Microsoft has cleared doubts on Windows 10 Insiders upgrade offer, after creating confusion among Windows users. All this started when Microsoft posted on its blog, making all surmise that all Windows 10 Insiders would get Windows 10 final version. But later Microsoft edited – twice – its blog post causing confusion.
Update (June 22) Microsoft edited its blog post changing some wordings. This is the updated para.
Windows Insiders running the Windows 10 Insider Preview (Home and Pro editions) with their registered MSA connected to their PC will receive the final release build of Windows 10 starting on July 29th. This will come as just another flight. I’ve gotten a lot of questions from Windows Insiders about how this will work if they clean installed from ISO. As long as you are running an Insider Preview build and connected with the MSA you used to register, you will receive the Windows 10 final release build. Once you have successfully installed this build, you will also be able to clean install on that PC from final media if you want to start over fresh. It’s important to note that only people running Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 can upgrade to Windows 10 as part of the free upgrade offer.*
If we compare with the original blog post which we had quoted in our post , it can be seen that Microsoft had removed the “…remain activated..” and now had added the “…only people running Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 can upgrade to Windows 10…”
Since Microsoft just edited the blog post without clarifying, it created further confusion, making us wonder, Was Windows 10 not free for everyone?
So Microsoft came back again with another update, this time clearly mentioning the update date and time and the details.
Update 2 (June 22) :
Microsoft’s Gabe Aul apologizing to users for the confusion created, said this is a very complex topic. And this because of Microsoft is managing multiple versions of Windows using a new approach of building and delivering Windows and a new Preview program which is different from any program done in the past.
Now it clearly states, Windows 10 whether you get it on its release day on 29th July or you get it in a preview from Windows Insider program is to be installed on Genuine Windows device only. Gabe Aul further made it more clear how the Windows Insider program will proceed in 2 scenarios. And it is quoted here in full:
- If one wants to continue as Windows Insider and wants to keep getting preview builds after 29th July :
If you want to continue as a Windows Insider past 7/29 there is nothing you need to do. You’re already opted in and receiving builds in the Fast or Slow ring depending upon your selection. This is prerelease software and is activated with a prerelease key. Each individual build will expire after a time, but you’ll continue to receive new builds so by the time an older prerelease build expires you’ll have received a new one. Since we’re continuing the Windows Insider Program you’ll be able to continue receiving builds and those builds will continue to be activated under the terms of the Windows Insider Program. We provide ISOs for these builds for recovery from any significant problems, but they are still pre-release software. As part of the program we’ll upgrade Insiders to what is for all intents and purposes the same build as what other customers will get on 7/29, but that will be just another build for Insiders, and those who stay in the program will simply get the next build after as well.
- If one wants to upgrade his Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 system that has been getting Windows 10 Insider preview builds on the 29 July release and STOP being an Insider, opting out of Insider program:
If you decide to opt-out of the program and upgrade to the 7/29 build you will be subject to exactly the same terms and conditions that govern the offer* that was extended to all Genuine Windows 7 and 8.1 customers. This is not a path to attain a license for Windows XP or Windows Vista systems. If your system upgraded from a Genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license it will remain activated, but if not, you will be required to roll back to your previous OS version or acquire a new Windows 10 license. If you do not roll back or acquire a new license the build will eventually expire.
*More information about the free upgrade offer can be found at Windows.com
Microsoft’s Gabe Aul further said in the blog post, that the blog post was made keeping in mind the Windows Insiders who have been assisting since the announcement of the program last year and hoping vast majority of them will continue to be a part of it. And for them the upcoming changes to the program blog post was made. Regretting once again for the confusion caused about who was or who was not eligible for the Windows 10 upgrade offer, he hoped that now the confusion is cleared.
So as far as I understand now, the Insider will get the same build as the 29/6 final build, but he/she will have to continue to be in the Insider program and keep testing and using it, in order to get the next build/s. The moment he exits, the new builds stop. Moreover, the builds of the OS he gets will be the pre-release untested builds.
So it not “free” as such. You have to be a tester – and test the pre-release OS. Something like being a beta tester for a beta software and giving back feedback. Do this and you get the next build. Even if you dont give active fedback, Microsoft will get automatic feedback about the crashes and issues you face on this pre-release software.
The Windows 10 free upgrade for licenced genuine users will on the other hand, give you the finished product which would be stable.
So in my opinion, you do not get Windows 10 free. What you get and keep getting is the pre-release version builds, before they are released to the public as finished products. In short – remain a beta-tester and you get Windows 10 preview builds to use.
Please correct me if my understanding is wrong.
Right on point!
I knew Microsoft would never make it free outright because doing so would definitely affect the company’s profit margin. Since staying in the beta means possible unstable software, I doubt many users would want to do so.
I must say though, could going down this path cause for less people to pirate Windows 10 when compared to other versions of the operating system?
In a way yes but the Insider program is meant for getting the test bits before it goes to the public. And Microsoft clearly mentions about “Download and install the Preview only if…” and also advises not to install on everyday comp. Also the Insider will have the option of opting out of Insider after installing the RTM. And he’ll continue to get the Windows 10 updates in a regular way. And may be he can again register for WIP using a different MSA..as I hope Microsoft will still allow users to register even after Windows 10 release on 29/7……
Other TWC readers can add, discuss further and provide their POV.
Can one expect some more offers/surprises from Microsoft before the final release?
ok, just to be clear: so if i install Win10 Insider on my MacBook via virtual machine, I won’t get a license when the final version comes out? Or will I?
“Windows Insider program is to be installed on Genuine Windows device only.”
I’m guessing the answer to that would be, no.
“Windows Insider program is to be installed on Genuine Windows device only.”
I’m thinking the answer to that would be, no.
AFAIK, no you won’t. The 10130 preview build has to be your main OS.
So essentially on can be an insider, not qualify for the upgrade but as long as they stay an insider they can keep using and testing Windows 10 and their systems will be upgraded as needed with everyone else on all future builds ….. so long as Microsoft doesn’t pull the plug on the insider program they will have a free version of Windows 10.
Can someone explain this to Dave’s Computer Tips? because there are a few over there that really just don’t get it.
As an insider, if you remain an insider, yes your build which is the RTM build (the same as everyone else’s build on 7.29 ) will remain a preview build whether or not your system qualifies for the upgrade but it will be essentially be a free version of Windows 10, just as long as you remain an insider. If you pull your own plug on being an insider, once your preview build key expires you’ll have to purchase a license if your system does not qualify for an upgrade.
As an insider you will get all updates first whether they are good or bad and will probably have to do more resets and refreshes due to bad updates , but once the updates are stable your preview build is updated and upgraded just as everyone else’s systems are. So essentially yes, Windows insider DO get a free copy of Windows 10, it comes with it’s own set of headaches but it is still free.
So it’s like – become a guinea pig for Microsoft and test prerelease software on your computer and get to use it free. 😛
hi friends how to direct upgrade window 10 please sent link…….
Windows 10 will be upgraded like any other Windows update. It can also be installed via media creation tool https://news.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-iso-download-79481/ . If you are not tech savvy, better to upgrade via Windows update.
Hi
have un registered window 8 version can I get it activated or can I upgrade to window 10 free
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RANJEET RAMAN