If there weren't free upgrades, then many people wouldn't buy a Windows 8.1 PC now, knowing 10 was just around the corner. I'm not sure MS could win either way on this one.

BunnyJ said:

1. What if a PC breaks or just is old?
2. What if someone wants a new PC??
3. A new OS doesn't mean that the demand for new PC's will disappear...
Just a few quick thoughts/questions..

Thanks for the information/link Wynona

1. I think that will come within the "supported life of the device".
2. OEMs aren't going out of business. There are still the Windows Vista and XP users.
3. No, but with all the "old" PCs getting a free "face lift" fewer people will want/need to buy a new PC.

For instance, the kid is going off to college but has a perfectly good Windows 8.1 laptop. Instead of buying him/her a new one, parents'll just get the free upgrade to Windows 10 and consider themselves lucky.

Windows 7 has rapidly been headed toward being the next Windows XP. There are reasons people have held onto Windows 7; not all of which are "because I like it". Some of the reasons are cost. Although their computers are a mixture of older and newer technology, they'll jump onto the upgrade bandwagon.

Windows 8 PCs are comparatively new, so it's natural that an upgrade to Windows 10 will be grabbed with gusto! After all, this will be the most cost effective upgrade in history. :)

And then there are those running Vista or XP; even they will probably get a very attractive upgrade package, so . . .

Normally, when a new OS comes out, people will buy a new computer with it installed because they don't want to mess with upgrading; however, since the upgrade to Windows 10 will be free (and most already know how to use Windows Update), they'll upgrade rather than buy a new computer.

Of course, not all of those upgrading would have bought a new computer anyway; it's cheaper to upgrade even if you have to pay for the OS.

There will be a dent in PC sales during the first year Windows 10 is out, but things will level out again.

DavidY said:

If there weren't free upgrades, then many people wouldn't buy a Windows 8.1 PC now, knowing 10 was just around the corner. I'm not sure MS could win either way on this one.

Microsoft will be the winner any way you look at it. The OEMs will be the losers through lost sales for the first year of Windows 10.

BunnyJ said:

I agree with most of your post.. but Vista/Xp PC's might not have the hardware capability to support Win10.. some will of course. And I think that there will be people who will buy a new PC over upgrading to Win10.. the group I'm referring to are less tech knowledgeable and just will not want to mess around with the process..

Oh, I don't doubt that, Jeff. There will always be new PC sales. Ya missed the ones that have to have the latest and greatest in technology. Those are the ones with a Band, Tablets, Laptops, Desktops, SmartPhones, etc.

Mainly I was pointing out the ones who will upgrade rather than buy a new computer. And, no matter how you look at it, that many people upgrading to Windows 10 is bound to put a dent in new PC sales.

In the end, I must say that it's about time that we consumers get a break! :)