Is Windows Insider Still Free?

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  1. Posts : 74
    7/10
       #1

    Is Windows Insider Still Free?


    Can someone who knows the facts let me know please - if someone today, downloads the latest Windows 10 Insider ISO from Microsoft, and then proceeds to install this Windows 10 Insider on their fresh, new computer, can they use it legally, without having to pay for it? (Note, we're assuming the user does not own any previous Windows license on any machine).

    There have been lots of different answers when searching online, and frankly Microsoft's EULA is ambiguous.
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  2. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    tengeezer said:
    Can someone who knows the facts let me know please - if someone today, downloads the latest Windows 10 Insider ISO from Microsoft, and then proceeds to install this Windows 10 Insider on their fresh, new computer, can they use it legally, without having to pay for it? (Note, we're assuming the user does not own any previous Windows license on any machine).

    There have been lots of different answers when searching online, and frankly Microsoft's EULA is ambiguous.
    The answer is, of course and quite clearly a big NO. You cannot get Windows 10 free to your new computer. It is and has not been free since Windows 10 was released on 29th of July 2015.

    Microsoft has all the time been and still is quite clear with this:

    Users who installed Windows 10 Technical Preview on their computers before the launch last July and will remain in Windows Insider program will have a legal, valid and activated Windows 10 as long as their device remains functional, and are able to upgrade it to any future builds of Windows 10 Insider Preview

    After the July 29th 2015 users have had and will have two ways to get Windows 10:
    • If a user has a valid, licensed and activated Windows 7 or 8 on a PC, that PC can be upgraded to Windows 10 for free until 29th of July 2016
    • If a user has any other operating operating system than Windows 7 or 8, or if a user gets a new PC without operating system, or if a user will upgrade Windows 7 or 8 after the July 29th 2016, user must buy Windows 10

    Kari
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  3. Posts : 74
    7/10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    What I don't understand is why is Microsoft still continuing with the insider program then, even inviting new users to become insiders?
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  4. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #4

    I think you have totally misunderstood the Windows Insider program and what it is.

    The Insider program will most probably continue as long as we will have an operating system called Windows. It gives Microsoft a platform to test changes in OS. You can buy Windows 10 today, install it and then join Insider program to get upgrades before they are released to general public.

    If you buy Windows 10 today you will get build 10586. Joining the Insider program after installing it you can get the latest, at the moment build 14361 which I am using now. A big difference, in functionality and visual aspects.

    If you don't want to join Insider program you will get the next upgrade when MS releases the Windows 10 Anniversary Upgrade this coming July, at which point I as an Insider am already using Insider builds beyond that.

    Kari
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 74
    7/10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    I understand what you've said.

    But check this out:

    https://insider.windows.com/

    "Help shape the Windows experience for millions of people... Join the Windows Insider Program and you'll be able to opt-in to receive preview builds and give us feedback on our latest work."

    MS is almost begging the user to download the Insider build and test it out. So the question is: why isn't MS making it clear on that page, that you must have a current valid license of Windows before daring to join the Insider program?
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  6. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #6

    What is it you don't understand in that page? That by joining the Windows Insider program you will have an opportunity to use the Insider test builds before they are released?

    Join the Windows Insider Program and you'll be able to opt-in to receive preview builds and give us feedback on our latest work.
    To opt-in you of course first need Windows 10 to be able to get Insider content on that specific PC:

    Is Windows Insider Still Free?-2016_06_11_15_51_251.png
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  7. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #7

    tengeezer,

    You purchase a brand new computer. No OS on it. Can I ask where you are downloading the Windows 10 Insider Preview ISO file from in order to install it on the brand new computer?

    Windows 10 Insider Preview ISO Advanced

    Notice what it says on the Microsoft download webpage:

    Windows Insider Preview Activation

    You will need to install the Windows 10 Insider Preview build on a device that has been previously activated with Windows 10 or with a Windows 10 product key. For more details please see the article: Activation in Windows 10.
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  8. Posts : 74
    7/10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Kari said:
    What is it you don't understand in that page?
    Sorry, that's not how I understand it. It doesn't say you need a Windows license to opt-in. It says you need to join the Insider Program to be able to opt-in. Big difference.

    And joining the Insider Program is just a case of signing up via the link.

    NavyLCDR said:
    tengeezer,

    You purchase a brand new computer. No OS on it. Can I ask where you are downloading the Windows 10 Insider Preview ISO file from in order to install it on the brand new computer?

    Windows 10 Insider Preview ISO Advanced

    Notice what it says on the Microsoft download webpage:

    Windows Insider Preview Activation

    You will need to install the Windows 10 Insider Preview build on a device that has been previously activated with Windows 10 or with a Windows 10 product key. For more details please see the article: Activation in Windows 10.
    That page is much clearer, thanks.
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  9. Posts : 17,661
    Windows 10 Pro
       #9

    tengeezer said:
    And joining the Insider Program is just a case of signing up via the link.
    Joining the Insider program only gives you a possibility to opt-in for Insider content as told on that page. Nowhere on that page does MS promise a free Windows for those who join.
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  10. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #10

    I agree, there are some things that Microsoft could make clearer. And there are different EULA's and terms and conditions that seem to conflict with each other. But, at the same time, I don't personally want the legalities of installing Windows to become like the manual for my lawnmower that has more pages of warnings and cautions required for legal defense than it has instructions on how to use the darn thing!
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