Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users, even if they are using a pirated version, Microsoft's Terry Myerson announced this today. This is a historic move in the battle against piracy. Speaking to Reuters, Myerson said: "We are upgrading all qualified PCs, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10." The plan is to "re-engage" with the hundreds of millions of Windows users in China where most of the Windows users are using pirated versions.
Windows 10 would be released globally sometime "this summer". Windows users will have to upgrade in the first year after the launch of Windows 10. This is more than a one-time upgrade. Once a Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, Microsoft will continue to keep it current for the supported lifetime of the device, at no additional charge.