Windows 10 will become available on 29 July as a free upgrade or with new PCs and tablets. The new Windows Store and Windows Software Development Kit will also become available on that date, Microsoft confirmed.
Microsoft said its latest Windows version includes innovations such as Cortana, an Xbox app, the Microsoft Edge web browser and enhancements to OneDrive storage, as well as heightened security. Windows 10 is delivered as a service and kept automatically up-to-date with innovations and security updates.
The version will become available on a broad range of devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, Raspberry Pi, Xbox One, and HoloLens, with more than 2,000 devices or configurations already in testing. Built-in apps include Photos; Maps; Microsoft's new music app, Groove; and Movies & TV offer entertainment and productivity options. A Microsoft Phone Companion app enables iPhones, Android or Windows phones to work seamlessly with Windows 10 devices.
Microsoft is marking the launch of its latest Windows with fan celebrations in 13 countries and with a new yearlong initiative to celebrate people and organizations making a difference around the world. People can vote for a global nonprofit to receive a cash donation by simply mentioning the nonprofit in a post on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, and using the hashtags #UpgradeYourWorld and #vote.
When the new Windows Store opens, it will begin accepting new apps for Windows 10. The new store is the only one where people can use Cortana to control apps with their voice and get real-time notifications on their app tiles.
From 29 July, people who reserved their upgrade to Windows 10 will be notified in waves when their upgrade is ready to be installed. For business customers, Windows 10 is available to start deploying within their work environments, and starting 1 August, organisations that have volume licensing can upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.
With the help of retail partners around the world, free upgrade programmes will become available on 29 July, with Windows 10 software becoming broadly available in retail stores around the world between mid-August and September. Devices running Windows 10 will be available in some retail stores on 29 July, with many more devices set to become available in the weeks and months ahead.
Microsoft has worked closely with retailers to introduce programmes to help people easily upgrade, including Best Buy, Bic Camera, Croma, Currys/PC World, Darty, Elkjop, Fnac, Jarrir, Incredible Connection, Media Markt, Staples, Yamada Denki, Yodobashi and others.
