The highly-anticipated Windows 10 operating system will be available as a free upgrade for one year, after which upgrades will be paid.
Windows 10 is the last version of Microsoft's popular operating system and is shaping up as an exciting experience, full of neat features and functionality. Microsoft revealed a good while ago that it will make its new Windows 10 OS available as a free upgrade to current Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. This free upgrade, however, will be valid only within one year of the new OS' launch, and so far it remained unclear what will happen after that.
Neowin has now spotted a relevant post on Microsoft's Australian Partner Network, in which Microsoft Australia Windows product marketing manager Alex Snelson explains what Microsoft has planned once that one year of free Windows 10 upgrades expires.
"Microsoft will offer a free upgrade to Windows 10 for qualified Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.1 devices in the first year. After the first year, upgrades will be paid via boxed product and VL Upgrades," Snelson clarifies in the company blog post.
Simply put, current Windows 7 and Windows 8 users can upgrade to the latest Windows 10 for free within one year of the new OS's launch, but they will have to pay if they want to upgrade once that year has passed. It's also worth pointing out that even in that first year, Windows 10 will be available as a free upgrade only for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users who own a legitimately licensed version of the OS, not pirated versions.
Long story short, Windows 10 will be available as a free upgrade only within its first year on the market, and only for those with licensed versions of Windows 7 or Windows 8. After that first year, those who want to upgrade will have to pay for the privilege.
This confirmation finally clarifies a slew of rumors and theories suggesting that Windows 7 and Windows 8 users will be able to upgrade to the latest Windows 10 for free at any given time, forever, and pirated versions would get free upgrades as well.
Windows 10 will officially become available for the general public this summer, and will come in several editions: Windows 10 Home, Mobile, Pro, Enterprise, Mobile Enterprise, and Education. Microsoft has yet to announce an exact release date or pricing details for the different versions, but should offer more information closer to launch.
