Microsoft (MSFT) has already shown the Technical Preview for Windows 10, the next step in the desktop and mobile OS. The company wants to create one platform to rule them all, and in order to get everyone on board, Microsoft will make Windows 10 updates free, according to Gartner analysts. 

Like Us on Facebook

The new operating system will allow developers to create one app to run on all devices, and for consumers to have the same experience regardless of size. This is an ambitious project by Microsoft, with a scaled back desktop UI bringing the best bits from Windows 7 and some of the interesting parts of Windows 8, along with new enterprise security and power-user functionality.

It wants to appeal to everyone, Even though it sounds odd, since Microsoft is most well known for Windows sales, the truth is Microsoft is the only vendor still forcing users to pay for updates.

Linux has always been free, Android is free, iOS is free, even Mac OS is free. Indeed, even Microsoft's Windows Phone updates are free to users. If anything, Windows 8 showed Microsoft is still living behind the times, forcing users to pay $59.99 for a new operating system.

This has resulted in even deeper fragmentation on the Windows desktop OS, with 30 percent still on XP, 50 percent on Windows 7 and only 20 percent on Windows 8 and 8.1. Many users still run a decade old operating system, which is bad for both consumers and enterprise, both at risk of viruses and slow performance.

For consumers, Windows 10 will have rapid monthly updates, slightly changing the experience and adding new features. Microsoft will still make money from Bing!, Office, OneDrive and other services, especially with new subscription models making them easier to afford.

Enterprise will be able to pay for a longer upgrade cycle, letting them update Windows 10 once in annually. This would give companies more time to teach their employees everything new about the operating system, and not sit on a monthly cycle like consumers.

Microsoft has still been mute on the topic of Windows 10 price, we expect to hear more at the BUILD conference in April 2015.

TagsWindows 10 price