Users want the next OS to be available free of charge

Oct 13, 2014 14:08 GMT  ·  By

This isn’t the first time we’re discussing about a free license for Windows 10, but this time it’s the users who are asking Microsoft to make the next operating system available at no charge.

Microsoft’s Windows Feature Suggestion Box, where users can freely ask and vote for specific options to be introduced in Redmond’s operating system, reveals that the free license for Windows 10 is a top request for those who wish to upgrade when the product becomes available.

While making Windows 10 “free for everyone,” as the submitters want, is really impossible, people close to the matter suggest that Microsoft is at least considering a freeware license for those on Windows 8.1 and willing to upgrade to the new OS.

Basically, Microsoft would attempt to kill two birds with one stone: first of all, move users from Windows 8 and 8.1 to Windows 10, thus reducing the market share of its disappointing OS version, and second of all, to boost early uptake of the new release.

Free for Windows 8.1 users, discounted for Windows 7

Microsoft has remained completely tight-lipped on pricing information for Windows 10, but we’ve heard from sources close to the matter that the company is trying to make some pretty big changes to its lineup when the new OS becomes available.

Windows 10 could thus be offered free of charge to those running Windows 8.1, while users whose computers are powered by an older Windows version, including Windows 7, could get a significant price cut for the first three months after launch.

It appears that Microsoft could make Windows 10 available for around $30 (22 euro) for Windows 7 users, but this could obviously change until the debut actually takes place.

Tight-lipped to avoid impacting new PC sales

Interestingly, Microsoft hasn’t provided too many details on its plans to make Windows 10 more affordable, but analysts believe that this decision was made because a free license could have tough impact on new PC sales.

A free Windows 10 upgrade would convince users to wait for the launch of the new OS and only then buy a new computer, and Microsoft doesn’t really need that right now, especially not with so slow PC sales happening all over the world.

PC makers are already afraid that sales during the holiday season could be dramatically slower than the same period of 2013, so Microsoft might be doing the right thing this time to keep Windows 10 details away from consumers and enterprises.