You can now reserve your free upgrade to Windows 10! Here are some basic questions and answers regarding the free upgrade offer:
Q: Is the upgrade really free? Do I need to purchase Windows 10 after 1 year?
A: With Windows 10, we will offer a free upgrade to Windows 10 for qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices that upgrade in the first year. This upgrade offer is for the full version of Windows 10, not a trial or temporary version of Windows 10. You will not be required to purchase Windows 10 on devices that take advantage of the free upgrade offer after this offer lapses. Features such as Windows Update will not be blocked on upgraded Windows 10 devices after free upgrade offer expires.
Windows 10 will automatically activate online on devices that take advantage of the free upgrade offer. You can check the activation status of your Windows 10 device in Settings (click on Settings, Update & Security and select Activation).
Q: How do I reserve the free upgrade?
A: You can reserve your free upgrade by visiting www.windows.com/windows10upgrade
Q: What happens when I make a reservation?
A: When you make a reservation, you’ll be able to confirm if your device is compatible with Windows 10. Sometime between when you make your reservation and when your upgrade is ready, the files you need for the upgrade will be downloaded to your PC to make the final installation go more quickly. Then, when your upgrade is ready after July 29th, you’ll get a notification that lets you start your upgrade.
Q: Where can I find more information about upgrading to Windows 10?
A: Check out the Windows 10 Q&A page , or if you can’t find the answer to your question, try posting your question in this forum.
Q: Can I use Windows 10 media to upgrade to Windows 10 and still take advantage of the free upgrade offer?
A: Yes. You will be able to download Windows 10 installation media to upgrade qualified Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 devices to Windows 10 and still take advantage of the free upgrade offer. Your device will automatically activate online after upgrading to Windows 10 while the free upgrade offer is valid.
Q: Can I clean install (i.e. boot from media and install) Windows 10 on my Windows 7 or Windows 8.x device and still take advantage of the free upgrade offer?
A: No. Clean installs of Windows 10 on a Windows 7 or Windows 8.x device via booting from media are not considered “upgrades”, so the free upgrade offer will not apply. For your Windows 10 installation to be considered an upgrade, you must start installation of Windows 10 while booted in Windows 7 or Windows 8.x
If you attempt to clean install Windows 10 on a device that hasn’t taken advantage of the free upgrade offer and successfully activated Windows 10 online before, you will be prompted to enter a Windows 10 product key to continue installing Windows 10.