Microsoft has finally announced its plans to end the Windows 10 free upgrade option by December 31, 2017.
Due to some customer dissatisfaction after Windows 7 and 8 were rolled out, at the time Microsoft decided to offer its users an option of upgrading their operating system to Windows 10 at no cost.
In July 2016, the free upgrade to Windows 10 was supposed to come to an end. However, users of assistive technologies in Windows 7 or 8.1 remained eligible for a free Windows 10 upgrade. This was an attempt by Microsoft to provide this particular customer base with the chance to enjoy upcoming assistive features available on the updated version of the operating system. However, Microsoft did not proceed to verify whether the users who downloaded Windows 10 after July 2016 actually required assistive technologies or not, thus allowing the free upgrade to remain as an available option to all users.
However, Microsoft has finally announced its plans to end the Windows 10 free upgrade option by 31 December 2017, including the obvious loopholes previously accessible by customers. By the start of 2018, those who have not installed the free version of Windows 10 will have to pay at least $120 for a basic upgrade.
Microsoft’s Windows 10 upgrade page has recently been updated with a clear message to customers, clearly stating Microsoft is wrapping up the free upgrade program by the end of this year. This marks the end of the official method available for customers to receive the upgrade at no cost.
According to Ars Technica, there is the possibility Microsoft users may still be able to install free Windows 10 using any Windows or Windows 8.1 product key not yet applied before. This could, however, be easily fixed by Microsoft requiring customers to use a Windows 10 product key before allowing the upgrade to be valid.
Nevertheless, the number of users who have not already got the free upgrade is expected to be low. Also, many customers would have purchased a new Microsoft device with Windows 10 pre-installed.
Microsoft has designed its operating system upgrading process to be quite straightforward – users just need to visit the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade page and click ‘Upgrade Now’. The upgrade assistant is then downloaded to the device and, after running this and following some prompts; Windows 10 will be available on the device.
The most recent update to Windows 10 – the Windows 10 Fall Creator’s Update – includes features such as mixed and reality support. The Mixed Reality app allows the user to work and play in an immersive and interactive environment.
Microsoft is always looking at ways to improve their products via clever design and periodic upgrades to their operating systems. They are also dedicated to serving users by listening to their feedback on products and services. This has been clearly demonstrated when Microsoft offered the free services of Windows 10 to customers as an improvement on the less than ideal Windows 7 and 8.
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