Microsoft will 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 organisations making a difference around the world.

Windows 10 will be available as a free upgrade and will feature innovations like Cortana, Microsoft Edge, and Xbox integration.

Five million Windows insiders who provided valuable feedback will be the first to receive Windows 10 and are being invited to join fan celebrations in Sydney, Beijing, Tokyo, Sao Paolo, London, Berlin, Madrid, Singapore, Johannesburg, Nairobi, New Delhi, Dubai and New York City.

Microsoft will partner with 10 global and 100 national non-profits in the year-long initiative to help them upgrade the world. A $10 million cash investment will be made in support of their missions and to promote awareness of their causes. Nine of the global non-profits are: Caqre, Code.org, , Keep a Child Alive, The Global Poverty Project, the Malala Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Pencils of Promise, Save the Children and Special Olympics.

Microsoft will work with these organisations 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 tenth global non-profit beneficiary.

In addition to these global partners, in September, Microsoft will select 10 non-profits in each of 10 countries – Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, the UK and the US – to also receive cash investments and technology to help them upgrade the world in their local communities.

Finally, Microsoft is giving employees worldwide an extra day off to volunteer in their community at any time next year.