What we already know about Windows 10 is that customers currently running Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 will have a year to upgrade to Windows 10 for free when the new platform launches on July 29. Customers with the “Get Windows 10” app sitting on their system tray are now encouraged to reserve a spot in the digital rollout.
But what if you’re building a Windows 10 machine from scratch? Customers who already own Windows 7 will need SP1 installed first before taking the upgrading plunge. Customers with Windows 8 will need to upgrade to Windows 8.1 before installing the new OS. In both cases, Windows 10 relies on the customer’s genuine serial code that comes with Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1. Remember, the free upgrade to Windows 10 will last a full year.
However, for those who don’t have Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1, they will need to purchase Windows 10 outright. The cost for the Home Edition will be $120, the Pro Edition will set you back $200, and the upgrade from Home to Pro will cost $100. The box art appears above, with the Home version in blue and the Pro version in purple. The boxes will likely be the same for the disc-based versions and the USB versions.
That brings us to the heart of the topic. Amazon is currently taking pre-orders for Windows 10 in USB form: the Home version here and the Pro version here. Both listings state that these copies of Windows 10 will ship to consumers on August 16, 2015. Both listings also use the box art that was leaked last week and clarifies that the operating system will be free to Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 customers for a year.
Windows 10 is expected to launch on July 29, so the August ship date is rather interesting. Will these USB sticks arrive after the disc-based copies, or is that the availability for all physical media? Perhaps the August 16 date is just a placeholder for now.
“We’re all working super hard here to deliver the best Windows ever, and are preparing everything that needs to be in place for our public release,” said Microsoft’s Gabe Aul on Wednesday. “We cannot wait for all of you, and your friends and family who reserved their upgrade, to see the result.”
Windows 10 should offer customers a better Windows experience when it’s released, providing tools like Cortana and Microsoft Edge. The platform promises great things for PC gamers and Xbox One owners alike, as the platform will include DirectX 12 and means for streaming Xbox One games to the Windows 10 PC screen.
Fun stuff.
MORE:
The New Settings ‘App’ in Windows 10
This is Windows 10’s Cortana Virtual Personal Assistant
Windows 10 Start Menu: The Details
Windows 10 Vs. Windows 8.1: The Major Differences
This is Windows 10’s Edge Browser
The Top 7 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 10
From maximumpc
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