Windows 10 Users Will Be Able to Upgrade from Preview to RTM

Later this year, when Windows 10 becomes available in final form, everyone should be able to upgrade to this particular version, Microsoft says, as it's now working to make this possible for Technical Preview users as well.

The company has already launched dedicated tools to update Windows 7 and Windows 8 computers to the Technical Preview, and a similar solution that would provide direct upgrades to Windows 10 is also likely to be offered when the new OS becomes available.

Those running the early tidbits of Windows 10 will also be allowed to switch to the final version of the operating system automatically thanks to dedicated features implemented in this regard, Gabriel Aul, head of the Windows Insider program, says on Twitter.

“Yes, our goal is that you'll be able to upgrade throughout the program without needing to clean install, even to the final build,” he writes in a short tweet, after first announcing this plan in December.

According to people close to the matter, Windows 10 should see daylight in late summer or early fall 2015, but by that time, several other testing builds should also be released.

The next testing build of Windows 10 is likely to arrive this month as January Technical Preview. Microsoft will be holding a dedicated event for consumers on January 21, and shortly after that, this fresh build of the operating system should also ship to computers enrolled in the Windows Insider program.

The upcoming Windows 10 event will bring several new features aimed at consumers, including Cortana and Continuum, as well as a possible early look at Windows Phone 10.