Frequently Asked Questions: Windows 10 - Updated June 15, 2015


  1. Posts : 1,463
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 64 bit
       #1

    Frequently Asked Questions: Windows 10 - Updated June 15, 2015


    Very interesting quote from this MS site. Also many questions answered and takes a while. This Q&A was updated on June 15, 2015.

    http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/i...4-45f4b7ed2fb9

    UPDATE: Due to the length of this article, navigating and finding the information you need might be tedious. Utilize the search command (normally Control + F) in your favorite web browser to find the appropriate answer.

    When I upgrade a preinstalled (OEM) or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 license to Windows 10, does that license remain OEM or become a retail license?

    If you upgrade from a OEM or retail version of Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 to the free Windows 10 upgrade this summer, the license is consumed into it. Because the free upgrade is derived from the base qualifying license, Windows 10 will carry that licensing too.


    If you upgrade from a retail version, it carries the rights of a retail version.
    If you upgrade from a OEM version, it carries the rights of a OEM version.


    Full version (Retail):


    - Includes transfer rights to another computer.
    - Doesn't require a previous qualifying version of Windows.

    - Expensive

    Upgrade version (Retail):

    - Includes transfer rights to another computer.
    - require a previous qualifying version of Windows.
    - Expensive, but cheaper than full version

    OEM :

    OEM versions of Windows are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:
    - OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel
    - OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on
    - OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard
    - OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

    What happens if I change my motherboard?
    As it pertains to the OEM licenses this will invalidate the Windows 10 upgrade license because it will no longer have a previous base qualifying license which is required for the free upgrade. You will then have to purchase a full retail Windows 10 license. If the base qualifying license (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1) was a full retail version, then yes, you can transfer it
    Jim
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,463
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #2

    This is interesting.
    Can I do a clean install using the Free upgrade? No, it will require that you are running a previous qualifying version and start the upgrade from within the qualifying version. You can initiate a clean install after completing the Upgrade.
    Even with an ISO you have to start setup through Windows.

    How to upgrade from previous versions of Windows using Windows 10 - Microsoft Community

    Jim
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,524
    Windows 10 Pro (32-bit) 16299.15
       #3

    Although it's a Microsoft site, my understanding is that it's a community-maintained page and therefore not necessarily the official Microsoft answers - some of it still may be speculation at this stage.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 486
    Windows 10x64 17713
       #4

    If that's accurate that the only possible way to upgrade is directly through 7 and 8 that's pretty significant news. It makes sense but it also runs counter to the implication given that upgrading through 10 was also possible. Like the previous poster said, it's not official Microsoft news and time will tell.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,463
    Windows 10 Pro 22H2 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #5

    cyberrufus said:
    If that's accurate that the only possible way to upgrade is directly through 7 and 8 that's pretty significant news. It makes sense but it also runs counter to the implication given that upgrading through 10 was also possible. Like the previous poster said, it's not official Microsoft news and time will tell.
    Yes you can upgrade from W10 TP. That is answered in the link I posted.

    The site is owned my MS and moderated by MS MVP so I would trust this information before all the bloggers on other sites, but each of us can decide who to believe as more information is revealed.

    Jim
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 486
    Windows 10x64 17713
       #6

    It indicates the possibility of upgrading from 10, but the issue of a clean install and recovery media in that situation is about as clear as mud. All sorts of questions and contradictory information out there that still needs to be sorted out.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,524
    Windows 10 Pro (32-bit) 16299.15
       #7

    Phone Man said:
    Yes you can upgrade from W10 TP. That is answered in the link I posted.

    The site is owned my MS and moderated by MS MVP so I would trust this information before all the bloggers on other sites, but each of us can decide who to believe as more information is revealed.
    If RTM is, say Build 10170, then I believe that yes you can upgrade from 10 Preview to 10 RTM just like you'd upgrade to any other build.

    But I've not seen any confirmation from Microsoft that that build will activate unless you installed 10 Preview as an upgrade over a qualifying version (7/8/8.1) and it remembered the key (or it was in the Motherboard for a machine which came with 8.x).
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 1,557
    W10 32 bit, XUbuntu 18.xx 64 bit
       #8

    phone-man

    Thank you for your post. This is very interesting. I was correct on somethings and it answers my other questions as well.


    I also found this.

    What does lifetime of the device mean?
    This is still being debated, but the logical conclusion is as long as the machine is operable, it will continue to support it with updates. So, if the machine still works 5 or 10 years from now, revisions and updates to Windows 10 will be made available to it. Please note that Windows 10 uses the same life cycle policy of 5 years mainstream support and 5 years extended support.
    @DavidY
    Last edited by derekimo; 15 Jun 2015 at 23:49. Reason: Changed link
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,524
    Windows 10 Pro (32-bit) 16299.15
       #9

    groze said:
    I also found this.

    @DavidY
    If you click that link and look at the full conversation on Twitter, there is an important clarification soon afterwards
      My Computer


 

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