This screenshot shows Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-activated digital assistant, left, in Windows 10. The new Windows 10 system offers more personalization than before, but it also collects more data than people might be used to on PCs, from contacts and appointments to their physical location and even WiFi passwords. (Microsoft via AP)

If you've been thinking about upgrading to Windows 10, this is your moment.

When Microsoft first released its latest operating system, the company said that it would give users a year in which to upgrade to the new system for free. That year ends today -- or, more accurately, at 5:59 a.m. ET on July 30. So, technically, if you wanted to play it close and get up really early Saturday, you could probably make the deadline.

After that passes, however, anyone who wants Windows 10 will have to pay either $119 for a Windows 10 Home version or $199 for a Professional version.

As a refresher, anyone with Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 should be able to redeem this offer. (If you're on an older system than that, you'll have to pay.)  There are some technical requirements to run Windows 10, which you can find on Microsoft's help pages.

The major advantages of Windows 10 are the updated Edge browser, an updated design and the integration of Microsoft's personalized assistant, Cortana. Using the personal assistant does mean there's a lot more potential for data collection in Windows 1o -- as one might expect from a program designed to give you traffic updates, set reminders for you and generally be your personal assistant.

Users can disable the more personalized aspects of Cortana, if they want, by logging out of the assistant in its settings and simply not using it.

If you want to upgrade, go to the Windows Download page, or follow the annoying prompts that you're almost certainly getting on your computer if you're eligible for the deal.

But before you upgrade, it's a good idea to back up your files on the off chance that something goes horribly wrong. You can also revert back to your old system if you end up disiking Windows 10, as long as you downgrade within a month.

Microsoft is also preparing to roll out an Anniversary Edition of Windows 10, which will let users access Cortana from the lock screen among other features. That is set to roll out on Aug. 2.