Windows 10 Free Upgrade Doesn't Apply to Enterprise Editions
It's great that Microsoft will let Windows 7 and Windows 8.x users upgrade their systems to the new Windows 10 for free when it comes out this fall. But before you cheer too loud, beware of the fine print: the deal doesn't apply to Windows Enterprise editions.
A Microsoft official earlier in the week told me that the company will have an event in March emphasizing the enterprise features of Windows 10. Hopefully Microsoft will reveal whether it will offer the free upgrade or some other incentive for earlier users to upgrade. In the fine print discovered by my colleague Kurt Mackie, Microsoft noted the exclusions, which also include the small number of Windows RT users.
"It is our intent that most of these devices will qualify, but some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device," according to the explanation. "Devices must be connected to the Internet and have Windows Update enabled. ISP fees may apply. Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update required. Some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1. Active Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise outside of this offer. We will be sharing more information and additional offer terms in coming months."
In many instances, new system rollouts could negate this issue. Will a free upgrade make or break your organization's decision to move to Windows 10?
Posted by Jeffrey Schwartz on 01/22/2015 at 12:22 PM