Microsoft NZ officially opens the doors to Windows 10

Microsoft New Zealand has officially announced that the Windows 10 operating system is now available in this country as a free upgrade to eligible devices, or with new PCs and tablets.

According to the Kiwi subsidiary, Windows 10 will be kept automatically up-to-date with new features and security updates via online download.

“A new era of Windows now starts,” says Terry Myerson, executive vice president, Windows and Devices Group, Microsoft.

“From the beginning, Windows 10 has been unique - built with feedback from over 5 million fans, delivered as a service and offered as a free upgrade.

“Windows 10 delivers on our more personal computing vision, with a natural, mobile and trusted experience.

“Along with our partners, we’re excited to deliver the best Windows ever, which will empower people and organisations around the world to do great things.”

In New Zealand, Microsoft says upgrading to Windows 10 is easy for New Zealanders running a “genuine” Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 PC or tablet.

“Kiwis who have reserved their free upgrade to Windows 10 will be notified when their upgrade is ready to be installed,” adds Frazer Scott, Marketing & Operations Director, Microsoft New Zealand.

“This free upgrade offer will be available for a year from now for qualified and genuine Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 devices.”

Scott says that in New Zealand, there are around two million PCs and devices running Windows.

“Most of these will be able to upgrade for free from now,” he adds.

“Beyond this, we are anticipating hundreds of thousands of new devices to arrive on the market in the coming year which will be Windows 10 ready.”

Going forward, Windows 10 will become available on devices including PCs, tablets, phones, Raspberry Pi, Xbox One, HoloLens and more - with more than 2,000 devices or configurations already in testing.

Also available today are the new Windows Store and Windows Software Development Kit, which Scott says will “open the door” to new app experiences on Windows 10.

For business customers, Windows 10 is available to start deploying within their work environments, and starting August 1, organisations that have volume licensing can upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.

In New Zealand, upgrade programs are now available through key retailers, with Windows 10 software becoming broadly available in retail stores between mid-August and September around the world.