Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users can pre-register for their
free Windows 10 upgrade by clicking the Windows logo that will have appeared on the right-hand side of their taskbar.
However, clicking the button does not necessarily mean they will get Windows 10 on 29 July. The update will first be rolled out to the 4.4 million people who have taken part in the
Windows Insider programme.
Microsoft will then begin notifying people who have reserved their copy of Windows 10 in waves, slowly scaling up after 29 July. Once a copy becomes available, Microsoft will scan the user's computer to check it is compatible, and then download Windows 10 automatically.
If the user's system is not yet ready to be upgraded to Windows 10, Microsoft will provide more details during the upgrade process. In some cases, users will need to contact an application provider or device manufacturer to learn more.
Windows 10 will be available as a free upgrade to existing customers from July 29
The update is free to anyone with a registered version of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 who opts in within a year. Anyone who is still on Windows 8 will have to upgrade to Windows 8.1 to qualify for the free upgrade. Anyone using an older version of Windows, or buying a new computer with Windows 10 installed on it, will also have to pay.
Microsoft has announced that this will be the "
the last version of Windows," meaning that future updates will be iterative rather than in the form of major software releases.
