Microsoft has announced to extend the offer for Surface Laptop buyers to avail the free Windows 10 Pro upgrade offer by 3 months. The offer was supposed to end this year, but is now being extended until March 31st, 2018.
“Don’t forget that Surface Laptop comes with the streamlined security and performance of Windows 10 S, and verified apps in the Windows Store," Microsoft wrote in today's announcement (emphasis is ours).
For those that find they need an application that isn’t yet available in the Store and must be installed from another source, we’re extending the ability to switch from Windows 10 S to Windows 10 Pro for free until March 31, 2018. We hope this provides increased flexibility for those people searching for the perfect back-to-school or holiday gift.
The latest statement proves that Windows 10 S while initially touted as a direct Chrome OS competitor isn't yet ready for primetime. The Redmond Windows maker introduced the new operating system with its premium Surface Laptop, but many believed that Microsoft was aware that it won't work with the lightweight Windows 10 S that is highly dependent on the horror story that is the Windows Store.
While the Surface Laptop comes with Windows 10 S out of the box, the company offers all buyers a free upgrade to Windows 10 Pro. This way, users are able to get the premium product - Microsoft's most successful Surface product to date - and also get the software experience they want without being restricted to the Windows Store. After March 2018, you will be asked to pay $50 for the upgrade, however, it seems likely that the company will announce another extension to this offer.
Microsoft also added in today's announcement that the Surface Laptop is now available in the full range of colors. "If you’ve been holding out to purchase a Surface Laptop in Cobalt Blue, Burgundy, or Graphite Gold, visit Surface.com or your nearest Microsoft Store to learn about pre-orders and in-store availability in your country," the company wrote in its blog post. "Whether it’s the colors that speak to you, the all-day battery life, the incredible screen quality, or the elegance of the Alcantara keyboard, we think you’ll love your Surface Laptop."
You can find a Microsoft store near you, here.
