free Windows 10 license mean? For example, is the license linked to a computer transferable? and what happens if the system needs to be reinstalled?
