Windows 10 - More Clarification About Who Does And Who Does Not Qualify For A Free Version

Hey again ATS!

Given that there seems to be a large amount of confusion about just who qualifies for a free version of Windows 10 ( Not helped at all by seemingly contradictory statements made my Microsoft Exec's ) - it appears that the details are finally being spelled out.

Contrary to what many seem to think - those running "non-genuine" do not qualify for the free upgrade. Nor do those running any version older than Windows 7.

But there is a workaround that seems to provide amnesty and a free upgrade, provided you're willing to create or use your existing Microsoft Account!

While there was some confusion over Microsoft giving away Windows 10 to pirates, the software giant is now being clear about its free upgrade plans for Windows 10. We already know that Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will get Windows 10 as a free upgrade (providing you install within a year of July 29th), but Microsoft is introducing a new way for anyone to get Windows 10 free of charge. If you install the latest Windows 10 preview (build 10130) on a machine and use a Microsoft Account that's registered for the Windows Insider program then you'll get the final version of Windows 10 free.

So if you're running Windows XP or Windows Vista and you're looking to get a free copy of Windows 10, simply install the preview now and you'll get the final copy free once it's ready on July 29th.

Source

So there it is folks. Clarification and a reasonable workaround that will allow anyone willing to participate a free upgrade ( at least for 365 days past the July 29th release. Come July 30, 2016 all "free" bets are off and it will be a totally different situation. )

Though there are seven different versions of Windows 10 being released, most home users will end up with Windows 10 Home Edition - and it should be noted that, as of now, this particular version of Windows will NOT allow users to control the update process. In other words, whatever Microsoft issues, gets automatically downloaded and installed. This might be a deal breaker for some people - as history has seen more than a couple of system killing MS updates.

Finding information on the lifecycle of Windows 10 is proving difficult - as different sources have different answers. Typically MS will support an O/S for ten years, with the majority of that period ( after four years ) dealing only with needed security based updates, but no functionality upgrades or tweaks. However with this version MS is giving mixed signals - opening the door for the potential that they will not honor a "full lifecycle". But anything is possible.

I hope information helps clear things up for anyone making plans or having expectation sets that aren't correct. I'd hate for anyone to wind up in the suck come July 29 - confused as to why things aren't happening as expected.

a reply to: Hefficide
Already received my invite from MS.

A word of caution concerning Windows 10. From the grumblings I've heard you do not want to install the home version of Windows 10 due to it's "forced" updates. The professional and enterprise versions will not require the forced updates because of the obvious issues of deployment across a business network. Not positive if this is true or not, but if it is you need to ask yourself if having your operating system automatically updated without the option to refuse them is a good idea. Just ask millions of windows users who have had huge issues when Microsoft decides it a good idea to update components of the OS that cause conflicts with your other installed software.

From Tom's Hardware:

In addition to the changes listed above, the specifications point out that Windows 10 Home customers will receive platform updates automatically via Windows Update. That's not the case with Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Pro, as these customers can hold off on updates for as long as they need. This should be good news for businesses, as they can test the update(s) first on a single machine before allowing the updates to be distributed across the office network.

Link to article on Tom's

ETA: Just a heads up if you're using Windows Media Center. Stay away from Windows 10 as it is no longer included. Stick with 7 or 8/8.1 as these are the last Microsoft OS's that will have Windows Media Center. While this doesn't affect most windows users, it is a huge deal for those of us who use media center for viewing live TV.

Anything too good to be true usually is.Stop getting microsoft software that is barely functional and full of security holes and go with a good flavor of linux instead.

I personally love fedora and kubuntu.Do not like Ubuntu for some reason though..Set yourelf free from microcrap and go with a real os that is stress free.

I have to say that I am very skeptical of this "free" offer of Win10 from Microsoft. Something stinks about it, like there is going to be some kind of major catch that most people will not realize until it is too late and they have already installed it. I will do as I have in the past and wait for 6 months or so for real feedback from users on software and compatibility issues.

originally posted by: SpaDe_
I have to say that I am very skeptical of this "free" offer of Win10 from Microsoft. Something stinks about it, like there is going to be some kind of major catch that most people will not realize until it is too late and they have already installed it. I will do as I have in the past and wait for 6 months or so for real feedback from users on software and compatibility issues.

You hit it on the nail..

a reply to: SpaDe_

I have to say that I am very skeptical of this "free" offer of Win10 from Microsoft. Something stinks about it, like there is going to be some kind of major catch that most people will not realize until it is too late and they have already installed it. I will do as I have in the past and wait for 6 months or so for real feedback from users on software and compatibility issues.

Windows 10 = Massive NSA/FBI/CIA dragnet?

When Microsoft normally charges $100+ for their newest OS you've got to ask yourself why all of a sudden their willing to give it away for free???

HUGE RED FLAG

It's got me thinking as well. I think it might be a good time to look at running linux on all my machines.

a reply to: OptimusPrimeOne

Linux has it's place. For quite a long time I decidedly and solely ran Ubuntu Gnome as my O/S. Then, a few months ago I finally got to do the way past overdue - and upgraded to a new system. In the process I found myself with Windows 8.1 and am, apparently the only living human being who likes it.

As far as Microsoft putting in backdoors for law enforcement? That's actually about 20 years ago - openly ( Google "NSAKEY" and you'll see that this has been the case since at least Windows 95 ).

While Linux, in most cases, is more secure - unless you own your own ISP and only visit websites that you own? Your data is being mined anyway. Even running Tails, from a USB and disabling everything in TOR still leaves a digital footprint.

Personally, after having read a LOT, and with decades of computing behind me - I think the reality is that Google and Android scare Microsoft and that their current CEO is smart enough to see that the future of computing is no longer desktop based and is increasingly mobile and cross platform. Even our appliances are now becoming "smart" and interacting with our digital devices. Given all of this I think MS is promoting this new product not to be generous, but in an absolute self-interested desire to regain momentum and get back segments of the populace they've lost.

As long as most AAA games want MS? I'll keep it.

a reply to: Hefficide

As far as Microsoft putting in backdoors for law enforcement? That's actually about 20 years ago - openly ( Google "NSAKEY" and you'll see that this has been the case since at least Windows 95 ).

You're absolutely correct, but I think W10 is going to have more than just a backdoor for access, I'm thinking more like a red carpet entrance right through the front porch. I think it's tailored more for unmitigated access which will all be logged in Utah for "future reference".

a reply to: Hefficide

Thank you Hefficide. Your post alone has decided for me that I will stick with the Windows 7 on my desktop and *shivers* the Windows 8 for my laptop. There have been Microsoft updates in the past that have really messed up my computers and I like being able to decide what and if I want.

originally posted by: Hefficide
a reply to: OptimusPrimeOne

In the process I found myself with Windows 8.1 and am, apparently the only living human being who likes it.

You're not the only one Heff. I love my copy of windows 8.1.

I don't use the start menu much these days anymore, but that's the beauty of it, you don't have to with windows 8.1. That's why everyone hates it. Everyone is like "OMG it's so stupid, bla bla bla! I want my start menu back!!! HERP DERP MERP!!!!" Everything I need is pinned to my task bar and anything else is accessed through the explorer folder. No problems.

One question I have though, with this update, will I have to back up everything and do a fresh install? If so, then that is such a HUGE pain in the a$$. I'm sooo sick of haveing to spend weeks redoing and installing every freaking thing. If I have to go through my 60+ gig iTunes library one more freaking time, because I'm anal about it, I think I might punch a puppy. Microsoft needs to get it together and the update needs to be as simple as Android or iOS. Download, update, evrything still in its place, YAY new features.

a reply to: Hefficide

thank you for the information. I wish I could print out your post to pass on to others.

An update perhaps...

originally posted by: MonkeyFishFrog
a reply to: Hefficide

Thank you Hefficide. Your post alone has decided for me that I will stick with the Windows 7 on my desktop and *shivers* the Windows 8 for my laptop. There have been Microsoft updates in the past that have really messed up my computers and I like being able to decide what and if I want.

Windows 7 will be the best windows ever made in my opinion but it still does not hold a candle to Fedora or Kubuntu.

a reply to: SgtHamsandwich

As far as I've read a clean install is possible, but not required.

The good news is that, after this version of Windows - the numbers will no longer apply... It'll just be "Windows" and will be treated as a rolling release. No more versions. Microsoft is rewriting the NT code to make it modular - compartmentalized. So, in the future, rather than updating to a new version, Microsoft can simply pull out a module here and a module there as needed.

The downside to this is that they might try to make Windows a subscription based product. It would be totally illogical for them to do so, as MS doesn't make much of their money from home PC "boxed" purchases. Most people simply get it OEM and stay with what they get until the system dies. Their money is all made from sales and support to corporations. So maybe they'll catch up with Linux, iOS, Android, and Chrome and give the OS away perpetually.

a reply to: OptimusPrimeOne

I agree, probably the best OS was Windows 7 but I have a special place in my heart for XP because that was the OS I cut my tech teeth on. Plus the self healing reboot was very nice. I feel like Windows 7 is the mature XP.

originally posted by: Hefficide
Hey again ATS!

Given that there seems to be a large amount of confusion about just who qualifies for a free version of Windows 10 ( Not helped at all by seemingly contradictory statements made my Microsoft Exec's ) - it appears that the details are finally being spelled out.

Contrary to what many seem to think - those running "non-genuine" do not qualify for the free upgrade. Nor do those running any version older than Windows 7.

But there is a workaround that seems to provide amnesty and a free upgrade, provided you're willing to create or use your existing Microsoft Account!

While there was some confusion over Microsoft giving away Windows 10 to pirates, the software giant is now being clear about its free upgrade plans for Windows 10. We already know that Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users will get Windows 10 as a free upgrade (providing you install within a year of July 29th), but Microsoft is introducing a new way for anyone to get Windows 10 free of charge. If you install the latest Windows 10 preview (build 10130) on a machine and use a Microsoft Account that's registered for the Windows Insider program then you'll get the final version of Windows 10 free.

So if you're running Windows XP or Windows Vista and you're looking to get a free copy of Windows 10, simply install the preview now and you'll get the final copy free once it's ready on July 29th.

Source

So there it is folks. Clarification and a reasonable workaround that will allow anyone willing to participate a free upgrade ( at least for 365 days past the July 29th release. Come July 30, 2016 all "free" bets are off and it will be a totally different situation. )

Though there are seven different versions of Windows 10 being released, most home users will end up with Windows 10 Home Edition - and it should be noted that, as of now, this particular version of Windows will NOT allow users to control the update process. In other words, whatever Microsoft issues, gets automatically downloaded and installed. This might be a deal breaker for some people - as history has seen more than a couple of system killing MS updates.

Finding information on the lifecycle of Windows 10 is proving difficult - as different sources have different answers. Typically MS will support an O/S for ten years, with the majority of that period ( after four years ) dealing only with needed security based updates, but no functionality upgrades or tweaks. However with this version MS is giving mixed signals - opening the door for the potential that they will not honor a "full lifecycle". But anything is possible.

I hope information helps clear things up for anyone making plans or having expectation sets that aren't correct. I'd hate for anyone to wind up in the suck come July 29 - confused as to why things aren't happening as expected.

As I understand it everyone will get a free version as it will be loaded as a service not in the normal way. Microsoft will have direct entry into your computer to insert whatever and to take whatever from your computer. Thats why they are offering it free.

a reply to: Hefficide

I've had the ugrade thingy sitting in my task bar for a couple of weeks now, haven't commited to doing the install yet...Strangely enough, Norton has somehow made its way back onto my system. The first thing I do when I get a new laptop/OS is get rid of all the Norton rubbish that's preloaded, so I'm rather annoyed it's back, and assume it's no coincidence that it's because of windows 10.

Everyone gets a free version except Enterprise version, and pirated versions. That is my understanding of what MS have said.

a reply to: Ceeker63

That was the case, but now they've kind of wink and nodded a backdoor into the policy. Legally it says they aren't giving it away - but if you sign up now to "test"? You're "genuine" for good. So, if you're willing to install it a bit early and go through a couple of hoops, anyone can get it.

a reply to: Azureblue

That is what Windows is moving to, sort of. But that's honestly how most other operating systems do anyway. They update the kernel and modules regularly. The one "iffy" aspect about Windows 10 Home is the fact that it will always automatically upgrade - and the user has no control over what updates or upgrades at all.

As I mentioned before, in the past MS has released system breaking updates. If they're force feeding updates then they'll need to be careful about this, or consumers will rage.

IMO the newest CEO of Microsoft is simply smart enough to realize that MS is losing it's monopoly due to their antiquated business model. They want ten million devices running Win 10 in the first year - that's the stated goal. They're not going to get their with trickery nor bad product.