There’s only a couple of weeks to go until Microsoft officially launches Windows 10, and seeing that the OS is a landmark release in the company’s long history it’s not surprising that Windows fans and curious onlookers are going to be treated to something special.

This includes launch events (invites firstly going to Windows Insiders) in some of the biggest cities in the world: Beijing, Berlin, Dubai, Johannesburg, London, Madrid, Nairobi, New Delhi, New York City, Sao Paolo, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo. In a blog post Corporate VP Yusuf Mehdi said that the events will, “Offer hands-on opportunities, experiential demos, entertainment and opportunities to meet the Windows team.” Mehdi goes on to say that there will be support for people still not sure how to upgrade to Windows 10 and migrate data, adding that programs have been introduced to a list of retailers to help those customers.

At the same time there will be Windows demos, prizes and free stuff at 110 Microsoft Stores in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Stores will each have a support desk and workshops will also be held.

Citizens of the US should be prepared for a wave of TV and digital advertising campaigns which will take effect on July 20^th, although the rest of the world will have to wait until July 29^th. The first ads will feature what Microsoft says is a more “human way” to do things and will focus on biometric authentication sign-in Windows Hello and Microsoft’s new Edge browser.

Finally Microsoft has planned a $10 million investment called ‘Upgrade Your World’ including 10 global and 100 local nonprofits. The initiative, as one would think, is to help empower people by upgrading communities around the world. Tens of thousands of Microsoft employees have even been given the day off so that they can join this endeavor.

Photo credit: Nana B Agyel via Flickr