Not everyone will get Windows 10 on July 29

With less than four weeks to go until the launch of Windows 10, Microsoft has disclosed that not everyone will receive the free upgrade to the new operating system on July 29. The update will instead by distributed in waves, with members of the Windows Insiders Program being the first to receive Windows 10 on launch day.

After Windows Insiders have received their update, Microsoft will start notifying users who've reserved the upgrade via the "Get Windows 10" widget in their task bar, "slowly scaling up after July 29".

In addition to reducing the strain a simultaneous launch would inflict on Microsoft's servers, Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Operating Systems Terry Myerson says the company will continue working on Windows 10 during this period, addressing undiscovered bugs as they're found.

"Each day of the roll-out, we will listen, learn and update the experience for all Windows 10 users," wrote Myerson on the official Windows blog.

To date, Microsoft has had over five million users beta test Windows 10.

Windows 10 will be available from July 29 as a free upgrade for owners of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Members of the Windows Insider Program are also eligible for a free copy of Windows 10, provided they continue to test updates to the operating system after its launch.