Windows 10 is here

With today’s launch of Windows 10, GeekWire decided to check out the local Best Buy in Seattle to see what sort of Windows 10 selection we could find at retail. We found a reasonable selection of laptops preloaded with Windows 10, plus many Windows 8.1 machines with signs touting the free OS upgrade.

Satya Nadella recently described the Windows 10 launch in three phases. Today’s launch begins the push to upgrade users’ current machines, followed by new Windows 10-specific devices for the holidays and finally a push for enterprise adoption. While new laptop models may be on the way for the holidays, there were a number of OEMs with Windows 10 laptops in retail for launch day.

Windows 8.1 laptops touting the free upgrade to Windows 10
Windows 8.1 laptops touting the free upgrade to Windows 10

There were about 70 different laptops on display at Best Buy from a variety of computer manufacturers, plus some small form-factor Windows tablets and a selection of desktop PCs. We counted 12 laptops preloaded with Windows 10.

Toshiba Touch-Screen 2-in-1 laptop
Toshiba Touch-Screen 2-in-1 Windows 10 laptop

Dell and Toshiba seemed to have made the biggest push, both with multiple Windows 10 models available. The Toshiba models already had Windows 10-specific features like a dedicated Cortana key.

We also found Asus laptops and the Lenovo Yoga with Windows 10. HP seemed notably absent in the mix. None of the larger all-in-one desktops or smaller Windows tablets were loaded with Windows 10, though obviously are still eligible for the free upgrade.

Microsoft’s Surface tablets on display had all been upgraded to Windows 10, though according to the Best Buy rep that I spoke to, the Surface you purchase may still have Windows 8.1 on it and will require an upgrade.

Dell laptops preloaded with Windows 10
Dell laptops preloaded with Windows 10

Given the launch schedule that Microsoft has described, we’re guessing that we’ll see a much larger percentage of Windows 10 laptops in retail by the time the fall rolls around. It will also be interesting to track whether Microsoft’s unique offer of a free Windows 10 upgrade helps or hurts PC sales numbers in the coming months.

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.