Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users that want to update to Windows 10 can now install the OS through Windows Update, where it's now available as an 'optional update'. "The OS will later be offered as 'recommend update'. Microsoft today announced the news on its Windows Blog.
Previously the operating system became available to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 after they reserved it. From now on the reservation is no longer required, users can update to Windows 10 directly through Windows Update.
It will first be an 'optional update' but starting next year it will become a 'recommended update'. Because Windows automatically installs recommended updates it's likely that more and more users will update to Windows 10 next year. An upgrade to the OS is free for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users, if they install it within a year after Windows 10's original release date.
Microsoft stresses there will be no forced updates and users can always go back to their previous Windows version. On its blog the company writes, "Before the upgrade changes the OS of your device, you will be clearly prompted to choose whether or not to continue. And of course, if you choose to upgrade (our recommendation!), then you will have 31 days to roll back to your previous Windows version if you don’t love it."
Users of illegal installations of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will also get an easier way to convert to a legitimate Windows 10 installation. Microsoft found that pirated Windows users tried many ways to convert their system to 'Genuine Windows 10' . Because so far there wasn't an easy way, Microsoft has decided to make it easier for users that want to convert their pirated install to a Genuine Windows version, the company writes "We’ll offer a one-click opportunity to get Genuine via the Windows Store or by entering an activation code purchased elsewhere. If this turns into a path for most customers to get Genuine, we will expand the experiment."
The company aims to have more than 1 billion Windows 10 users and it seems even pirates are welcome if they want to go legal, the company concludes, "We’d like to welcome as many of these customers as possible to the legitimate Windows ecosystem."
