With Windows 10 arriving as an upgrade in 9 days, we’re starting to see pre-order information come to the surface. Confirming that Windows 10 will be available on a USB device, many retailers are offering the installs available for pre-order as a system builder install. As many people will be able to take advantage of the offer to upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8 for free within the first year, these full licenses are meant for new installs that cannot take advantage of the upgrade license.
A few weeks after the general release of Windows 10 as an upgrade, OEMs will begin to ship devices preloaded with Windows 10. Also following the roll-out release, the USB separate installers will be available from various retailers including the Microsoft Store.
Windows 10 Home – $119.99
Released August 30 on Amazon.com
Released August 11 on NewEgg.com
Windows 10 Pro – $199.99
Released August 30 on Amazon.com
Released August 11 on NewEgg.com
Windows Updates for Windows 10
In related news, Microsoft has updated the Windows Lifecycle webpage that lists when mainstream and extended support ends for Windows operating systems.
Windows 10 will reach end of mainstream support in October 2020 and extended support in October 2025.
Microsoft also includes this footnote for Windows 10, which may give some insight into their update approach with Windows 10, which will allow less options to opt-out unless you are on the Enterprise edition.
Updates are cumulative, with each update built upon all of the updates that preceded it. A device needs to install the latest update to remain supported. Updates may include new features, fixes (security and/or non-security), or a combination of both. Not all features in an update will work on all devices. A device may not be able to receive updates if the device hardware is incompatible, lacking current drivers, or otherwise outside of the Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (“OEM”) support period. Update availability may vary, for example by country, region, network connectivity, mobile operator (e.g., for cellular-capable devices), or hardware capabilities (including, e.g., free disk space).