At an event later today Microsoft is expected to make some announcements regarding the next iteration of its desktop operating system. Rumor has it that the new OS is going to be called Windows 9 and that it will be offered as a free upgrade to any and all Windows 8 users. A similar statement was made by Microsoft Indonesia’s president as well but new information has surfaced online which claims that the Windows 9 free upgrade may not be offered to all users.
Infamous Russian leaker WZOR who has been behind countless Windows 9 leaks over the past few months has claimed that while Windows 9 will be available as a free upgrade the courtesy won’t be extended to all users.
Apparently only those users who have purchased a full retail copy of Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 will be provided a free upgrade to Windows 9. Those who bought a device that came with Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 pre-installed will have to pay in order to upgrade to the latest iteration. Windows 7 users may also need to pay a nominal fee in order to upgrade.
The hacker estimates that Windows 8 OEM users may have to pay $20 just to upgrade whereas Windows 7 users may be required to pay $30 just so they can get on the latest OS. Microsoft has not officially confirmed the pricing.
It is expected that a technical preview of Windows 9 will be released today after Microsoft is done with the announcement. We’ll let you know when that happens.