Microsoft finally announced that the version of Windows 10 for PCs and tablets will release on July 29. This means soon millions of computers will be eligible to upgrade for free during the first year of Windows 10, but the question is which edition of the new operating system will you be getting free?
While the software giant will make available around seven different versions of Windows 10, there are only three main editions that will be widely available: Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Mobile.
Now, because the editions of Windows 10 do not match the editions of Windows 7 or Windows 8, there could be a little bit of confusion around which edition you’ll be getting for free. Below, you’ll find a list detailing which edition of Windows 10 will be available to you for free depending on your current edition of the operating system.
Windows 8.1 to Windows 10
- Windows 8.1: This edition will upgrade to Windows 10 Home
- Windows 8.1 with Bing: This edition will upgrade to Windows 10 Home
- Windows 8.1 Pro: This edition will upgrade to Windows 10 Pro
- Windows Phone 8.1: This edition will upgrade to Windows 10 Mobile, when it releases later this year
Windows 7 to Windows 10
- Windows 7 Starter: This edition will upgrade to Windows 10 Home
- Windows 7 Home Basic: This edition will upgrade to Windows 10 Home
- Windows 7 Home Premium: This edition will upgrade to Windows 10 Home
- Windows 7 Professional: This edition will upgrade to Windows 10 Pro
- Windows 7 Ultimate: This edition will upgrade to Windows 10 Pro
It’s worth pointing out that Windows RT and Windows RT 8.1 aren’t listed, because Microsoft is discontinuing this version of the operating system. However, the company says that in the future will be releasing an update to incorporate some of the Windows 10 features. Furthermore, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 Enterprise, and Windows 7 Enterprise are excluded from this promotion.
The Windows 10 free upgrade will be delivered through the Windows Update to all those PCs and tablets running a genuine version of the operating system, users can reserve their copy now, and devices with the new operating system will receive on going updates and features for the life of the device.
Non-genuine versions of Windows will be able to upgrade to Windows 10, but only properly licensed PCs will take advantage of all the features. Those running a pirated copy will notice a watermark message on the desktop notifying the user of the issue.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].