Microsoft Windows 10 coming: Here’s what that means

“By rolling out the Windows 10 update in batches we want to make sure that internal testing for particular batch is done thoroughly and the update process is as pain free as possible”, said Durani. Then come the fall you will see the devices from all the OEMs going into the holiday quarter.

Microsoft’s new Windows 10 operating system debuts Wednesday, as the longtime leader in PC software struggles to carve out a new role in a world where people increasingly rely on smartphones, tablets and information stored online. If you have been updating Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 you can find the Windows 10 icon on your toolbar.

Alan Lepofsky of Constellation Research says the focus in Windows 10 on allowing users to move “seamlessly” from device to device reflects a changing Microsoft that’s more responsive to consumers, and to the reality of how businesses use technology.

Windows 10 launches at midnight Tuesday on the US East Coast (0400 Wednesday GMT). That’s been the rebranding that Microsoft has been pushing under Mr. Nadella for the past two years, and that’s where Windows 10 holds and asserts itself.

This is the first major Windows upgrade to be delivered over the Internet, just like how your smartphone upgrades.

Validly licensed Windows 7 and 8.1 users who upgrade to Windows 10 will be activated and on genuine installations of Windows 10 following their installation.

As of last month, more than 90 per cent of the world’s desktop computers used a few version of Windows operating systems, reported by market analysis firm NetMarketShare.com.

If you’re wondering if your upgrade files have been pre-loaded, here’s how to check.

In future, Microsoft might continually update Windows 10 rather than releasing an entirely new version, making the switch inevitable.

Those affected should install the new security patch using Windows Update. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Windows operating system before installing it.

This handy Reddit thread should help you determine if you’re already downloading Windows 10 and will have access tomorrow or if you have to wait a bit longer. Microsoft plans to roll out a new computer operating system beginning at midnight. For this reason, the firm is offering it as a free upgrade for the first year of availability, on systems that are now running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 with a valid licence.

The new Windows store will also be open to all Windows apps, not just Modern UI software and business users will be able to choose how they adopt Windows 10 on existing platforms.