Microsoft told us a while back that Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for computers running either Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 during the first year after its release.
Understandably, that announcement left many Windows XP and Vista users feeling left out and upset. If you happen to be one of them, I have some good news for you…
According to this Microsoft blog post, the company has now provided a way for XP and Vista users to upgrade to Windows 10 for free as well.
All you have to do is sign up for the Windows Insider Program and install the Windows 10 Preview on your old machine that’s currently running either Windows XP or Vista. There is no charge for joining the Windows Insider program or for installing the Windows 10 Preview. Both are entirely free!
As long as you register your new Windows 10 Preview installation using a valid Microsoft Account you will be able to upgrade your old PC to Windows 10 for free after it is released on July 29.
If you use any of Microsoft’s services such as Outlook.com, Xbox Live or OneDrive, you already have a Microsoft account. Simply use the same login info you use for those accounts to register your Windows 10 Preview installation. If you don’t already have a Microsoft account, you can open one for free right here.
Bottom line: You will now be able to upgrade your Windows XP or Vista machine to Windows 10 for free, but you’ll have to install the Windows 10 Preview first. I recommend that you do so ASAP!