Windows 8.1 or 10?

[fastpat27]

Hi all
Would you order a PC now with Windows 8.1 as 10 is in the horizon, or stick my own copy of Windows 7 on for the time being until 10 is released? Has anyone heard anything on free upgrade to 10, is it going to be free anyway, or do you think they will go subscription based as you would read on a lot of other sites?

£80 odd quid for 8.1, odds it wasted money?

FP

 

[mantadog]

10 probably wouldn't be free, it will probably be 'free' but with strings attached. It may only be free for windows 8/8.1 users or it might have a very limited free offering supported with ads or something but with a paid for or subscription to the full software.

Personally I would just opt to keep windows 7 at the moment, if you have a copy you can use then that would be my advice. Worst case you have to pay for 10 when it comes out anyway and you can skip a mediocre windows 8 altogether.

 

[ubuysa]

The fairly strong rumours that I'm hearing (bearing in mind that I have no inside info from Microsoft) is that Windows 10 will either be free or very heavily discounted to Windows 8/8.1 users. I would guess that it will be free to those who have purchased Windows 8.1 in the preceding 6 months (say) and heavily discounted to all other Windows 8/8.1 users. It is my understanding that no such deal will be offered to Windows 7 users.

I think Mantadog is probably right, your best option would be to install the copy of Windows 7 that you have (always assuming it's a retail license and not OEM) and wait until Windows 10 is released early next year (April I believe).

You could also join the Windows 10 technical forum and install the technical preview version of Windows 10 (preferably in a virtual machine and not on a real computer). That way you'll be up to speed on using Windows 10 by the time it is eventually released.

 

[dogbot]

The OS you choose will be due to personal preference. If you want to use the same Windows phone apps on your computer and are the type that shares your life history with the world, then the choice would be Windows 8/8.1/10. If you hate Metro then it will be Windows 7.

Personally I use W7 but do like to try what is coming in advance so I can make an informed choice. Windows 10 is a work in progress so it would be unfair to comment based on its current build. In any case I am only looking at it to see how it suits me. Over the coming months I shall configure it the way I would want it to be but it will not be until the RTM that I will know if it is to replace W7.

No one knows how W10 is to be released but my hunch is that it will need to be paid for. Keep an eye open for a pre-release bargain, for instance, I bought W8 with WMC for £25 but hardly used it. Might come in handy though if I can use it to upgrade to W10 for free :yes:

 

[fastpat27]

Decided to go with Win 8.1 for now to hopefully get a learning curve from it for Win 10, it seems to be a bit of a mix so 8.1 might be an advantage of knowing. The preview of Win 10 looks good so looks like a good option for the next upgrade, here's hoping it will be free for 8.1 users.

Thanks for the feedback guys

FP

 

[ubuysa]

Decided to go with Win 8.1 for now to hopefully get a learning curve from it for Win 10, it seems to be a bit of a mix so 8.1 might be an advantage of knowing. The preview of Win 10 looks good so looks like a good option for the next upgrade, here's hoping it will be free for 8.1 users.

Thanks for the feedback guys

FP

My money is on Windows 10 being free to Windows 8/8.1 users, heavily discounted to Windows 7 users, and full price for everyone else.