Free upgrade for first year

[speckytecky]

So, apologies if already posted - iPad search isn't the best! It appears that Microsoft is offering a cost free upgrade from 7 and 8 to Windows 10.

 

Windows 10 upgrade to be 'free' for one year - BBC News

[Arthur]

Already posted in the Windows 10 thread, but it is excellent news.

 

With Windows 7 users also being able to upgrade for free, there isn't any reason for them to stay on that ancient OS any more.

Edited January 21, 2015 by Arthur

[Arthur]

It looks like there is a small caveat to the free upgrade, but I can't see why it would be an issue for most people?

 

www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/553/windows-10-will-free-upgrade

 

Among the information Microsoft revealed at today’s Windows 10 event is the good news many were waiting to hear: Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for customers running Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1. That said, there are some caveats to this deal, not the least of which—as I understand it—is that those who agree to this upgrade must also agree to let their PCs and devices be kept up-to-date by Microsoft going forward.

 

The notion here is "Windows as a service", one that will in effect make version numbers much less important going forward. Technically, this should work a lot like Office 365, and with the same exclusions for businesses. Indeed, businesses are free (ahem) to continue moving forward with existing licensing schemes and controlling updates if they prefer.

 

But let’s get to that free bit.

 

As described by Microsoft, Windows 10 will be free for customers running Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1, albeit only during the first year of Windows 10’s life cycle. So it’s a promotional offer designed to get as many people as possible upgraded to the new OS version.

 

But consider this line: "Once a Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, we will continue to keep it current for the supported lifetime of the device – at no additional charge". This suggests to me that keeping Windows 10 up-to-date going forward is not optional. That in order to get this offer—or perhaps just to get Windows 10 as a consumer, regardless—will require you to let Microsoft keep your system up to date.