Windows 10 is free so app developers can standardize on one platform and reduce the fragmented market of different versions and editions of Windows that have been a issue in the past. When everybody is on the same platform, it means better quality apps, a healthier ecosystem and more advances in hardware.
This of course begs the inquiry “Is Windows 10 now’free’?”
] Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. This article is more than 6 years old. Over the weekend Microsoft delivered a bombshell: Windows 10 is now free for anyone who wants it.
A Microsoft MVP responded to a participant inquiring about getting Windows 10 for free and this is what he said: Contact MS support to request a free upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10. The support agent will provide you with an exception link to allow the free upgrade to Windows 10.
Windows 10 for current users of Windows 7, Windows 8, 8.1. Windows 10 will come as a free upgrade from Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 7 for the first year.
But Microsoft has said that won’t happen. Windows 10 is available for free to most computers out there. Assuming your computer runs either Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or Windows 8.1, you’ll see a “Get Windows 10” pop-up as long as you have Windows Update enabled.
Another frequently asked question is “Is Windows 10 free to upgrade to?”.
Windows 10 will come as a free upgrade from Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 7 for the first year. Once a device is upgraded to Windows 10, it’ll be supported for the lifetime of the device. Microsoft’s intention is clear: drive massive adoption of its latest operating system on most modern PCs.
Why does the Windows 10 operating system exist?
It exists for many reasons. 1) To get it out onto as many platforms as possible (check your Windows based tablet, it is 32bit, usually.) 2) To get as many upgrades from older OS as possible. 3) To compete with Chromebooks. (There are versions of Windows laptops which now compete in the less than $250 range once owned by Chromebooks.).
Another big difference about Windows 10 S versus the traditional Windows versions is that it is only capable of installing programs from the official Windows Store. That means if you’ve got some software on a USB disk or you try to download something crazy from a website, you’re not going to get very far.
Does windows 10 cost money?
If you do upgrade within the first year, you get Windows 10 for free, permanently. You don’t have to pay anything. Even after it’s been a year, your Windows 10 installation will continue working and receiving updates as normal.
Another answer is Some rumors going around say Windows 10 will require a paid subscription or a fee in the future if you want to continue using it or receiving updates. But Microsoft has said that won’t happen. Windows 10 is available for free to most computers out there.
This begs the inquiry “How much does it cost to buy Windows 10?”
If you buy a boxed copy of Windows 10 — for example, if you’re building your own PC and need a Windows license — it’ll cost $119 up-front and won’t ever require a subscription or another payment. If you buy a new computer that comes with Windows 10, it won’t ever require a subscription or fee either.
Our best answer is if you already have a Windows Home and plan to upgrade to Pro, the Windows 10 Pro upgrade price is usually $100. At least that’s what I see in the Microsoft Store. However, it is best to look for offers when you plan to get the Pro version. You might get it for cheap if there is an offer.
Does windows 10 exist?
There is no Windows 10 at this time. Windows 7 is the most current version of Windows and what is currently called Windows 8 is expected to be released sometime late next year. Based on a 3-year cycle, it would be another 7 years, 2018, before Windows 10 could be expected to be released.
Will there ever be a Windows 11?
Sad to say there will be no Windows 11, it is an Internet myth. Support for Windows 10 does not end in 2023, twice yearly major upgrades to Windows 10 are released which extend the lifespan of Windows 10. So as long as you are up to date your Windows 10 will be supported.
Should I get Windows 10 s?
You can still get Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, but the new Windows 10 S is something special. Presumably it will be less expensive for OEMs to include on new PCs and it will have some distinct advantages that will make it compete more strongly with Chrome OS and even mac, and os.