After months of speculation Microsoft has officially announced its Windows 10 software will launch globally on 29 July. The Washington-based firm said Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will have one year from this date to take advantage of the free upgrade. And once a device is upgraded to Windows 10, Microsoft said it will continue to keep it up-to-date for the supported lifetime of the device at no cost. For other Windows users, or people who don't currently run a version of the firm's operating system, they will need to pay for the software. Microsoft hasn't announced pricing but details leaked on a reseller over the weekend suggest it will start at $109.99 for the Home edition, and $149.99 for the Professional version.Microsoft said software will launch across all 190 regions on the same dayIt will power PCs, phones and connected devices such as bank machines and medical equipment, along with the firm's Xbox One consoleWindows 7 and 8.1 users will have a year from 29 July to get free upgradeAnd Microsoft will support the software for the lifetime of the device
Although the new software won't be formally released until next year, analysts already consider its success crucial for _ and Satya Nadella.