Can you get the upgrade but not install it for a year or more?

Layback Bear said:

.....
I'm open for corrections if this is not correct.

Just the FAQs Jack

Windows 10 FAQ & Tips - Microsoft

Windows Offer Details

1. Yes, free! This upgrade offer is for a full version of Windows 10, not a trial.
   
   3GB download required; standard data rates apply.
   
   To take advantage of this free offer, you must upgrade to Windows 10 within one year of availability.
   Once you upgrade, you have Windows 10 for free on that device.
   
   Windows 10 Upgrade Offer is valid for qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices, including devices you already own.
   Some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device and market.
   The availability of Windows 10 upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 devices may vary by OEM, mobile operator or carrier.
   Devices must be connected to the internet and have Windows Update enabled. 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.
   
   To check for compatibility and other important installation information, visit your device manufacturer’s website and the Windows 10 Specifications page.
   
   Windows 10 is automatically updated.
   Additional requirements may apply over time for updates. See the Windows 10 How to Upgrade page for details.
   
   
2. Must be running the latest version of Windows 7 (Service Pack 1) or Windows 8 (Windows 8.1 Update) to receive the free upgrade to Windows 10 via Windows Update.
   
   
3. Also applies to Windows 8.1 country specific editions, Windows 8.1 Single Language, Windows 8.1 with Bing.
   
   
4. The availability of Windows 10 upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 devices may vary by OEM, mobile operator or carrier.

Layback Bear said:

I'm of the belief that it wouldn't really matter.

My understanding is the free trial period has a starting date and a ending date. It has nothing to do with when you
install Windows 10. If you install Windows 10 1 month before the ending date you get 1 month free use.

I'm open for corrections if this is not correct.

I'm not sure I'm reading you right, Bear, but it looks like you are saying that the free upgrade to Windows 10 is a trial? And that that trial will end on July 29, 2016 (start date of July 29, 2015)?

The free Windows 10 upgrade is not a trial! It is yours to use for the supported life of the device you put it on.

If I'm wrong in my interpretation of what you said, I apologize. The facts are as follows:

1. Everyone who qualifies with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 (except for Enterprise customers) will get a free upgrade from their current OS to Windows 10.

2. Everyone qualifying for the upgrade will have one year to get that upgrade. We will have from July 29, 2015 to July 29, 2016 to upgrade our computers.

3. Once those who qualify get the upgrade, it is theirs to use forever, or until the computer it's on bites the dust. It is my understanding that every upgrade will be treated as an OEM; IOW, once installed, it cannot be used on another computer.

4. If the computer you're using with Windows 10 dies, you may be able to have the computer repaired and go on with Windows 10. If it cannot be repaired, Windows 10 on that computer is no longer valid.

5. If your computer dies and has to be replaced, the new one will come with Windows 10 installed, so you don't actually have to buy a new copy of Windows 10.

As I said, if I've misinterpreted what you actually said, I apologize.

Slartybart said:

Just the FAQs Jack

Windows 10 FAQ & Tips - Microsoft

Well, drat, Bill. Ya beat me to it; I should have scrolled down a bit farther.

Wynona said:

I'm not sure I'm reading you right, Bear, but it looks like you are saying that the free upgrade to Windows 10 is a trial? And that that trial will end on July 29, 2016 (start date of July 29, 2015)?

The free Windows 10 upgrade is not a trial! It is yours to use for the supported life of the device you put it on.

If I'm wrong in my interpretation of what you said, I apologize. The facts are as follows:

1. Everyone who qualifies with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 (except for Enterprise customers) will get a free upgrade from their current OS to Windows 10.

2. Everyone qualifying for the upgrade will have one year to get that upgrade. We will have from July 29, 2015 to July 29, 2016 to upgrade our computers.

3. Once those who qualify get the upgrade, it is theirs to use forever, or until the computer it's on bites the dust. It is my understanding that every upgrade will be treated as an OEM; IOW, once installed, it cannot be used on another computer.

4. If the computer you're using with Windows 10 dies, you may be able to have the computer repaired and go on with Windows 10. If it cannot be repaired, Windows 10 on that computer is no longer valid.

5. If your computer dies and has to be replaced, the new one will come with Windows 10 installed, so you don't actually have to buy a new copy of Windows 10.

As I said, if I've misinterpreted what you actually said, I apologize.

I think he meant that the free offer is a limited offer. You have 365 days from it's release to qualify for the free upgrade. If you wait 366 days you will have to purchase a license.

Winuser said:

I think he meant that the free offer is a limited offer. You have 365 days from it's release to qualify for the free upgrade. If you wait 366 days you will have to purchase a license.

Following is why I wasn't sure he was right. He said "the free trial period" and I don't believe the upgrade has ever been referred to as a trial. Also, "install 1 month before ending date . . . 1 month free use."

My understanding is the free trial period has a starting date and a ending date. It has nothing to do with when you
install Windows 10. If you install Windows 10 1 month before the ending date you get 1 month free use.

And I did apologize just in case I got it wrong. :)

rvbfan said:

I would think you would have to activate your copy sometime in that year, I don't think those unactivated keys would be left as free in perpetuity.

Yeah, I don't think Microsoft will skip the activation process. I would think that once Windows 10 is installed, you will have to activate it within so many days.

BunnyJ said:

Correct.. you should be able to get an ISO at any point during the give away and install it then or later.

I'm not so sure, Jeff. How will we prove we qualify? Will we be able to download an ISO before we upgrade? And if so, will we get a key?

I just don't believe it can work the way you're saying. I think we will definitely have to upgrade before the year is out.

Wynona said:

Following is why I wasn't sure he was right. He said "the free trial period" and I don't believe the upgrade has ever been referred to as a trial. Also, "install 1 month before ending date . . . 1 month free use."

One month free is only true if you device dies in one month after installing. :) It's free for the life of the device.

Winuser said:

One month free is only true if you device dies in one month after installing. :) It's free for the life of the device.

Or, one month left of the trial period. :)

Wynona said:

I'm not so sure, Jeff. How will we prove we qualify? Will we be able to download an ISO before we upgrade? And if so, will we get a key?

I just don't believe it can work the way you're saying. I think we will definitely have to upgrade before the year is out.

As long as you upgrade within the year you can reinstall as many times as you want. If MS doesn't change their mind.