Technoglitch
Core Member
Who Gets Windows 10 Free?
Customers running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 will get a free upgrade to Windows 10 if the upgrade is performed within one year of release.
Microsoft stresses this does not mean Windows 10 is ‘free for one year’ it means those who upgrade to Windows 10 within one year will have it free for life.
Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 Exceptions
But not every Windows 7 or 8.1 user will get a free upgrade. ‘Enterprise’ editions of both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 are excluded from the upgrade offer, though ‘Pro’ editions are included.
Windows RT
Sadly this doomed version of Windows also doesn’t qualify for a free Windows 10 upgrade.
Windows Vista, Windows XP and Pirate Copies
Much confusion has surrounded owners of Vista, XP and pirated copies of any version of Windows because Windows 10 can be installed on their machines and it appears to give them a legitimate copy.
This was made worse by a Microsoft statement that said “the plan to allow free upgrades for non-genuine copies of Windows applies to all markets”. The plan therefore appeared to be simple: join the Windows 10 beta program and get a free, legitimate copy of Windows 10.
Not so fast.
Microsoft has since confirmed all three categories of user are excluded from the free plan and beta versions of Windows 10 will call upon them to purchase the software once the final version is released.
Roll on July 29th!
Windows 10 Release Date Leaks, Free Upgrades Explained - Forbes
Customers running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 will get a free upgrade to Windows 10 if the upgrade is performed within one year of release.
Microsoft stresses this does not mean Windows 10 is ‘free for one year’ it means those who upgrade to Windows 10 within one year will have it free for life.
Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 Exceptions
But not every Windows 7 or 8.1 user will get a free upgrade. ‘Enterprise’ editions of both Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 are excluded from the upgrade offer, though ‘Pro’ editions are included.
Windows RT
Sadly this doomed version of Windows also doesn’t qualify for a free Windows 10 upgrade.
Windows Vista, Windows XP and Pirate Copies
Much confusion has surrounded owners of Vista, XP and pirated copies of any version of Windows because Windows 10 can be installed on their machines and it appears to give them a legitimate copy.
This was made worse by a Microsoft statement that said “the plan to allow free upgrades for non-genuine copies of Windows applies to all markets”. The plan therefore appeared to be simple: join the Windows 10 beta program and get a free, legitimate copy of Windows 10.
Not so fast.
Microsoft has since confirmed all three categories of user are excluded from the free plan and beta versions of Windows 10 will call upon them to purchase the software once the final version is released.
Roll on July 29th!
Windows 10 Release Date Leaks, Free Upgrades Explained - Forbes
