Windows 10 Will be a Free Upgrade

Microsoft is showing off its new operating system at an event during which it announced that the Windows 10 will be offered as a free upgrade to owners of devices running Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Phone.

However, the offer is limited to the OS's first year of release. Offering a free upgrade marks a change in strategy to Microsoft's previous policy of charging for major updates.

Hopefully, the offer and the features to be announced will accelerate the adoption of the new operating system from Microsoft.

"Overall we know that about only about 10% of computers are running Windows 8 and the adoption rate among companies is similar or lower," said Frank Gillett, an analyst at the Forrester consultancy, according to BBC.

"Developers are not paying much attention to Windows for mass market consumer apps, and you could even argue that for enterprise software most of the energy is going into mobile apps for iPad and Android tablets.

"Windows 10 is in effect a huge invitation to software developers to write exciting, powerful applications that will draw consumers.

"My hunch is that they can succeed in getting a new generation of PC and tablet applications, the challenge is getting people interested in its phones."