Microsoft might allow Windows 7 users to upgrade to Windows 9 directly from their OS using an Internet connection

Sep 18, 2014 10:00 GMT  ·  By

The beta version of Windows 9, which could be called Windows Technical Preview when it hits the market later this month, could come with lots of changes not only in terms of features, but also as far as the upgrade from previous builds of the OS is concerned.

New sources claim that Microsoft is currently testing a new upgrade system that would allow Windows 7 users to switch directly to Windows 9 Technical Preview without the need for downloading anything.

The process would be fully automated and would support both Windows 7 and Windows 7 Service Pack 1, but it’s not yet clear whether the company is ready to debut this system or not.

At this point, the information we have is still in the rumor stage, so don’t take anything for granted until the September 30 event.

Quick upgrade to Windows Technical Preview

Microsoft is planning to allow everyone to deploy the Windows Technical Preview, and although the company is expected to roll out a dedicated ISO that would enable users to perform a clean installation of the operating system, it turns out that some built-in update options could also be introduced.

Windows 7 and Windows 7 SP1 users might get a new option that would allow them to deploy Windows Technical Preview directly from within the operating system using only their Internet connection. After that, they would start receiving regular updates just like everyone else and would even be allowed to deploy Windows 9 RTM when it becomes available.

It appears, however, that Microsoft might not complete development and testing of this new system before the September 30 event, so it could actually see daylight in October.

First step towards a free upgrade to Windows 9?

Previous reports indicated that Microsoft was pondering making Windows 9 free of charge for a number of users, and while everyone expected this promo to be limited to Windows 8.1 adopters, sources claim that more people could benefit from it. Including Windows 7 clients, that is.

This new system could actually be the very first step towards a freeware Windows 9 license for Windows 7 customers, as anyone running a genuine copy of this OS and willing to upgrade could do it quickly and smoothly from within the operating system.

At the same time, Microsoft could also make Windows 9 available for a small fee for Windows 7 users, but more on this will most likely be provided in a few months, as we get closer to the rumored April 2015 launch.