While Microsoft has recently accounted that free Windows 10 upgrades have been reinstated, there is a caveat: They are only available to SMBs that have previously declined the offer.
If you fall into that particular category, now is the time to reconsider.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the free Windows 10 upgrade and how it affects you.
Is it open to everyone?
No. It is open to SMB customers on Enterprise plans that are running personal computers on Windows 7 or 8.1.
Will my monthly subscriptions increase?
No. The Enterprise E3 and E5 plans will remain priced at $7 and $14 per user per month respectively, or $84 and $168 per user annually.
Do I need to sign a long-term licensing agreement?
No. The licenses that are issued for the E3 and E5 plans are provided on a per-user basis. To continue running the operating system, you need to ensure you pay the associated monthly payments. You can cancel at any time.
Do I need any other software?
To use the Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5 plans, you need to be running Windows 10 Pro. If you don’t have the license for this OS, Microsoft is now giving you a chance to upgrade free of charge when you subscribe to the E3 or E5 plans. This license will never expire.
Will I need a PC upgrade?
You may need to upgrade your OS from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 Enterprise. In addition, if you have yet to subscribe to the E3 or E5 plans, you will need to do so first.
It is important to remember that Windows 10 is a more powerful operating system. Older PCs with slower hard drives or low memory may not perform well.
Is this a time-limited patch?
According to representatives from Microsoft, the offer to upgrade Windows 7 and 8.1 to Windows 10 Pro is permanent for subscribers to Windows 10 Enterprise E3 and E5.