The widely-expected news means that Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 users will have the option to download the update on that date for free, for a period of one year. The software will also be available in traditional on-disc formats (and sold installed on virtually every PC).
Windows 10 will form the basis for every Microsoft device, from phones and tablets to laptops and Xbox One, for years to come, the company has said.
Microsoft's Terry Myerson said in a blog post that "through the feedback and testing of over four million Windows Insiders, we’ve made great progress on Windows 10 and we’re nearly ready to deliver this free upgrade to all of our Windows customers".
As it has previously discussed at several events -- and as many know through direct experience of its developer previews, Windows 10 is focused around a few core features. They include:
- Integrated Cortana Voice Search: "the world’s first truly personal digital assistant" will be present on all Windows machines able to help with everything from email to sports updates. Think Siri, via Clippy, but actually useful.
- Edge Browser: the new replacement for Internet Explorer said to be faster and more reliable than its previous incarnation, not to mentioned better on battery life than Chrome.
- Xbox Live and the integrated Xbox App: game on your PC, capture and edit footage and play Xbox One games on your PC, streaming over WiFi at home.
- New Photos, Videos, Music, Maps, People, Mail & Calendar apps: "you can start something on one device and continue it on another since your content is stored on and synched through OneDrive"
- Windows Continuum: combining the best of the old 'Metro' style tablet interface with classic Windows, and letting you choose between them depending on your device and use case.
You can "reserve" your upgrade by clicking the icon which should pop-up in your system tray later today.
Microsoft has also announced that Windows 10 will "love all the devices you own" -- which means be integrated into apps designed for iOS and Android as well as Windows Phone.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
