What happens to those free Windows 10 upgrades after July 29, 2016?
We're nearing the end of Microsoft's unprecedented free upgrade offer for Windows 10. The offer officially expires July 29, 2016, on the one-year anniversary of the operating system's initial release. But what happens then?
Microsoft's stated goal a year ago was 1 billion devices on Windows 10 in the first few years. I have seen estimates as high as 400 million thus far. To reach their goal a lot depends on the free upgrade program slated to end July 29, 2016, one year after it's release.
Windows 10 is a robust stable OS with features and capabilities not found in prior OSs. Should you upgrade? It depends upon if you have devices or software not supported by Windows 10. You should run/read the compatibility report to decide if you want to proceed or not. I have an old Canon MFC printer not supported by Windows 10. I circumvent this by attaching/sharing the device on a Windows 7 computer that allows access by my Windows 10 devices.
If you have a very old machine, and remember only legit Windows 7/8/8.1 machines qualify, you may not wish to upgrade. However, I have users with 2006/2007 era quad core machines who upgraded and tell me their system performs better.
If you are running Windows 7 and use XP Mode to run old software that is still needed, do not upgrade.
Will Microsoft extend the deadline? This according to ZDNet's Ed Bott;
The fine print on the Windows 10 upgrade offer, as of June 2016.
Here's the translated version of the fine print:
1. The free upgrade offer ends on July 29 and will not be extended.
2. Any upgrades completed before that date will be valid for as long as the device lasts.
3. There is a possibility that Microsoft will introduce some new upgrade offers after July 29, but don't count on it.
In fact, Microsoft's real goal with this upgrade offer isn't just to get its installed Windows 10 base to a billion. The long-term goal is to help close the books on Windows 7 in an orderly fashion before its extended support commitment ends on January 14, 2020.
To read more of Mr. Bott's Article and find out more about Windows 10, please use the links below;
