Microsoft's Windows 10 will no longer be a free upgrade after 29 July so get your skates on and upgrade if you haven't done so already
Windows 10 will no longer be a free upgrade after 29 July, Microsoft has said, as it reveals that its latest operating system is now working on 300m devices around the world.
After 29 July, a full copy of Windows 10 will cost $119 to purchase.
Microsoft previously said that the operating system would only be free for the first year to Windows 7 and 8.1 system owners.
The strategy has been a clear success and Microsoft last night revealed that Windows 10 is now running on 300m active devices.
The company last year also said that it intends to see Windows 10 installed on 1bn devices worldwide.
‘The free upgrade offer to Windows 10 was a first for Microsoft, helping people upgrade faster than ever before. And time is running out’
– YUSEF MEHDI, MICROSOFT
Interestingly, the company didn’t describe Windows 10 as an operating system but an online service.
“We’re pleased to see Windows 10 become one of the largest online services in less than a year,” said the VP of Microsoft’s Windows and Devices Group, Yusuf Mehdi.
Mehdi also revealed some interesting milestones for its latest online service. He said that more than 63bn minutes were spent on Microsoft Edge in March alone, with the new browser growing 50pc in the first quarter.
Cortana, the personal digital assistant in Windows 10 and rival to Apple’s Siri, has helped answer more than 6bn queries since Windows 10’s launch.
Mehdi said more people are playing games on Windows than before, with over 9bn hours of gameplay on Windows 10 since its launch last year.
The free stuff and the not-so-free stuff
“These Windows 10 services are getting better and better each month, with significant new innovations shipped in November, and many more coming in the upcoming Windows 10 anniversary update this summer,” Mehdi said.
Mehdi said, however, that the free upgrade to Windows 10 will end in just a couple of months.
“The free upgrade offer to Windows 10 was a first for Microsoft, helping people upgrade faster than ever before. And time is running out.
“The free upgrade offer will end on 29 July and we want to make sure you don’t miss out. After 29 July, you’ll be able to continue to get Windows 10 on a new device, or purchase a full version of Windows 10 Home for $119.”
Microsoft image via Shutterstock
