Windows 10 Release Date 2015: Free Upgrade for Windows 8.1 Users, Windows 7 Needs to Pay Small Price

Jan 09, 2015 05:09 PM EST

Windows users are awaiting the release of Window 10, and a new rumor has appeared saying that Windows 10 will be free for all those who have Windows 8.1.  For those who have Windows 7, you might have to pay a small price, and anything lower will be expected a full price.

This rumor of free Windows 10 for Windows 8.1 users has been around for over a year, and it began back when it was still called Windows 9, according to TechRadar.  Microsoft released a dedicated tool which allows Windows 7 and 8 computers to upgrade to Window 10 Technical Preview, so a similar scenario will very likely occur when the stable version of the new OS becomes available.  Softpedia also reports that a Windows insider boss, Gabirel Aul, confirmed that full upgrade paths to Windows 10 would only be provided for Windows 7 and new OS versions. 

Whether or not Windows 10 will be free to those that have Windows 8.1 has yet to be confirmed, but if this is true, then its other rumor is probably true as well: those who have Windows 7 might have to pay a very small fee.  If you have Windows XP or Vista, you will most likely have to pay full price for windows 10.  Microsoft announced last year they will no longer support the 13-year-old operating system, even though Windows XP is a widely used operating system. 

Tech Radar says that Windows 8.1 is currently free on any devices with a display size smaller than 9 inches.  Should the free Windows 10 upgrade be true, then this means that practically any device that can get Windows 8.1 will get Windows 10 for free.  In short, Microsoft is going to insure that its customers will receive their product for nothing, which is definitely giving its consumers a break.  There is no word on cost for any new Windows users. 

At an event on Microsoft's campus in two weeks, the company will be launching the next build of Windows 10.  This could be the Consumer preview, and a technical preview is already available from the official Microsoft Windows website provided you sign up for the Windows Insider Program and have the proper system requirements.  This leads to the question of when Windows 10 will hit the market.  Most sources will say "the second half of 2015", but it is possible that the event on Microsoft's campus in two weeks could give the public an actual release date. 

Many of the new anticipated features from Windows 10 is the one application platform, which allows the user to download an application from a Windows device like a PC and then find it on their Windows phone and tablet installed automatically.  Another bonus feature is the Cortana AI, the Windows version of Siri.  There will also be a lot of touch integration, as newer laptops seem to come with a touchscreen as a standard feature.  Then there is also Snap Assist, to make it easier to choose apps as well as presence on Continuum.