Then again for those who do doubt Microsoft’s decision from a financial perspective, I would argue the cost of extending Windows 10 to XP and Vista users will be minimal. After the relative failure of Windows 8, Windows 10 is all about increasing market share across every possible hardware device and that is more important than profit margins right now to a company with deep cash reserves.

What makes it so crucial is Windows 10 truly unites both desktop and mobile, and massive take-up of Windows 10 on PC is crucial if Microsoft is to stand any chance of regaining a foothold in smartphone and tablet markets. If you doubt that just ask why Microsoft called it ‘Windows 10’ in the first place? Read more - When 'Free' Windows 10 Becomes Expensive, You Must Know ThisĪnd Microsoft needs all the good will it can get at the moment because, simply put, Windows 10 is Microsoft’s most important software release in a decade. The stigma surrounding Microsoft after Windows 8 may well be washed away in an instant.

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