Microsoft have chosen the eve of Computex - the worlds largest technology expo - to finally announce the release date of Windows 10. Following a great deal of speculation, and no little trepidation for those who are testing the current build, it's been revealed on the Windows blog that the new operating system will launch worldwide on July 29th.
Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 users may also notice a new notification on their task-bar from today. Prompting you to "Get Windows 10", the application details the free upgrade offer for Windows users and asks you to submit your email address for a reminder email closer to the launch date. The total download for the in-place upgrade is around 3GB, and the version of Windows 10 you qualify for depends on your current installed OS:
Windows 10 includes the new Microsoft Edge browser, Cortana personal digital assistant, an updated touch-first (and optional) platform for Word, Excel, Powerpoint and other Office applications, and XBOX Live integration. With the launch of Windows 10 game developers will have a platform for titles using DirectX 12, the latest low-level graphics API which promises large performance benefits across a wide range of systems. The Windows Store also looks set to be a major feature for Windows 10, offering both free and paid-for applications to round out the standard experience.
Microsoft haven't indicated whether the Windows 10 Upgrade will also come in the form of a stand-alone installer to new systems (prompting for a valid Windows 7/8/8.1 key); requiring an in-place installation could be a deal-breaker for many considering early adoption.
For more information visit the announcement page and check out the provisional FAQ.
*Must be running the latest version of Windows 7 (Service Pack 1) to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update.
**Must be running the latest version of Windows 8 (Windows 8.1 Update) to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update.
*** Also applies to Windows 8.1 country specific editions, Windows 8.1 Single Language, Windows 8.1 with Bing.
****The availability of Windows 10 upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 devices may vary by OEM, mobile operator or carrier.
N and KN editions follow the upgrade path of the parent edition (e.g. Windows 7 Professional N upgrades to Windows 10 Pro).
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.
