Read TechSpot’s Windows 10 review here, now! Since that announcement, Microsoft has sent mixed signals more than once and speculation has built on top of that about who gets the free upgrade and who doesn’t, if Insiders get a free pass or not. Here’s a brief overview of the different upgrade paths to Windows 10 that explains it all Users running pirated copies of Windows 7 and Windows 8 will be able to upgrade to Windows However, their Windows license will remain invalid after the upgrade process is complete, meaning pirates won’t be getting a “free” upgrade to Windows This will likely mean that non-genuine users will be subject to anti-piracy countermeasures after the upgrade, if previous versions are anything to go by.

With this move, Microsoft gets the opportunity to “re-engage” pirates by making the upgrade path straightforward and have a wider adoption of its latest OS platform regardless if the user paid for a license or not.

Windows XP was released 13 years ago and it is no longer a supported platform. There is no way you will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 from XP or Vista systems, a clean install will be required. No free offers for the first year.

Windows 10 will come as a free upgrade from Windows 8. Once a device is upgraded to Windows 10, it’ll be supported for the lifetime of the device. Microsoft’s intention is clear: drive massive adoption of its latest operating system on most modern PCs. Windows 7 is found on nearly half of all Windows-based PCs and a wide majority of that hardware will be equally capable to run the more secure, up to date version of the OS.

Microsoft under Satya Nadella is rapidly changing, and Windows as a service appears to be next. The company has already talked about moving away from big Windows releases in favor of smaller incremental updates that continually evolve the operating system. They have gone as far as calling it the last version of Windows.

Users taking advantage of the free upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8 can continue to use Windows 10 as valid license owners indefinitely. Those who for some reason don’t upgrade until after the offer has expired will likely have to pay for Windows At least in the short term, Microsoft has announced Windows 10’s pricing will stay the same as Windows 8.

With Microsoft meaning to build Windows 10 into every type of device — PCs, tablets, phones, Xbox, HoloLens, IoT appliances — there may be a future where consumers may never have to pay for Windows again. Even today, OEMs are no longer paying for Windows on devices smaller than 9 inches. But evidently a world where Microsoft makes no money is nowhere near to reality.

Edit photos and spice up presentations. Windows 10 has the apps you need to get in touch with your creative side. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more—get everything you need to create and present your ideas with a Microsoft subscription.

Scribble down a headline, draw a chart, add bullet points—design an entire presentation with a digital pen. And on new Windows 10 touchscreen computers, you can zoom, scroll, and sign documents with the touch of a finger. The new Photos app makes it fun and easy to enhance your digital memories. Use Sticky Notes and type, ink, or add a picture to save ideas, thoughts, lists, appointments, and more—so you don’t miss a thing!

Windows 10 has apps and features to help you have fun and get more done with less hassle. Scroll through time to find documents and websites. Log into your Windows devices three times faster by using your face or fingerprint. Windows 10 features are best experienced on a modern PC.

Find out if your current PC is ready for Windows 10 by answering just a few questions. Review this doc for more details on Device Encryption. Active Directory makes management easier but is not required. Pen accessory may be sold separately.

Chrome 69 and Firefox Go here for more details on this performance claim. Go here for more details on this battery life claim. Users will receive an app from Microsoft which they must download to their Android phone and follow the setup prompts, including being signed into same Microsoft Account across mobile apps and Windows 10 PC.

Users will receive an app from Microsoft which they must download to their iPhone and follow the setup prompts. Available on limited select devices supporting far-field capabilities. Connect email accounts in the Cortana Notebook; works with Outlook. Microsoft requires a subscription. Functionality and apps may vary by market and device. To see up to 30 days of activities, users must choose this option in settings.

Available in select markets. Functionality may vary by device. Requires specialized hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices. Compare Windows 10 Home vs.

Pro Find the right fit for your needs. Windows Security Windows 10 changes the game for security by protecting user identities, devices, and information with a comprehensive solution driven by intelligence that only Microsoft offers.

Device encryption Device encryption is available on a wide range of Windows devices and helps protect your data by encrypting it. Firewall and network protection Your Windows device comes with comprehensive, built-in security features, including firewall and internet protections to help safeguard against viruses, malware, and ransomware. Secure Boot Secure Boot helps prevent malicious software applications and unauthorized operating systems from loading during the system start-up process.

BitLocker device encryption If your device is lost or stolen, BitLocker and BitLocker To Go put everything on lockdown, so no one else can access your systems or data. Windows Defender Antivirus Windows Defender Antivirus uses the power of the cloud, wide optics, machine learning, and behavior analysis to protect your devices from emerging, sophisticated threats. Windows Fundamentals Windows 10 comes with automatic updates enabled, which means you get all the latest features at no extra cost.

Microsoft Edge Get faster browsing 7 8 and better battery life 8 9 across your devices with Microsoft Edge, the browser built for Windows Cortana All you have to do is ask Cortana. Battery saver mode Extend battery life by limiting background activity and push notifications. Voice Free up time and your hands by talking to your computer. Business Management and Deployment Built-in security, productivity, and management features save you time, money, and hassle.

Business—Management and Deployment Feature Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro Mobile device management Windows 10 mobile device management MDM provides an alternative to traditional PC management processes: you can transition to cloud based management at your own pace. Microsoft Store for Business Your one place to find, manage, and distribute apps to Windows 10 devices in volume.

Assigned Access With Assigned Access, Windows 10 Pro devices run different applications depending on the user and keep individual identities separate and secured. Dynamic Provisioning With Dynamic Provisioning you can take a new PC out of the box, turn it on, and transform it into a productive organization device, with minimal time and effort.

as a student can I get Windows 10 completely free – Microsoft Community.How to Get Windows 11 or Windows 10 for Free (or Under $20) | Tom’s Hardware

 
Windows 10 Education has way more features than Windows 10 Home, even Windows 10 Pro. It’s part of the Enterprise package (for schools). Edu is one of the top tiers. Windows Education is basically the Enterprise version but for educational (non profit) use only. Jul 07,  · I’m Jin, a fellow Windows 10 user and an independent advisor. If you school has affiliation with Microsoft, you may be able to get Windows under a student discount. Try contacting your faculty or I.T. department and inquire about this. Aug 17,  · There are seven versions of Windows Home; Pro; Pro for workstations; Education; Pro Education; Enterprise; Enterprise LTSC; You can only get the windows 10 education version for free. All of the others will cost you money, so make sure you choose education. If your school isn’t part of the program, you can still get Windows 10 for free.

Windows 10 home vs student free

 
Yes, doing this definitely constitutes a “Do at your own risk”.