Microsoft is gearing up to ship the fast-approaching Windows 10 operating system on USB sticks, a new report claims.
The company reportedly plans to offer both the 32-bit and 64-bit variants of the software on flash drives, as suggested by Winfuture.de.
That’s an advantage over pushing the software using DVDs, which can only hold either a 32-bit or 64-bit version, not both.
It’s also good because many modern computers have eschewed disc drives altogether, while USB ports are still prolific.
The report claims that Microsoft will still flog its latest OS using DVDs and digital downloads. The USB version is just another option for consumers.
It’s suggested that the USB option will be available for both Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Professional.
You can expect to pay $119 (£76) for Windows 10 Home, while the Professional version will cost $199.99 (£127) through DVD. The price is reported to be the same for the USB upgrade.
Related: Windows 10 release date
There’s been some confusion recently over who will actually get a free upgrade to Windows 10, and who will have to pony up for the new OS.
However, Microsoft has now clarified that anyone who is currently running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will be receiving the update download free of charge.
For Vista and XP users, those who continue to opt-in as ‘Insiders’ will be able to continue to test preview builds of the Windows 10 OS free of charge. This will be prone to bugs, however.
Windows 10 is due to launch officially on desktop on July 29, although the mobile version of the OS is set for later this year.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
