Windows 10, one year later?

[Rhonda the Sly]

"Windows 10 is automatically updated. Additional requirements will apply over time for updates."


So, not only does MS not specify how long the free upgrade remains free, it does specifically state that "Additional requirements will apply over time..."


They certainly appear to have left the door open to require a payment, in due time, as an additional requirement for the upgrade.

Alternatively: They're leaving the door open to add additional hardware requirements in the future, like they did with Windows 8.1 and requiring processors had CMPXCHG16b support.

 

[Rhonda the Sly]

While I don't yet think a full purchase will be required once the year is up (and think the person the OP spoke with was confused about what he was asking), I certainly don't think MS is done with vague wording in 10 down the road, in order to allow room for additional decision changes about there latest OS.

As far as Microsoft has said publicly Windows 10 has an indefinite lifetime but, tying in with my last comment, hardware support will not. Your hardware will only be supported as long as Microsoft and it's hardware partners decide it can and should be.

 

[quikah]

Geez. It is like people are TRYING to find ways that 10 is a failure. Omg they are spying on you, omg they are stealing your bandwidth, omg they are going to charge a subscription. Just stick to 7 or switch to mac or something...

 

[JackMDS]

So let me understand the problem.

Some here will be comfortable if MS would not offer the current Win 10 as free upgrade for Win 7/8 owner?

Not a problem - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...H&Description=windows+10+home&N=-1&isNodeId=1

Or just stay with Win 7 it is supported until 2020.

 

[twjr]

So let me understand the problem.

Some here will be comfortable if MS would not offer the current Win 10 as free upgrade for Win 7/8 owner?

Not a problem - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...H&Description=windows+10+home&N=-1&isNodeId=1

Or just stay with Win 7 it is supported until 2020.

To be honest I would have preferred a $40 upgrade like Windows 8 where I got an actual product key and didn't have the uncertainty of what will happen in the future. I guess it would have reduced how many people they got onto Windows 10. Though they could have also included a "Pay for a Product Key" option as well as the "Free upgrade with a little vagueness of how we will handle things in the future" option.

 

[Benoses]

On one hand, it is always good and rewarding to keep up-to-date with your software and use the latest OS. But on the other hand, it brings some hidden rocks too, for instance, privacy issues. And this starts from the very beginning, when you are still using your good old Windows 7 or 8 and suddenly are forced to upgrade it to Win 10 without even your consideration. No matter that it is offered to you for free. The most essential is that it's where spying on you starts. It's up to you whether to continue using Win 7 or 8 until it is supported, or switch to Win 10. You still have to be alert and very careful when reading all those terms and policies you sign and enable only those of them that are suitable for you, because this is the only way to protect your personal data at least to some degree.