Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users.

It’s official, Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for existing Windows users—as long as you claim it quickly.

Microsoft operating system chief Terry Myerson announced that current users of Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 will be able to upgrade to the new operating system for free as long as they do so within one year of Windows 10's launch—even if your version of Windows is pirated. Once you’ve claimed the upgrade, it's permanent, and Microsoft will keep you updated for the supported lifetime of the device.

The decision to make Windows 10 a free upgrade for existing users makes sense. Windows 8 users have expressed their displeasure with the operating system, basically calling it a flop, prompting happy Windows 7 users to stay put on that OS. That hinders Microsoft's ability to execute its vision for a service-centric, cloud-connected future for Windows; making Windows 10 free could spur more users into embracing a modern Microsoft operating system.

Personally, I have stuck with Windows 7 because it's easy to use, and the UI is great. The Windows 8 UI is horrible, and not very user friendly... can we say Charms bar? Ick. While I have played around with the tech release of 10 I can't say I would upgrade to it, even if it was free. There are many reasons I don't like it, but for those ready to move on from the Windows 8 debacle, this will be not only and easy upgrade but a FREE one as well, at least for the first year. Snag it if you can and are looking to get out of the Windows 8 disaster.