Windows 10 release date: When is Microsoft’s free upgrade available?

Microsoft has confirmed the availability of Windows 10, following months of speculation and leaks about the official release of the highly-anticipated new operating system. The company will begin rolling out Windows 10 in 190 countries and 111 languages on 29 July.

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.

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.

After this time, Microsoft will charge $119 (£99) for Windows 10 Home and $199 (about £131) for Windows 10 Pro. Anyone using an older version of Windows, or buying a new computer with Windows 10 installed on it, will also have to pay.