Initial Windows 10 Install Question

I am currently running Windows 10 insider preview on a new computer build. When the initial version is released at the end of July will I have to purchase an EOM version for install since I don't have a prior version to upgrade from? I am assuming that there won't be a downloadable version available. I am trying to figure this out so I know to pre-order a copy, if necessary.

There's no rush to do anything. If you're using a recent preview build, it'll run normally into October.

If you're in the Insider program, you can continue to run Insider builds indefinitely. Such builds have end dates, but supposedly Microsoft will release new builds often enough to avoid any gaps in service.

If you wish to go with a regular license, the least expensive way may be to obtain a Win 7 or 8 license and do the free upgrade on that. MS has stated that offer will continue for one year.

It may be a good idea to wait until the licensing terms for Win 10 become clear. For example: MS has stated that people who take advantage of the free upgrade will be permitted to do Win 10 installs on a blank HD (in the same PC) in the future, but it's not known how that will work. It's not even clear that the free Win 10 upgrade will include a new license key. (With past paid upgrades, the new product key held all of the value of what you bought. The installation media were available for free download.)

alphanumeric said:

That's being heavily debated. I think you will have to buy a License to keep using it, others don't. I believe you'll be able to update to the official version when it comes out but you won't be fully activated. I think there will be ISO's available. Clean installs are allowed after the free upgrade so you have to be able to get install media some where? Are you running Home or Pro? If your running Pro you'll need a Pro license/key to activate and keep going without reinstalling.

I will be running Pro. I think that is the insider version I am running. I am fine paying for it as long as I don't have to go through the entire install process again since I have it installed on a Samsung SM951 M.2 SSD which require a bit of work.

So maybe the worst case scenario is that I have to buy it just to get a key?

bobkn said:

There's no rush to do anything. If you're using a recent preview build, it'll run normally into October.

If you're in the Insider program, you can continue to run Insider builds indefinitely. Such builds have end dates, but supposedly Microsoft will release new builds often enough to avoid any gaps in service.

If you wish to go with a regular license, the least expensive way may be to obtain a Win 7 or 8 license and do the free upgrade on that. MS has stated that offer will continue for one year.

It may be a good idea to wait until the licensing terms for Win 10 become clear. For example: MS has stated that people who take advantage of the free upgrade will be permitted to do Win 10 installs on a blank HD (in the same PC) in the future, but it's not known how that will work. It's not even clear that the free Win 10 upgrade will include a new license key. (With past paid upgrades, the new product key held all of the value of what you bought. The installation media were available for free download.)

Good advice. I haven't loaded most of my software onto this new build and wanted to wait until the OS situation was resolved. So, I am a little anxious to get going but I don't want to have to repeat a lot of work if I have to reinstall the OS.

alphanumeric said:

I did an upgrade from Windows 7 to the Preview and got a new key in the process. It's a Windows 10 Pre-release key and not the same key Microsoft lists on the Insider Page. That's why I think new Windows 10 keys will be issued to genuine authorized installs.

Interesting. MS sent you the key?