My thoughts:
The Windows 10 upgrade market is a tiny, almost financially irrelevant part of Microsoft’s Windows business. The vast majority of licences come from corporations who aren’t included in the ‘Free’ offer and those who buy new PCs where Windows has always seemed free because it is bundled into the cost of the hardware.
Microsoft isn't stupid, that is why they make tons of money. They know if they can get rid of the pirated copies of Windows, get people into Windows 10 later on they will buy more.
The upgrade market represents the most advanced, most vocal and most influential part of Microsoft’s user base. These people are the influencers. They help their friends with tech problems, advise on purchases and are disproportionately important in spreading positive or negative word of mouth. So give them Windows 10 Free.
Microsoft could potentially eradicate pirated copies of Windows, the blind allegiance to Windows 7, the dissatisfaction surrounding Windows 8.
In the end they think it will benefit them financially, that is why they are in business.
Sure, you can go snag a free Windows 10 upgrade right now if you’re running Windows 7 or Windows 8—but that doesn’t mean Windows 10 is free. Buying a fresh Windows 10 license still costs $100-plus, and PC makers still pay Microsoft a fee for each and every computer that ships with Windows installed. Linux is free. The Windows 10 upgrade is only “free” for people who have already purchased a Windows license, be it via a standalone license or bundled with a premade PC. You can’t just go download Windows 10 and install it on a new PC without spending some cash.
Also they are now competing with Apple and Google who have conditioned their users to expect free operating system updates.
So Windows 10 may be free but Microsoft will pocket all that cash later though XBOX, Cortana, OneDrive. The new Edge browser and the very operating system itself track you to serve targeted ads. The Windows store is a repository for all of Microsoft's vaunted universal apps (and plenty of other things to buy).
Even Solitaire begs for a monthly subscription to ditch all the ads now.
So is Windows 10 upgrade really free???????
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