Updated: July 15, 2020 (May 16, 2016)

Windows 10 Free Offer Ending

Michael analyzed and wrote about Microsoft's operating systems, including the Windows client OS, as well as compliance and governance. Michael... more

The availability of free upgrades from previous versions of Windows to Windows 10 will end on July 29, 2016. The end of new free upgrades will likely slow adoption of Windows 10 since acquiring the OS will require buying a new device or purchasing the product through retail or volume licensing channels. Many users anticipate that pop-ups and notices nagging the user to upgrade to the new OS that show up on earlier versions of Windows will disappear. However, these promotions will likely migrate to Windows 10 to focus on Windows edition upgrades or Office 365 subscriptions.

Small Businesses Affected Most

All Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate, and Windows 8.1 Pro licensed systems, whether used by consumers or organizations, were entitled to an upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. (The free upgrade was available to Windows 10 Home, but Home is generally unsuitable for business use.) When the free upgrade was announced, it was to apply only to PCs upgraded during the first year after Windows 10 general availability.

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