Windows 10 release date revealed [VIDEO]

Microsoft will launch its free software to 190 countries on 29 July

After months of speculation Microsoft has officially announced its Windows 10 software will launch globally on 29 July.

The Washington-based firm said Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will have one year from this date to take advantage of the free upgrade.

And once a device is upgraded to Windows 10, Microsoft said it will continue to keep it up-to-date for the supported lifetime of the device at no cost.

For other Windows users, or people who don’t currently run a version of the firm’s operating system, they will need to pay for the software.

Microsoft hasn’t announced pricing but details leaked on a reseller over the weekend suggest it will start at $109.99 for the Home edition, and $149.99 for the Professional version.

It is not known if these prices will convert exactly in other regions, but a direct conversion into pounds prices this at £72 and £99 respectively.

Microsoft said those who want to be among the first in line for the free Windows 10 upgrade can reserve a free copy in the coming weeks.

The software was unveiled earlier this year.

It will run on everything from mobile phones to the firm’s Xbox One games console – and for desktop users, will see the return of the start menu.

And it will come with Microsoft’s Cortana digital assistant, and Spartan, a new web browser to replace internet Explorer, built in.

The firm also showed off an augmented reality headset called HoloLens running the software.

Microsoft boss Satya Nadella described HoloLens as ‘magical’ – but would not say how much it will cost.

‘Windows 10 and holographic computing are mindblowing experiences,’ he said.

The headset is still a prototype being developed under the codename Project Baraboo, and Microsoft did not say when the HoloLens would go on sale.

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