Windows 10 Release Date Leaks, Free Upgrades Explained.

The Windows 10 product family - image credit Microsoft
The Windows 10 product family – image credit Microsoft
The too-good-to-be-called-Windows-9 platform represents a make or break moment for Microsoft MSFT -1.2% and as a result it packs in some of the most exciting and controversial features we’ve seen from Windows in a decade. What’s more we know now when you can get it…

Not one, but two famously well connected Microsoft commentators have this week delivered the same message: late July. Notorious Russian Twitter TWTR -0.43% account @WZor was first to deliver the news on Wednesday evening and it was built upon by The Verge’s Microsoft specialist Tom Warren today.
In fact Warren took it a step further pinning it to July 29th. A date he believed Microsoft planned to announce at Build in April, but held back in case it couldn’t be met.
From my perspective the launch date seems premature. I’m running the latest Windows 10 beta build (10122) and, while relatively stable overall, it still contains a number of bugs which cause laggy performance in the new start menu and locks/crashes in File Explorer. There also remains a disconnect between elements of the traditional and Modern UIs.
On top of this the new Microsoft Edge web browser remains threadbare and even still carries its ‘Spartan’ codename.
That said what Microsoft has started to do in recent builds is begin adding polish. Animations, icons and general UI elements have gotten noticeably cleaner in recent weeks and if Microsoft can keep up this breakneck pace then July 29th may be possible (with the inevitable quick succession of patches).
As the Windows release date nears, so does excitement about the most exciting element for many: Microsoft’s claim it will be a ‘free’ upgrade.
The problem is now the company has unveiled 7 Windows 10 editions and built a huge following of beta testers, the picture has become muddied.
Consequently Microsoft has delivered a number of announcements to clear confusion. So these are the requirements for getting Windows 10 free
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 8 Enterprise is not eligible for a free Windows 10 upgrade - Image credit Microsoft
Windows 8 Enterprise is not eligible for a free Windows 10 upgrade – Image credit Microsoft
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!

forbes.

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