Windows 10 - Microsoft to give it away free

[User983]

Been rumours for a long time that it would be a free release. But to include those who don't have genuine copies of Win 7 & 8/8.1 comes as a surprise. Might deeply annoy XP and Vista users though.

http://anon.projectarchive.net/?http://www.computerworld.com/article/2898803/microsoft-takes-extraordinary-step-will-give-pirates-free-windows-10-upgrade.html

 

[yoyo888]

One thing they miss to mention is that it is only free for the first year. Not sure what will happen after the first year, but MS can always change their mind

 

[noiraud]

My personal history with Microsoft extends back to before Windows even existed. As such, I have learned not to be among the first to accept any kind of offer or upgrade from them. "Wait and see" what the deal really is before jumping into the pool. As yoyo888 so aptly pointed out, "MS can always change their mind"...! :thinking:

 

[gb2000ie]

MS are in damage control mode after the fiasco that was Windows 8. I would be shocked if they do a u-turn on this free upgrade.

Yes, it's only for a year, but really, if you have an existing computer, surely a year is time enough to upgrade yourself?

Remember, every time you buy a new Windows computer a part of the price-tag goes to Microsoft, so free upgrades are not actually that big of a hit for Microsoft, the vast vast bulk of their revenue has always come from new computers, and that is not changing.

Also - Apple have been doing free upgrades for existing users for years now, could MS really get away with charging Windows 8 users for an upgrade?

B.

 

[dargelos]

Must be a lot of spyware, adware, and hard-to-delete-ware in there to subsidise the price.
I'll be going back to Linux instead, which is truly free, in both senses of the word.

 

[gb2000ie]

Must be a lot of spyware, adware, and hard-to-delete-ware in there to subsidise the price.
I'll be going back to Linux instead, which is truly free, in both senses of the word.

As a professional Linux sysadmin I obviously approve of people choosing Linux.

But, I do want to defend Microsoft from the malware allegation. It is MICROSOFT giving free upgrades to Windows 7 & 8, and they have no history of malware bundling.

There is a malware and crapware bundling problem on cheap Windows machines, but it is not put there by Microsoft, it is put there by the computer manufacturers, by the HPs, the Lenovos, and the Asuses. Those people are not involved in this free upgrade at all.

B.

 

[Cute Prince101]

Apparently Microsoft has reinstated what they said about the free upgrade to Windows 10, if you don't have a genuine copy system after you upgraded, you may not get any other software updates like genuine system will, as their devices will still be considered non-genuine

Full Story Here : http://refhide.com/?http://www.gman...ows-10-upgrade-free-but-not-with-pirated-copy

I can't wait to upgrade, looking forward to Windows 10, but I'm gonna wait to see if there's any hiccups in the final product installation process in the news press first just in case, before installing it, as previous OS systems when they were first released have been through, I'm not saying that Win10 is going to be a flop/bad just like Win8 and 8.1 was, I'm just be cautious, as i want a safe easy non trouble upgrade that's all.

 

[topdog]

I've also been using Windows 10 and it is a huge step up for laptop and desktop users. (They have so far only released some of the tablet bits, so that part remains to be seen.) While I can imagine some Windows 7 users being cautious, I don't know why anyone would hold on to Windows 8 when this version is such a marked improvement.

On the upgrade/license issue - the big change here is that Microsoft is making those two separate things. All consumers with Windows 7 or 8 can upgrade at no cost (during the first year). But if your old copy of Windows was unlicensed, the upgraded copy will still be unlicensed.

One thing to note, since this is Windows 10 you might think that it is a big overhaul of the platform. It is not. This is more like Windows 8.2. The "10" moniker just indicates how much distance Microsoft wants to between this version and it's predecessor.

Microsoft seems to have this pattern doing an innovative release (which breaks some things and ticks people off), followed by a more refined and beloved version. Windows 2000 was a massive update, then stabilized with Windows XP. Windows Vista had a rewrite of the core operating system (which made old drivers and hardware stop functioning), but then was stabilized in Windows 7. Windows 8 brought a new interface, but felt like two different systems mashed together.

Now it looks like 10 may bring things back into balance again.

 

[noiraud]

Microsoft seems to have this pattern doing an innovative release...followed by a more refined and beloved version.

I think you've hit the nail on the head there. It's the main reason why I only update Windows every SECOND time there's a new version available. (I'm using 7 right now -- 8 never interested me.)

Now it looks like 10 may bring things back into balance again.

From what I've read in this thread and elsewhere, you are probably right again. Nonetheless, I'll hold out for "10.1" which will fix any undiscovered bugs.

 

[down_the_street]

I'm running the Win10 Tech Preview, too.

And the funny thing about what topdog says ... Windows releases are like Start Trek releases -- alternating between suck and sweet.

 

[CUBBYJR1]

I am running the win10 tech preview

 

[Cute Prince101]

Just installing Windows 10 Tech Preview - Build 10041 right now in VirtualBox app

Update: Didn't work out very good, the OS system was going way too slow/freezing, probably because i was using it in a Virtual Environment with a Virtual HDD, instead of installing it on a Real Hard Drive :thinking: so I'm just gonna wait until the final product gets released, hopefully my experience with the OS system will be more better. :hug:

 

[gb2000ie]

Since the first year of every Windows version feels like extended Beta testing and using the current version of Windows for professional purposes equals a certain suicide of one's business, MS does not offer anything of value there.

I hardly did touch my laptop which came with win8, since that OS makes moves everything one mouseclick further away and makes one wonder, whether the developers are using their own OS at all. It took me about 10 minutes to find the first flaws which made it pointless to downgrade to that level of usability from windows 7.

The problem with windows 8 was the vision, or lack there of, of Steve Balmer. He wanted to be innovative, but different. The man is undeniably good at the business of business, but he has no taste, no vision, and no sense of design. Windows 8 is the embodiment of everything that was wrong with Balmer-era Microsoft. He could have made a great COO, but he was a terrible CEO.

But - Balmer is GONE! He has been replaced by Satya Nedala, the man who ran the most forward-thinking division of Microsoft, their Cloud Services division. Nedala embraced Linux, that's right, LINUX, within his cloud services, and many iOS apps are powered by Microsoft's Azure cloud platform.

Nedala clearly has much more vision and imagination than Balmer. I have high hopes that he can steer the Microsoft ship into better waters. Windows 10 will be the first real test of my faith in Nedala to right the Microsoft ship. Time will tell if I'm just being a wide-eyed optimist or not!

B.

 

[W!nston]

I have a couple of stupid questions that I think I already know the answers to.

I have a licensed Windows 8.1 on my desktop. I have some software that I bought and installed on 8.1 like my anti-virus ESET NOD32 and it's good for another year and another thing like a video editor.

If I upgrade to W10 I have to buy a new W10 license in 12 months? Will I have to buy new licenses for my ESET and Video Editor software? Are they transferable or not?

Not knowing the answers to those questons prevents me from considering the upgrade.

 

[gb2000ie]

I have a couple of stupid questions that I think I already know the answers to.

I have a licensed Windows 8.1 on my desktop. I have some software that I bought and installed on 8.1 like my anti-virus ESET NOD32 and it's good for another year and another thing like a video editor.

If I upgrade to W10 I have to buy a new W10 license in 12 months? Will I have to buy new licenses for my ESET and Video Editor software? Are they transferable or not?

Not knowing the answers to those questons prevents me from considering the upgrade.

Unless the vendors of those apps have licensing models totally outside the norm, no, you will not have to buy new licenses. Just make sure you have all your license keys etc. to hand before you upgrade, in case they ask you to re-enter them.

B.

 

[topdog]

...If I upgrade to W10 I have to buy a new W10 license in 12 months?...

I agree with the others an I'll add just a bit of detail. Microsoft does not sell Windows as a subscription for consumers. So your Windows license never expires. You can run it for the next ten years and beyond. If your hard drive breaks down, or you just want to start fresh, you can reinstall when ever you want and keep going.

The only thing to stay aware of is that if Windows came preinstalled on your computer, then you have what it known as an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) license. That means the HP, Dell, Asus, or whoever made your machine got a sweet deal buying a ton of Windows all at once. There is probably a sticker on the bottom of your laptop with your Windows license proof attached.

The thing to remember about an OEM license is that it is valid for just that one computer. You can't take it with you to a new computer and install it. Whether you sell, give away, or throw away that computer, the Windows OEM license goes with it.

This is different from buying a Retail copy of Windows at the store or online. A retail copy belongs to you, and you can install it on whatever computer you like. If you get a new laptop, you can take a Retail version of Windows off your old machine and put it on the new one.

 

[W!nston]

Thank you topdog.

I do have the OEM license but I don't see any sticker on my all-in-one desktop as you described. Will that make a difference?

Also, the 'fresh install' vs 'update' issue RockNLol mentioned is another thing I need clarification on if you or RNL don't mind expounding a little more. I'm pre-pre-novice at installing an OS. In fact I've never done it myself before.

 

[W!nston]

In the past a new Windows PC would display its product key on a sticker but today Microsoft stores and encrypts the key in the BIOS (or better UEFI) instead, so if you need to reset or reinstall the OS the key is automatically detected and activated...it would be nice but if one day you'll need to replace the motherboard I'm not so sure you'll be so happy about this new policy

I know windows very well, enough to say that in a case like this, a major update from 8.1 to 10, an update through windows update would be problematic with a percentage about 30/40% for this reason I suggested a fresh install. When the final release will be out it will be better to download the ISO file and create your own installation disk (or a bootable USB stick) and install the new OS from zero.
A typical 'format C' command and a new installation will prevent a lot of headaches this is sure

Thanks RNL.

When the final release comes out I will try to do as you suggest and install the new OS from zero. I've never done that before so it should be interesting, lol.

Surely there is a video tutorial showing how it's done. All I have to do is find it. Maybe Microsoft has a tutorial but if not there's always the not-always-so-reliable help on Youtube...

 

[mosaik]

A question for you have looked at 10, is there any real improvement over 7, any great features to be gained? I looked at 8 on a friends machine and didn't like it. I have 7 on two machines and have been happy with it, even replacing a dead laptop with a used machine so as to get 7.

 

[gb2000ie]

A question for you have looked at 10, is there any real improvement over 7, any great features to be gained? I looked at 8 on a friends machine and didn't like it. I have 7 on two machines and have been happy with it, even replacing a dead laptop with a used machine so as to get 7.

Windows 10 is very much a fix of the big problems with Windows 8, so don't be put off by the train-wreak that was 8.

The biggest reason to change is that Windows 7 is now out of main-stream support. Since January this year it has entered the final phase of it's life, 'extended support'.

You are going to have to move to 10 soon, so you may as well do it in the first year, that way it's free!

B.