Microsoft to celebrate Windows 10 launch around the world on July 29

REDMOND, Wash. — July 13, 2015 — On Monday, Microsoft Corp. announced its plans to launch Windows 10 on July 29 with global fan celebrations, joint efforts with thousands of retailers, including all Microsoft store locations, a new global advertising campaign, and a new year-long initiative to celebrate people and organizations making a difference around the world. Available for the first time as a free upgrade*, Windows 10 delivers a fast and familiar experience that is more secure and automatically up-to-date. Featuring new innovations like Cortana**, Microsoft Edge and Xbox integration, Windows 10 is the best Windows ever.

“Windows 10 was built to empower people to do great things. We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of Windows 10 with our fans,” said Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of Windows and Devices Marketing at Microsoft. “We’ll mark the launch of Windows 10 by celebrating the people and organizations that upgrade the world every day — and by helping them do more in their communities.”

Global launch celebrations for Windows fans

Windows fans have helped shape Windows 10, with 5 million Windows Insiders providing valuable feedback. The Windows Insiders will be the first to receive Windows 10 and are invited to join Windows 10 fan celebrations in 13 cities around the world, including Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, New Delhi, Dubai, Nairobi, Berlin, Johannesburg, Madrid, London, São Paulo, and New York City. Fan celebrations will offer hands-on opportunities, experiential demos, entertainment and opportunities to meet the Windows team.

Microsoft stores will celebrate the launch of Windows 10 in more than 110 stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. In select Microsoft stores, fan celebrations will feature Windows 10 pop-up demo experiences, prizes, giveaways and more. Microsoft stores are committed to delivering outstanding choice, value and service, including Answer Desk services and free in-store workshops that will help people learn how to get the most out of Windows 10.

Retailers worldwide, including Best Buy, Bic Camera, Croma, Currys/PC World, Elkjøp, Incredible Connection, Jarrir, Media Markt, Staples, Yamada, Yodobashi, Wal-Mart, and many more, will introduce programs to help people easily upgrade. Tech Bench services will provide support for those upgrading to Windows 10, data migration services to help people move files from old PCs to new PCs, and experience stations where people can try out Windows 10.

Global advertising campaign celebrates a more human way to do

A new global advertising campaign for Windows 10 will celebrate the newest generation and invites people to join a new era with us. July 20 in the U.S. and July 29 globally, the first wave of TV and digital ads will highlight how Windows 10 delivers a more human way to do — brought to life with features like Windows Hello*** and Microsoft Edge.

Upgrade Your World seeks to inspire  

Upgrade Your World is a new year-long initiative to celebrate those who inspire and empower others, led by Microsoft’s vision to help people achieve more through technology and in celebration of the Windows 10 launch.

Microsoft will partner with 10 global and 100 national nonprofits in the year-long initiative to help them upgrade the world. A total $10 million cash investment will be made in support of their missions and to promote awareness of their causes.

The participating global nonprofits are CARE, Code.org, Keep a Child Alive, Malala Fund, Pencils of Promise, Save the Children, Special Olympics, The Global Poverty Project, and The Nature Conservancy. Microsoft will work with these organizations on projects and initiatives to upgrade the world, through a combination of technology, cash investments, and development of shared campaigns to raise awareness.

Beginning July 29, Microsoft and its partners will invite people around the world to nominate a 10th global nonprofit to participate. People are also encouraged to participate by sharing how they are doing big and small things to make an impact in their community and beyond using #UpgradeYourWorld.

In addition to these global partners, Microsoft will join its partners and fans in September to select 10 nonprofits in each of 10 countries — Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States — to also receive cash investments and technology to help them upgrade the world in their local communities.

Microsoft is also giving employees worldwide an extra day off to volunteer in their community at any time within the next year. Thousands of those employees will volunteer to upgrade their communities on July 29 in honor of the Windows 10 launch.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services, devices and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

*Limited time free upgrade offer for qualified and genuine Windows 7 and 8/8.1 devices. Hardware and software requirements apply; see http://www.windows.com/windows10upgrade for details.

**Cortana available in select markets at launch; experience may vary by region and device.

***Windows Hello requires specialized hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated infrared sensor or other biometric sensors.