You can't upgrade your WinXP machine for even $1000 as WinXP isn't an eligible product. All you can do is replace it by buying a whole new license, unless you can find a Win8 upgrade from somewhere.

MS has been close to giving Windows away to large OEMs for years and as that's how most people get Windows (buying it pre-installed on a brand name computer) so most people have been getting Windows for very little already. Regardless, they've already paid for it and MS makes no more money from them.

MS is giving Win10 away because it costs them very little to do so and the user becomes a potential customer for their app store. They definitely aren't going to make any money out of you as a continuing Win7 user. Both users cost a similar amount to support but only one offers potential sales. MS is also trying to establish a sustainable userbase for their app store.

Here's an interesting development (or not - perhaps) in the W10 revelation....

https://www.facebook.com/topic/Windo...71475388440984

What's also interesting is that one of major computer component retailers here in OZ still offers W7 as an OEM install option with their new systems, but it costs almost $70 more than a W10 build. Distant pressure from MS to move new users on? Or charging what the market will stand for a known, trusted and therefore preferred OS - even if it costs a bit more .....?

Who can say .....:rolleyes:

FOR

ISTR reading somewhere that W10 will be MS's last OS ... at least for now, anyway