Microsoft has finally officially unveiled the names and features of the different editions soon to arrive with the imminent launch of Windows 10, also confirming which updates users can make to their current editions to enjoy the operating system for free for a year.
An official launch date still hasn’t been set, although the latest clues indicate it will be at the end of July nearly simultaneously worldwide, or at least in 190 countries and more than 100 languages. In terms of the update system, it will be free for the current holders of legal editions of Windows 7 or 8, as well as those who have participated in the Windows 10 Insider Program (recall that you can download a beta of the operating system for free). What’s not quite so clear is how to interpret the affirmations that pirated versions can also be updated.
Windows 10 Home
The most extended version to arrive to both PC and tablets, it will include all the most anticipated new features, such as the Cortana assistant, the new Microsoft Edge browser to replace Internet Explorer, the reestablishment of the relationship between the desktop and Metro applications and the option to stream your Xbox One games. You can update to this version for free if you have Windows 7 Home or Windows 8.1.
Windows 10 Pro
Also for PCs and tablets, the advanced version of Home is to include features so far not incorporated, including advanced security and encryption tools as well as remote desktop and machine maintenance utilities in the Windows Update for Business utilities package. You can update to this version for free if you have Windows 7 Professional or Windows 8.1 Pro.
Windows 10 Mobile
The mobile operating system for smartphones and tablets, whose main novelty is the option to connect it to an external monitor to give an experience very similar to that of desktop versions of the operating system, although it will only run apps from the Windows Store compatible with this kind of device. You can update to this version for free if you have Windows Phone 8.1.
These three versions are the ones covered by the Microsoft update system that will provide a free yearlong subscription to the new version of Windows, although another three special editions have been announced for certain sectors.
Windows 10 Enterprise
Another step above the Pro version designed for medium and large firms with a large number of machines that can turn to a system of bulk-license purchases and large-scale scheduled update management tools. The organizations that currently use the Active Software Assurance service can update to this version at no cost.
Windows 10 Education
Designed for the education sector, this version provides a distribution system similar to that of Enterprise for educational institutions. Machines that have Windows 10 Home or Pro can update to this version.
Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise
A version for smartphones and tablets aimed at the business world, with management options similar to those of the Enterprise version.
When it will arrive?