Windows 10 update really for free?

Yes! The upgrade to Windows 10 offered a year for free for the following OS versions: 

  • Windows 7 SP1
  • Windows 8.1 Update
  • Windows Phone 8.1 mobile devices

After the year the upgrade is expected to be charged.

Who can get this update?

First: This upgrade is device-specific, this means it is not assigned to any Microsoft user account or something like this. Every "device", that passed the performance requirements, with "Windows Update" activated and not included in the following listed operating systems(OS):

  • Windows 7 Enterprise
  • Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise
  • Windows RT
  • Windows RT 8.1

Additional info from Microsoft: "Enterprise customers with active Software Assurance subscription in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to Windows 10 enterprise offerings outside of this offer."

What are the basic technical requirements of this?

According to Microsoft, the minimum system requirements are:

  • 1 GHz processor or SoC (System-on-a-Chip)
  • 1GB ram for 32-Bit OS and 2GB ram for 64-Bit OS
  • 16GB hard drive storage for 32-Bit OS and 20GB hard drive storge for 64-Bit OS
  • The graphiccard must at minimum work with DirectX 9 and use the WDDM 1.0 driver
  • The minimum screenresolution is 1024x600 px

What does the reservation of Windows 10 update?

This will show that you are interested for your device on an update to Windows 10. If the update is available and can be downloaded, you can cancel the operation still, if you've the meantime decided against it.

Is notification for Windows 10 now always in my taskbar?

That seems to be the case, at least until the update is done. Definitely a marketing effective method to keep the update in memory.

Can I cancel the reservation?

Yes you can. Rightklick on the taskbar->on the Windows 10 symbol "Check upgrade status" and select "cancel reservation".

Windows 10 Upgrade - Your processor is not supported

This is due to the old hardware that does not support certain processor functions, but are required for Windows 10 (according to MS). Two possibilities; either wait for the possible update, or uninstall the annoying Windows 10 taskbar Reminder.

How to uninstall the Windows 10 Reminder?

  • control Panel
  • Software and Features
  • show installed Updates
  • search about "KB3035583"
  • uninstall ->done

Summary:

Because the update is really free, everyone should reserve it. For Microsoft this is a beautiful thing, because the whole update of XP, Vista, 7, 8 will cost Microsoft a lot of money. Lift all operating systems on a stand can be a cost-saving method. If the official version released, just wait after the first series of updates to fix the expected bugs. :-D If everything works perfect, make the Windows 10 update!

Greetings, Frank