It started off on a hopeful note, but real details on the free upgrade are still elusive
Mails from Microsoft’s communication team have started hitting registered users’ inboxes with updates on Windows 10. The mail starts with the indicative subject, “What is the Windows 10 free upgrade offer?” Opening it reveals generally available information on the key features of the new operating system, then prompts users to update their current system to a qualified version (Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1) in order to qualify for the free upgrade.
Also contained are what appear to be marketing examples of Windows helping people about their daily lives, and it ends with an offer to join the Windows Insider Program, which enables you to try preview versions of Windows 10 in the run-up to its release.
But unfortunately, there still wasn’t any real information on the exact details of the free upgrade to Windows 10.
Questions regarding Windows 10 licensing have been rife in the recent past, especially with Microsoft’s Windows chief Terry Myerson backtracking on the original announcement that all users of Windows 7 and 8.1--including those running pirated versions--would enjoy a free upgrade to their new OS.
In the part of the mail that mentions the free Windows 10 upgrade offer is an asterisk that directs to a footnote that offers a few more details on what to expect, given the type of current Windows version used.
It states:
*Windows Offer Details
Windows 10 is a free upgrade, for a limited time, for qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices (including devices you already own). It is our intention that most of these devices will qualify, but some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device. The availability of Windows 10 upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 devices may vary by OEM, mobile operator or carrier. Devices must be connected to the Internet and have Windows Update enabled. ISP fees may apply. Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update required. Some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise and Windows RT/RT 8.1. Active Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit of upgrading to Windows 10 enterprise offerings outside this offer. See here for details.
So the free upgrade will basically be applicable to ‘qualified’ Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 devices running the non-enterprise flavours of the OS. We’re assuming qualified refers to registered Windows users, running on Microsoft-approved hardware platforms.
It appears the wait for clear details on the Windows 10 free upgrade offer is still on.
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