Announced today, June 1, 2015, at Microsoft’s Windows blog: “Hello World: Windows 10 Available on July 29”

What are the basic facts of the Windows 10 upgrade?

  • Microsoft is making Windows 10 available as free upgrade for qualified Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 devices*.
  • It will be available starting July 29, 2015; people can reserve their free upgrade today. As a starting reference, see Microsoft’s Windows 10 Q&A (ß This provides REALLY useful information!).
  • Customers only have until July 29, 2016 to take advantage of this offer. Once they upgrade, they will have Windows 10 for free on that device.


Here’s how:

  1. Your Windows 10 App Icon will automatically appear in your device’s taskbar
    • For devices running Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update with Windows Update enabled, the app automatically shows up as a Windows icon in your system tray at the bottom right-hand side of your screen. If you don’t see it, visit Microsoft’s Q&A page for more info.
  2. Reserve
    • You can reserve your free upgrade in the Get Windows 10 App. Once you reserve, Windows 10 will download when available, and you can cancel your reservation at any time.*Click on the small Windows icon found at the right end of the taskbar. If you don’t see it, visit Microsoft’s Q&A page for more info.Windows 10
    • Click “Reserve your free upgrade” in the app window.
    • Enter your email if you want a notification of when you’ll be able to install Windows 10…Windows 10 more info
    • All set. There’s no obligation and you can cancel your reservation at any time. Visit Microsoft’s Q&A page for more info.

If you have questions or want to learn more, see the Windows 10 Q&A.
See what’s new? Learn more about the great new features in Windows 10.

Windows Offer Details

*Yes, free! This upgrade offer is for a full version of Windows 10, not a trial. 3GB download required; standard data rates apply. To take advantage of this free offer, you must upgrade to Windows 10 within one year of availability. Once you upgrade, you have Windows 10 for free on that device.

**Windows 10 Upgrade Offer is valid for qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices, including devices you already own. Some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device and market. 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. 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 to upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise offerings outside of this offer. To check for compatibility and other important installation information, visit your device manufacturer’s website and the Windows 10 Specifications page. Additional requirements may apply over time for updates. Security and features are kept automatically up-to-date which is always enabled.