Upcoming changes to Windows 10 Insider Preview builds Insider

For the life of me I cannot understand how anyone thought they would get a free W10 offer without having either W7 or W8.1 through an update...words, words, words, difficult to believe so many posts, so much ambiguity, such a lot of nonsense spouted.

As for ALL those having been on the preview programme expecting to get a freebee, not having the criterior necessary to qualify, moaning, common sense dictates that were that so, anyone and everyone could and would jump on the freebee bandwagon by downloading the preview.

For those worried people who having clean installed, surely you have a backup of your qualifying O/S.

Another point, if you change your motherboard M$ know, this suggests M$ know if you have had the qualifying O/S.

bromanbro said:

I think most Insiders are fine with providing a 7/8 key, as long as it allows us to leave the Insider Program/Tech Preview and not have to "lol format" to convert to OEM/Retail Win10. Obvious alternative is continuing the Insider Program, which is all but confirmed, giving us a temporary flight that is Win10 RTM. But lets be honest...most people won't want to fall under the Insider EULA AND have to submit a 7/8 key, so for people in the program things will likely proceed as is.

Obviously a free Win10 Final license for Insiders would be wonderful, allowing us to dual boot and stuff (lets be honest, most Insiders are tech enthusiasts that want that freedom to multiboot)

For me, I don't have a problem with upgrading from Windows 7 or 8 nor will I be leaving the Insider Program. There will be some who will leave the Insider Program, I'm sure; however, there will be some like me who will want to stay on the Program.

I always do a full format when I change operating systems. That way I get to set my system up exactly as I want it. Old programs will be gone and new versions (of those programs that don't auto upgrade) will be added. There are always some things that inadvertently get into the Libraries instead of on my external hard drive. That will be taken care of.

But lets be honest...most people won't want to fall under the Insider EULA AND have to submit a 7/8 key, so for people in the program things will likely proceed as is.

I don't understand your meaning here. Historically, when upgrading from one OS to the next, we've bought an upgrade package (which is less expensive than full) and installed it on our computers. Once the upgrade package is installed, the original key (whether OEM or Retail) is no longer valid. With Windows 10, the "upgrade package" comes free, so why in the world wouldn't I give up the key to Windows 7 or 8.1 if I want to upgrade to Windows 10? As far as I can see, the EULA will be pretty much the same, except that once installed on a computer, the license is good for the supported life of that computer.

Lemme see now . . . I have a Retail license for Windows 8.1 and I want to upgrade to Windows 10. OK, I have choices here . . . either buy a full package, an upgrade package or use the free upgrade package. Hmmm, decisions, decisions, decisions . . . :)

Yes, I can see someone with a system that's over five years old not wanting to upgrade to Windows 10 because it might die in a year or two, but those users will most likely be few and far between. Further, if the computer craps out, they most likely won't have it fixed; they'll buy a new one that will probably cost less than the old one did. And, it will have Windows 10 on it, so . . .

Free Windows 10 for the Insiders? Probably not, but if it happens, Microsoft's public image will rise exponentially. Am I holding my breath? Not no, but heck no!

@dencal

Read the post by Brink at the being of this thread. Read Gabe tweets later in thread as well. Gabe tweets even this latest one is conflicting with what was posted in the corrected blog. Gabe should know what he is talking about.

A lot of insiders did a clean install including me, I triple boot. I would like to keep it that way. As I pointed out, those who did a clean install of the insider build and wants to keep testing shouldn't have to provide proof of a previous windows license after RTM comes out. They want the insider program to continue otherwise Microsoft will have to go back to a patch Tuesday scheme. I see if they require an insider to provide proof of a previous windows 7 or 8.1 install a lot will leave. That what Gabe is worried about if to many leave the program to make it worthwhile.

Here is an screenshot from my Grub Customizer.

bromanbro said:

Nope. Currently duel booting 10/8.1/Arch Linux. I wanna use my OEM 7 key. 7 isn't installed, as 8.1 with Classic Shell is better all-around.

Insider EULA has data collection, since it's for a beta OS. I don't want to consume my OEM key to stay in the Insider Program.

In one of the few gazillion documents I've read about Windows 10, we're told that we'll have the option to stay in the Insider Program or leave it. So, that won't be an issue either.

As for me, I've been testing Microsoft product since somewhere between 1985 and 1990, so their "invasiveness" doesn't bother me. I've never had an adverse reaction. :)

Yes, I have to stay squeaky clean, but I don't think that's a real problem for anyone but pirates. Boo Hiss on Pirates! They're the ones who drive the cost of everything up and up and up!

alphanumeric said:

Yes I agree, they would have to say it though, and implement it. You don't want a bunch signing up thinking they will get a free upgrade only to be told thanks for signing up, but you missed the boat. They might do it who knows. A cutoff date would be the way to go. Keeps those that signed up early rewarded and happy campers, and weeds out those just looking to get a free ride for nothing.

I've been signed up since October 2014 and have been testing since then. Been thinking of signing up with another email address, simply because I would like Windows 10 on a machine for StarFerret. :) Not really, but I do have my regular identity and a fiction writer identity. I would like to keep that laptop for nothing but my writing; however, it has my main identity with Windows 10 on it for now.

That all said, I'm hesitating because, as you said, I believe there will be a cutoff period.

bromanbro said:

That's the same argument as "the government can invade our privacy as much as they want. I got nothing to hide". And I'd be appalled if anyone would consume their 7/8 key to stay in the Insider program (in a scenario where 7/8 keys were required for Win10, Insider Program or not). That's just giving MS the white flag to monitor everything you do, and that you'd pay them to do it.

You don't have to give up a 7 or 8.1 key to stay on the Insider Program.

Originally Posted by bromanbro

That's the same argument as "the government can invade our privacy as much as they want. I got nothing to hide". And I'd be appalled if anyone would consume their 7/8 key to stay in the Insider program (in a scenario where 7/8 keys were required for Win10, Insider Program or not). That's just giving MS the white flag to monitor everything you do, and that you'd pay them to do it.

Wynona said:

You don't have to give up a 7 or 8.1 key to stay on the Insider Program.

That what we don't know yet. Right now I would say no basing this on Gabe tweets. The question that remains after the insider build is upgraded to RTM and activated, then you decided to leave the program will you need to have some proof of an older 7 or 8 system on a clean install.