Why you probably won't get Windows 10 on 29 July

Microsoft has revealed the 29 July launch date of Windows 10 won’t apply for many users, with a staggered rollout planned so it can “listen, learn and update the experience”.

The vendor will roll out the new operating system in phases. The five million members of the Windows Insider program will be the first to receive the OS, though it appears there may be a wait for some.

A blog post from Microsoft states that “starting on July 29, we will start rolling out Windows 10 to our Windows Insiders".

It seems likely that users who have reserved a copy of Windows 10, but are not in the Windows Insider program, will also have a wait. The wait could be different for each user.

The blog explains: “From there, we will start notifying reserved systems in waves, slowly scaling up after July 29th. Each day of the rollout, we will listen, learn and update the experience for all Windows 10 users.

“If you reserved your copy of Windows 10, we will notify you once our compatibility work confirms you will have a great experience, and Windows 10 has been downloaded on your system.”

It’s not clear from Microsoft’s latest statement when those who haven’t reserved Windows 10 will see general availability of the OS. CRN has reached out to Microsoft for further clarification.

Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise and volume customers

Windows 10 Pro will be available on 29 July along with Windows 10 Home, though Microsoft did not explicitly state if it was also taking a staggered approach to the Pro rollout. 

Meanwhile, volume licensing customers will be able to download Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education on Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) starting on 1 August.

OEM build

Microsoft said OEM partners would be given a build of Windows 10 “soon” so they can start imaging new devices, but it’s not clear yet when vendors will have Windows 10 PCs on sale. CRN has reached out to Microsoft for further clarification.

CRN has reached out to several PC vendors asking when they would have PCs with Windows 10 installed for sale in Australia. A Dell spokesperson replied stating that Dell will have systems available on 29 July with Windows 10, including mainstream Inspirons, XPS and business Latitude laptops.

[Read more: How PC rivals will fight for Win10 supremacy]

“Soon after” an OEM version is supplied to OEM partners, Microsoft will distribute a build of Windows 10 to retailers so they can upgrade customers who bought new devices originally imaged with Windows 8.1. A sticker will tell customers that new devices have been tested for Windows 10 compatibility.

Microsoft announced in January that Windows 10 would be a free upgrade for Windows 7, 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 users who upgrade within a year after it launches. Microsoft will keep the OS “current” for the supported lifetime of the device for free.