Upcoming changes to Windows 10 Insider Preview builds Insider

groze said:

Boozard,

What I think was supposed to happened. Insiders will get the RTM build as normal and it will be activated just like other builds were but if you leave the program after RTM you would have some proof of a previous windows 7 or 8.1 system to keep it activated.

I think that might change thanks to error Microsoft made. My interpretation of Microsoft needing more time is Gabe, legal, Marketing and Financial are all going to be in a meeting today to see how to proceed with the insider program and the errors that happened I know a lot of insider don't want to have to provide proof of a previous operating system 7 or 8.x to keep testing builds after the RTM.


A lot of Press is still quoting the original blog unaware it has changed.

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)

Wynona said:

I think I agree, Boozad. There was just too much said about Insiders getting free Windows 10 if they have their Microsoft account connected to Win 10 TP.

Microsoft has made mistakes in the past, but this one's the biggest one I've seen in awhile. After the fiasco of Windows 8, Microsoft may have to eat their words and provide Windows 10 free to Insiders. Right now, public opinion will probably be all important to Microsoft.

As I've said, I'm good, but I hate to see all those XP and Vista users who've tested Windows 10 get left out in the cold. It just ain't fair.

Doubt there's many of those, as XP has been EOL for over a year and Vista had a poor adoption rate.

Anyone whos still running XP has no intention to upgrade their OS.

Also I doubt we're getting a free Final license, not after the edits from Gabe's post.

I'd still love one though! :)

I think what we have here is a classic corporate nobody knows what is going on. The man at the top wants you to upgrade and give up your older OS. The man working with the OS team and is the face of Windows Insiders would like everyone who is in the program to get a copy of the OS that Microsoft is giving away as an upgrade in any case as a stand alone install. I am sure most of us have submitted feedback and tested build after build on real metal and virtual metal. It would be nice if they could stop their peeing contest and let us know what is going to happen. If the program is to continue there will be a lot of us who carry on testing because that is what we do.

I think somebody finally realized that if they did that, everybody and their dog would sign up just to get Windows 10 for free. Pirated system or not, wouldn't matter if you clean installed. Also, some that were only going to get 10 Home, may clean install just to get Pro. And all those worried about giving up a license for 7 or 8.1 would also jump on board. It pretty well negates the whole intent of the free upgrade from 7 or 8.1 don't you think? Anybody want to guess how many new insiders signed up after that was put online?

alphanumeric said:

I think somebody finally realized that if they did that, everybody and their dog would sign up just to get Windows 10 for free. Pirated system or not, wouldn't matter if you clean installed. Also, some that were only going to get 10 Home, may clean install just to get Pro. And all those worried about giving up a license for 7 or 8.1 would also jump on board. It pretty well negates the whole intent of the free upgrade from 7 or 8.1 don't you think? Anybody want to guess how many new insiders signed up after that was put online?

Easy solution:

Insider for 3 months? Free Win10 Home
Insider for 6 months? Free Pro
Insider since the beginning (Oct 2014)? MS sends you a Pandabear

MS spins it to say that Insiders will get more in the future to encourage signups.

bromanbro said:

Easy solution:

Insider for 3 months? Free Win10 Home
Insider for 6 months? Free Pro
Insider since the beginning (Oct 2014)? MS sends you a Pandabear

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.

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.

In the past if you have beta tested software for Microsoft and submitted a reproducable bug they would send you a copy of the released version on RTM. I would have thought if you have been with the insider program since the start Microsoft knows when people signed up. Can they be bothered? Another way to get a free OS is simply to be on the bleeding edge and keep testing builds.......Phase 1 build released internally, Phase 2 Build released to Windows insiders, Phase 3 Build released to unsuspecting public, Phase 4 Build released to Enterprise. Before the build moves on there are bug fixes.