Upgrading to Windows 10? Here are the supported paths

I noticed that directory on my computer too. I don't remember seeing it on previous builds.

Slartybart said:

How about dis-engaging millions of users all around the world who PAID for their versions of Windows?

I'll take my refund when the Pirates get their OS for free!
OEM incorporated Windows license X 6 machines = almost $700.00!
Plus a few upgrades = almost $300.00

I guess MS figures that 100s of millions of pirate users are worth coddling so they can sell services. What's wrong with ta picture? You think people pirate SW because they're bad people? Most aren't - they simply cannot afford the cost of the OS if they also want to eat for the year.

Dayam! That sure does tear it for us honest people out here! Makes me want to go test Ubuntu!

jimbo45 said:

However this should KILL a lot of Pirate activity regarding Windows -- perhaps Ms have seen the sense --offer a product at sensible prices without regional restrictions and you solve (mostly) the problem.

Only if the OS is keyed to blow up the whole system if it detects another pirated copy of anything!

KABLOOOOOOOOOOOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Wynona said:

Only if the OS is keyed to blow up the whole system if it detects another pirated copy of anything!

KABLOOOOOOOOOOOIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

That would definitely cutback on Windows piracy.

alphanumeric said:

I read "the devices must support (at least) UEFI 2.3.1 and have secure boot enabled" to only refer to PC's with UEFI. IF your PC is UEFI it must be V 2.3.1 or better for it to work with Windows 10. If they were going to lock you into having to have a UEFI BIOS why release preview builds that work with legacy BIOS. And like you say, that would exclude a whole bunch of Windows 7 PC's from the upgrade. As usual though the wording leaves a lot to be desired and open to interpretation.

Here is how they will get around that

Windows 10 - Microsoft Windows

*Windows Offer Details

It is our intent that most of these devices will qualify, but some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device. Devices must be connected to the internet and have Windows Update enabled. ISP fees may apply. Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update required. Some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1. Active Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to Windows 10 enterprise offerings outside of this offer. We will be sharing more information and additional offer and support terms in coming months.

Indianatone said:

Here is a question for those of us who use secure boot and the UEFI system. I have 3 motherboards with UEFI on them but are currently using legacy bios. 2 x Asus Sabertooth 990FX and a Asus M5A97R2.0 motherboards. The Sabertooths also dual boot with Windows 8.1. Is there a way to (for giggles) convert from legacy bios over to UEFI? Or is it a wipe reinstall etc. If I upgrade to 10 on these machine it maybe something to consider. What would be the benefits and issues?

Here is some info I found

Converting Windows BIOS installation to UEFI - TechNet Articles - United States (English) - TechNet Wiki


I thought of one as well. Mini-Partition wizard might allow you to do this as well without losing data. I think you have to make small fat 32 primary partition. I am not sure this idea of mine would work though.

There was an article I read very recently claiming that even though MS said they would upgrade "unsupported" (i.e., "pirated") machines to Win10, those machines would still remain "unsupported".

Why would they do that?

Anyone's guess ... but my guess is that is because those "unsupported" machines (especially the older Win7 machines) have been happily running for years with their "activation hacks" remaining intact and (most likely) getting Windows updates all the time. When MS upgrades these machines to Win10, don't be surprised if these old "activation hacks" don't work anymore and after an initial "trial period" (my guess would be no more than 30 days), these machines suddenly ALL lock up and don't work anymore -- until the owners cough up money to pay "unlock" fees. This would be a great way to get all of those "pirated" Win7 machines out of circulation.