14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 will debut in the summer with a very special offer for those running Windows 7 or 8 on their computers, as everyone using one of these two OS versions will be allowed to upgrade at absolutely no charge.
But there's one little thing that upgraders need to take into consideration: this offer is valid for only 12 months after Windows 10 goes live. And if you miss this timeframe, you have to pay a price that's yet to be revealed by the company.
Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would be free for users of Windows 7 and 8 at the January event at its headquarters in Redmond, but people close to the matter suggested that the company was planning to extend this offer and keep the upgrade free of charge even after the 1-year window.
But it turns out that this isn't the case, and in a post on the Microsoft Australian Partner Network (via WinSuperSite), the company confirms that, after one years, those who are still on Windows 7 and 8 would have to pay to switch to Windows 10.
“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,” the post reads.
Free for the whole supported lifetime of your device
Some believe that Windows 10 would be free only during the first year of availability, but Microsoft has emphasized that, once you upgrade to this new OS version, you can continue using it free of charge during the entire supported lifetime of your device.
As far as Windows XP is concerned, there's a new rumor out there claiming that those who are still on this ancient operating system might be provided with another special offer that would allow them to upgrade at a more affordable price.
Windows XP users could thus get a $39.99 (€32) upgrade to Windows 10, but hardware upgrades for their PCs might also be needed to get the most of the new OS.