REDMOND, Wash., July 29 (UPI) -- Beginning Wednesday, about 600 million registered users of Windows 7 and 8 will be able to upgrade to Microsoft's newest Windows 10 free of charge over the Internet.
The operating system will be available for download in 190 countries.
In what is anticipated to be a rough day for the Internet due to traffic, Windows users who earlier registered for the download when prompted by their system will begin to be sent a link to download the new OS, which feature the return of a Start button, a faster Internet browser named Edge and a Siri-like voice search app called Cortana. Additionally, Xbox One gamers will be able to play opponents on PCs or Xbox One consoles.
Because Microsoft is rolling out the upgrade in groups, however, registered users may have to wait as long as a few months to receive their upgrade link. The free upgrade period lasts one year; after July 30, 2016, Microsoft will charge for the upgrade. Current Windows users who have not yet registered must do so before downloading the OS.
System requirements for the new OS remain largely identical to that of Windows 7 and 8. These include a 1GHz (gigahertz) processor, 1GB (gigabyte) of RAM (random access memory) and 20GB of free hard disk space. The installation process takes 30-45 minutes but the 4 to 5GB download may take much longer.
Microsoft predicts that 1 billion individuals will be using Windows 10 by 2018. Computer manufacturers Dell, Hewlett-Packard and Toshiba expect to begin selling Windows 10 PCs on Wednesday, with an entry-level price of $350 for a 15.6-inch laptop from HP.
Like Us on Facebook for more stories from UPI.com Related UPI Stories
Microsoft unveils Windows 10 and holographic goggles Microsoft to ax Internet Explorer brand