14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 9 will come with a plethora of new features, and since it’s supposed to help Microsoft get over Windows 8 and convince more users to upgrade, it’s quite critical to offer an advanced upgrade system that would allow users of previous Windows versions to install it with minimum effort.
That’s also what Gartner analyst Michael Silver says, adding that Microsoft has no other option than to provide a really seamless way to switch from an older Windows version to Windows 9. Otherwise, consumers might stick to their existing OSes, a decision that would clearly affect the early adoption of Windows 9, he adds.
A similar strategy was also designed for Windows 8, but not many customers actually agreed to use it in order to switch from their previous Windows version to the new one.
There’s no doubt that the confusion created by Windows 8 and its new features played a decisive role in the slow early uptake, but the upgrading system was also below expectations and in many cases performed poorly.
Windows 9 must be better than Windows 8
The analyst says that Microsoft must focus specifically on making it easier for customers to deploy Windows 9, pointing out that most of those running an older version of Windows should be allowed to switch to the new release automatically, either for free or with a small fee.
“This was a mess in Windows 8,” he says. “Upgrading or keeping Windows current should be like keeping a phone current,” Silver pointed out according to PCWorld. “It should be smartphone simple.”
Microsoft is indeed reportedly planning to release easy upgrade options, but it’s not yet clear whether they would work for everyone or just for those running Windows 8.1.
Free upgrade for Windows 8.1
Windows 9 might come in the form of a free upgrade for Windows 8.1 users, which would obviously boost the adoption of the new desktop OS, while also getting more customers off the heavily criticized platform.
Windows 7 users could get the upgrade with a small price of approximately $30 (€23), with a built-in update system to take care of deployment and everything else. A fresh install might not be required, which is clearly a pretty critical option for those who decide to upgrade.
More information on how Windows 9 is going to work will be provided in just a few hours as part of a press conference in San Francisco.