14 DAY TRIAL // We've already told you that Windows XP computers can be upgraded to Windows 10 using the standalone ISO provided by Microsoft, but Windows Insider boss Gabriel Aul has just confirmed that full upgrade paths to Windows 10 would only be provided for Windows 7 and newer OS versions.
In other words, customers who are still running Windows XP and Vista on their computers will have no other option to switch to Windows 10 than a full reinstall, which means that apps and settings will obviously be lost.
On the other hand, those on Windows 7 and Windows 8 will be able to preserve all of these, which is kind of great news for those who are waiting to get their hands on Windows 10 in mid-2015.
While this isn't yet confirmed, some people close to the matter revealed that Microsoft is planning to make Windows 10 upgrades not only faster and smoother for Windows 7 and 8 users, but also more affordable.
Word has it that moving from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 will be completely free, while those on Windows 7 might only have to pay a very small fee. Everyone else, including those on Windows XP, might have to pay the full price of the product, sources say.
Of course, this could really help Microsoft boost early adoption of the operating system and make it a lot more appealing than Windows 8, as the core operating system failed to meet expectations and generated confusion and criticism against the Redmond-based software giant.
Windows 10 is expected to come out in the second half of 2015, but more details on this release schedule are likely to be provided next month during an event focused on the consumer experience with the new operating system.
@Dave_256 Same for Vista as XP. The only full upgrade paths currently supported are Win7 and newer.
— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) December 30, 2014